Attending college can be overwhelming. With endless assignments and tight deadlines, finding the time to destress can be challenging. According to the American College Health Association’s National College Health Assessment, 76% of college students answered that they experienced moderate or severe psychological distress.
With over three-quarters of students suffering from a variety of mental health-related problems, the need for mental health programming shines through. To fill this need, the residential colleges host programs to help support students and their mental health needs.
One of the residential colleges, Lee Clark Residential College, hosts events like “Pajama Partea,” which involves relaxing in pajamas and sipping refreshing beverages, and “Diversity Cupcakes,” which offers students the chance to decorate cupcakes and express themselves through them.
Hope Miles, Clark Residential College Council (RCC) president, said her college offers various programs to help students relax and decompress.
“Our programs offer ways for our residents to express themselves, as well as bond and make friendships with other residents in the building,” Miles said. “By having these programs, we help engage students with each other and through things they enjoy outside of their school work.”
Some residential colleges, like James H. Richmond Residential College and Hart Residential College, focus more on the entertainment aspect of programming.
James H. Richmond Residential College recently hosted its end-of-year program, Richmond on the Green, where outside of Carr Hall, Richmond handed out 700 free tacos to the campus community.
Jordyn Harvey, Richmond RCC president, said Richmond has hosted various events throughout the last two semesters.
“Most of our events are entertainment-based, with the goal of bringing people together and helping residents understand that their res college is a community,” Harvey said. “We aim to be a present resource and to support students however they may need.”
Franklin Residential College has hosted programs partnered with groups like Active Minds and LivWell.
“In this past year, we have focused more on partnering with organizations that promote different areas of well-being that are related to mental health. For example, we have partnered with LivWell, the Women’s Center and the Pride Center to talk with residents about the resources that are available in the community for mental, physical, and emotional health,” said Franklin RCC president Eleanor Vaughan.
The other residential colleges did not respond to The News’ inquiries about their mental health programming.
