UC joins national mental health initiative for college students

The University of Cincinnati has joined a national program aimed at strengthening mental health support for college students, becoming an official JED Campus as part of the university's long-standing commitment to supporting student well-being. The JED Campus program, developed by the nonprofit Jed Foundation, helps colleges and universities evaluate and enhance their mental health, substance misuse, and suicide prevention efforts. The initiative guides schools through a four-year strategic process to build comprehensive systems of care.

UC and the Division of Student Affairsare deeply committed to fostering a community of care where the well-being and mental health of every student is supported," said Dr. Tara Scarborough, Executive Director of Mental Health and Wellness and Director of Counseling and Psychological Services(CAPS). "We already have a wealth of resources at UC, and JED is assisting us in strengthening these as well as improving communication and campus-wide initiatives."

UC began its partnership with JED Campus in late 2024 by conducting the Healthy Minds Study, a national survey that assesses student mental health and service use. The results are now guiding UC's student well-being strategy, which involves collaboration across university departments and academic colleges. The partnership has yielded three primary strategic priorities - increasing access to clinical support, focusing on early intervention, and establishing additional student well-being spaces.

Promoting access to mental health support

Effective fall semester, CAPS has eliminated all fees for counseling services and introduced online scheduling to make it easier for students to access care. Students can now schedule an appointment with a few clicks from their MyBearcat Network. In October, online and distance learning students will also gain access to TimelyCare, a virtual mental health platform offering free counseling and support. This program ensures that all students have access to the same level of counseling support as students in Ohio.

Prioritizing early intervention for students needing support

A core foundation of the JED Campus strategy is the development of a culture where everyone on campus - faculty, staff and students - share responsibility for student emotional well-being. Accordingly, UC is expanding campus-wide training efforts through programs, such as Mental Health First Aid and the Mental Health Champions initiative, to ensure all members of the UC community are able to identify, reach out, and refer friends and peers who may be struggling with mental health or substance issues. Increased collaboration between CAPS and the Dean of Student Office has also helped to promote earlier interventions for students who are referred for case management and other support needs.

Establishing new wellness spaces in key areas of campus

In alignment with JED Campus priorities, student wellness spaces "promote social connectedness and life skill development" as part of a protective and preventative strategy. UC's Division of Student Affairs partnered with academic colleges to identify key spaces where students meet and where additional wellness programming can be offered around essential mental health topics (e.g., sleep, exercise, emotional regulation, stress reduction).

This fall, these programs are already being offered in the Bearcat's Den and the Student Wellness Center, both located in Steger Student Life Center. Later this fall, UC will open seven additional spaces, including UC Blue Ash and the College of Medicine, to promote social connectedness and support student well-being. Campus leaders are eagerly anticipating these new areas. UC Blue Ash Dean Robin Lightner, PhD, said the new space supports the college's overall student success strategy by "contributing to students' sense of belonging - one of the most important predictors of persisting in college." As a commuter campus, the new wellness space will provide essential relaxation space and community-building opportunities. Dr. Brittany Allison, Assistant Dean for Graduate Education in the College of Medicine described the impact on graduate students, emphasizing how students "will greatly appreciate this space that is solely for their well-being, and will enhance our community as our students gather, collaborate, and recharge together."

UC's JED Task Force consists of an interdisciplinary team of staff and faculty with representation from across campus who work together to promote student success. Task Force member and Associate Dean of Students Daniel Cummins emphasized the impact of "becoming a JED Campus as an important step in strengthening our efforts to support the health, happiness, and success of each student." To learn more about the JED Foundation or get involved, visit jedfoundation.org.

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