In an era of rapid change and global interconnectedness, the mental health of post-secondary students is vital for a resilient future. Data shows a 29% increase in student anxiety from 2018 to 2022, with one in three students rating their mental health as “poor” in 2023. The National Standard of Canada for Mental Health and Well-Being for Post-Secondary Students, developed by the Mental Health Commission of Canada and the CSA Group, provides guidelines for institutions to support student mental health. These guidelines promote a culture of wellness and resilience and help create safe, supportive learning environments. Since its 2020 release, many Canadian institutions have adopted the Standard to improve policies, programs, and services. This session, led by the Mental Health Commission of Canada and Humber College, will discuss the importance of mental health literacy in higher education and share insights from Humber's Well-Being Strategy, inspiring stakeholders to prioritize mental health in fostering resilient student communities.
Sarah Ferguson, MSW Program Manager
Sarah Ferguson is the Program Manager, Post-Secondary Student Standard, Mental Health Commission of Canada. She brings a wealth of experience and Pryiyyaexpertise to the field of mental health and well-being, with a background in social work and a deep commitment to holistic approaches. As the Program Manager supporting the awareness raising and implementation of The National Standard of Canada for Mental-Health and Well-Being for Post-Secondary Students, Sarah engages with leaders from across Canada to share ideas and resources that help advance mental health and well-being for the entire post-secondary community.
Leah State, MSW, RSW Director
Leah State is the Director, Student Well-being, at Humber College and has 15 years of leadership experience with expertise in social work, health promotion, health policy, and fostering conditions for students to thrive. In her role as Director of Student Well-being she provides strategic leadership for the planning, development, implementation, evaluation, operational management, and administration of all of Humber College and University of Guelph-Humber health, well-being, and accessible learning programs and services. As a firm believer in the power of system wide collaboration to better support student well-being and success, Leah led the creation of the GTA College Consortium to support the enactment of the National Standard for Mental Health and Well-being for Post-Secondary Students and is grateful for the continued partnership with colleagues dedicated to advancing these critical initiatives.
Bindia Darshan, MSc.
Bindia Darshan is the Manager, Wellness Education and Programs, at Humber College. In this role, Bindia oversees upstream initiatives to foster health literacy, early intervention and cultivate a safe and inclusive campus culture. Bindia is also a PhD Candidate in the Health Quality program at Queen’s University with a research focus on the costs and implementation of mental health interventions.
(Abstract for Sarah, Leah and Bindia) : In an era of accelerating change and global interconnectedness, the mental health and well-being of post-secondary students is a critical foundation for a resilient future. Yet the data and trends we now see confirm the steep toll the past years have taken on the collective well-being of students. Anxiety among students increased by 29% between 2018 to 2022, while in 2023, one in three students rated their mental health as “poor” (Canadian Alliance of Student Associations). The need for holistic student supports that center students’ realities, within and outside the classroom, has never been more important.
Championed by the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) and developed by the CSA Group (Canadian Standards Association), The National Standard of Canada for Mental Health and Well-Being for Post-Secondary Students (the Standard) is an evidence-informed set of flexible, voluntary guidelines to help post-secondary institutions support the mental health and well-being of their students. The first of its kind, it offers a systematic approach for institutions to foster a culture of wellness and resilience and create and maintain healthy, safe, and supportive learning environments. Since its release in 2020, the Standard is being used at many institutions across Canada to evaluate and implement policies, programs, and services; support new partnerships; and inspire collective action in student mental health.
This session, led by the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) in partnership with Humber’s Student Wellbeing and Equitable Learning unit will draw on the guidance of the Standard to delve into the significance of mental health awareness, literacy, and competency building within the context of higher education, addressing its multifaceted impact on student success and overall well-being, and emphasizing the pivotal role of fostering mental health literacy among students as an essential skill in navigating the complexities of a rapidly evolving world
Humber College has embedded the principles of the Standard into their Well-Being Strategy released in 2023. They will join the MHCC to share their reflections and lessons learned related to programs and initiatives that evolved throughout the pandemic, and outcomes emanating from their work with the Standard in support of the unique needs of their student population. This presentation will inspire educators, administrators, practitioners and stakeholders to champion a holistic approach to student success by prioritizing mental health as a cornerstone of resilient and thriving post-secondary communities.
