Main Stories
While continuing to defend its actions, Brown University has settled with the US Justice Department for violating Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Between 2012 and 2017, Brown refused readmission to students who took mental health leaves, even though Title III requires universities to accommodate students with disabilities, including mental health disabilities. Now, in addition to providing Title III training for certain faculty and staff, Brown will have to compensate students affected by its practices, offering almost $700,000 to those denied readmission despite their physician’s approval. The university is also adjusting its policies to facilitate mental health care on leave and ensure communication with students and their doctors in the process. Read more about the case here and here.
Inside Higher Ed discusses the results of the annual Beginning College Survey of Student Engagement, which shows that this fall’s first-year students are combatting higher levels of depression and loneliness, as well as mental and emotional exhaustion. In response to the survey, which has assessed around 35,000 students so far, experts advise schools not to become complacent, even as classes seem to return to “normal.” Erica Riba, Director of Higher Education and Student Engagement at the Jed Foundation, says, “It’s up to institutions to create the right environment for students to succeed during the pandemic.” The Jed Foundation recently released guidance to address campus mental health and well-being for the fall semester.
Other News
The Washington Post discusses how incoming college students can deal with the stress that comes with uncharted obstacles on campus, including navigating new independence, socializing, sleep, and academics.
At Texas A&M, researchers are pursuing a new form of wearable technology that would monitor stress levels and respond by referring the wearer to helpful resources. The effort was launched after a survey revealed a vast majority of students experienced more general and health-specific stress this year,
According to Nevada Today, research from the Orvis School of Nursing draws a link between a sense of community and improved mental health during the pandemic: A survey of nursing students suggests that, despite their increased reports of academic stress, they experienced fewer depressive symptoms because they continuously benefited from a community of nurses and some in-person interaction.
The Dartmouth reveals that a student-conducted report last summer, which included testimonies from students about their pandemic-related health concerns, anticipated what would become rampant mental health issues on campus and result in three student suicides. The report offered guidance for the school on how to prepare for student mental health problems, but the authors feel their counsel was largely unheeded.