An article in Howard University’s student-run newspaper The Hilltop explores the mental health consequences of increased spending among college students. The Wall Street Journal reported in August that American college students’ median spending increased by 38% between 2002 and 2022, prompting concerns about long-term financial and emotional health. According to the WSJ article, credit card debt and supply chain disruptions have exacerbated this issue, leading to increased financial stress and mental health issues among college students.
In an opinion piece for The Harvard Crimson, a student argues that Harvard’s leave of absence policy for students with mental health conditions is a one-size-fits-all measure that fails to consider the variance of experiences for these students. The policy requires students to notify the College of their desire to return at least 12 weeks before the semester they want to return, and they must file an appeal to the Harvard College Administrative Board. However, the article contends that the policy does not consider the variance of experiences for students with mental health issues, and many students see a systemic lack of institutional support for mental health resources on campus.