![Carroll University Main Hall, cool sky background]()
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, colleges have observed a marked increase in students struggling with transitional issues, particularly those related to mental health and emotional well-being. The pandemic disrupted the typical middle and high school experiences, leading to a new generation of students who missed out on crucial social development during their formative years. Many of these students, now in college, are grappling with heightened anxiety and self-doubt. They often find themselves in a unique position: needing support that falls between informal peer advice and formal clinical therapy. This has been compounded by lessened social integration due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The Wellness Advocate initiative at Carroll is a partnership between the Office of Student Life and the Master of Science in Behavioral Health Psychology (BHP) program. It addresses the need for a bridge in services for students who do not require a licensed counselor but still face challenges like homesickness, anxiety, and difficulties with independence. Students in the BHP program become a network of support within the college to normalize mental health conversations and provide accessible support. The two graduate students piloting the program are currently focused on two areas of campus: residential living and athletics. Students can reach out directly or be referred by a counselor, residence life staff or coach. They have already met with 16 students within the first two weeks of classes, which affirms the need for the program.
This effort aligns with a broader trend of heightened awareness around mental health, spurred by the pandemic’s lingering impacts. The incoming generation of students has normalized discussing mental health seemingly more than any other generation and therefore not only seeks but expects more support in this critical area. This is a first step in meeting those expectations.
Financial support from the Butzloff Family Scholarship further enhances these efforts, making mental health resources more tangible and approachable. "This is a beautiful partnership because it provides our graduate students with an opportunity for financial support and housing, enabling them to build counseling skills while also building the Carroll community,” said Jessica Lahner, BHP.
By integrating these varied support structures, the college aims to build resilience and adaptability among students. This dynamic approach acknowledges the unique needs of today’s students and seeks to offer a supportive, less formal alternative to traditional counseling, thus fostering a more inclusive and understanding campus environment.