News and Ideas
Currently Viewing: Winter 2007
Features
College Transition Project aims to help college students maintain good mental health
High school seniors are at risk for a number of mental and physical health issues when they enter college.
UW Colleges and UW-Extension are collaborating on the College Transition Project. UW-Extension faculty members (from left) Lori Zierl, Annette Bjorklund and Dianne Weber are working together on developing a curriculum to help support students' mental health needs. Photo by Katy Forsythe, UW-Extension Eau Claire County.
Students at high risk
According to Dr. Richard Kadison, chief of mental health services at Harvard University Health Services, a student in college today has an almost one-in-two chance of becoming depressed to the point of being unable to function, as well as a one-in-two chance that binge drinking could become a regular habit. One in 10 students will seriously consider suicide.
Increased mental health needs
College counseling centers across the country report increased frequency and severity of students' mental health concerns. While most universities offer a short session during freshman orientation about how to prepare for the transition to college and a preview of the mental health resources available on campus, many university and college administrators and staff recognize that a more in-depth examination of issues related to this major life transition could play a significant role in preparing students for a more successful college experience.
Project to provide prevention and solutions
With financial support from the UW-Extension Program Innovation Fund, the College Transition Project is bringing together faculty from the UW-Extension Pierce and Washburn County offices and UW-Barron County and UW-River Falls to develop a collaborative approach to meeting the mental health needs of students as identified by the students themselves, colleges, parents and communities.
Research-based curriculum
"The goal of the project is to conduct local research and develop a curriculum that focuses on specific solutions and best practices in preventing mental health problems," says Lori Zierl, UW-Extension Pierce County family living agent.
In fall 2006 the UW-River Falls Research Center conducted focus groups comprised of first- and third-semester students, parents and faculty at UW-Barron County and UW-River Falls to determine what causes students' stress and what actions, healthy and unhealthy, students take to deal with stress.
"This research, combined with additional research from statewide and national sources, will be used to develop a curriculum for students and parents that helps them recognize when mental health help may be needed and where help is available," explains Dale Fenton, assistant dean for student services at UW-Barron County.
Accessible curriculum
The curriculum will include a workshop series of three, two-hour sessions; a 90-minute single-session workshop; a home-study packet; and a stand-alone fact sheet. Pilot testing will be completed in spring 2007. A video to supplement the curriculum is scheduled to be produced in summer 2007.
"The variety in which parents, educators, and students will have access to this information is the key to helping students successfully make the transition from high school," says Dianne Weber, UW-Extension Washburn County family living agent.
Annette Bjorklund, UW-Extension Washburn County 4-H youth development educator adds, "This program will provide students and their parents the opportunity to learn together and to plan ahead to manage issues should they encounter them."
When the curriculum is completed, it will be available statewide, then nationwide.
For more information:
Lori ZierlCollege Transition Project Leader
UW-Extension Pierce County
(715) 273-6781
lori.zierl@ces.uwex.edu
By Samantha Heathman, continuing education program manager, UW-Barron County