Spring 2013
Committee:
External Affairs, Relations with Local Senates
Whereas, Approximately 26.2 percent of Americans ages 18 and older have a diagnosable mental disorder, with mental disorders being the leading cause of disability in the US (National Institute for Mental Health);
Whereas, An estimated 2.2 million college students seek mental health services, and that only 11.3% of colleges with a student body population over 15,000 did not have on-campus psychiatric services—despite 89.8% of the same schools reporting an increase of crisis issues needing immediate response compared to 5 years ago (National Survey of Counseling Center Directors 2012 survey); and
Whereas, In a 2011 analysis of 157 four year college institutions composing of 1,361,304 students, suicide was the leading cause of death in college students ages 18-24 (James C. Turner, MD, University of Virginia, Department of Student Health);
Resolved, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges encourages colleges to advocate for the creation of permanent institutional changes on their college campuses through their proper channels, which includes, but is not limited to; college administration, student government, and general advocacy;
Resolved, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges advocates for on-site medical and mental health services and facilities, which includes, but are not limited to crisis counseling, nurses, psychiatrists, wellness centers, and other important triage medical & mental health services and other beneficial resources to students on their campuses; and
Resolved, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges affirms the need of a continual conversation and assessment of the mental health of college students.
Whereas, An estimated 2.2 million college students seek mental health services, and that only 11.3% of colleges with a student body population over 15,000 did not have on-campus psychiatric services—despite 89.8% of the same schools reporting an increase of crisis issues needing immediate response compared to 5 years ago (National Survey of Counseling Center Directors 2012 survey); and
Whereas, In a 2011 analysis of 157 four year college institutions composing of 1,361,304 students, suicide was the leading cause of death in college students ages 18-24 (James C. Turner, MD, University of Virginia, Department of Student Health);
Resolved, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges encourages colleges to advocate for the creation of permanent institutional changes on their college campuses through their proper channels, which includes, but is not limited to; college administration, student government, and general advocacy;
Resolved, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges advocates for on-site medical and mental health services and facilities, which includes, but are not limited to crisis counseling, nurses, psychiatrists, wellness centers, and other important triage medical & mental health services and other beneficial resources to students on their campuses; and
Resolved, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges affirms the need of a continual conversation and assessment of the mental health of college students.