Through programs such as mandatory sessions during New Student
Orientation, screenings at the Student Health Service, and residencebased
programs, students already actively participate in activities that support
mental health awareness on campus. For all this abundance of effort,
we still hear that there are gaps, and some students still don’t know
where to turn when they, or a friend, need help. When we consulted with
the Undergraduate Assembly, one of the students suggested student organizations
could be an effective means of disseminating information to
students. It was suggested that an officer or member of each organization
could be identified to participate in the I CARE training and serve
as a resources for other students in the group. The students believed this
would be particularly effective for non-traditional students, international
students, and other populations that might be particularly hesitant to seek
help from a professional. These student ambassadors would facilitate connections
to campus resources and aid in creating a caring and supportive
environment for all members of the organization. We found this to be
a compelling idea that is well worth pursuing and we recommend that I
CARE training be extended to organizations and communities where students
spend much of their time such as sports teams, student organizations,
and fraternities and sororities.