MU addresses students in mental health crisis

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The University of Missouri faculty discussed advancements in advertising mental health resources for students at its General Faculty Meeting on Wednesday.

In 2022, 69% of higher-education students reported the reason they considered stopping coursework was due to emotional stress, according to the 2023 Lumina State of Higher Education Mental Health Report.

The study also concluded that almost half of students seeking a four-year degree frequently experience emotional stress.

"Mizzou has a tremendous amount of mental health resources, what we have learned is that the students were not always aware of those resources," Jamie Shutter, executive director of student health in well-being, said.

At the meeting, Shutter told faculty the university launched a new website with a mental-health resource hub, which will include a list of resources available to students.

In addition, they will also have handouts, sidewalk clings, and mirror clings with a QR code that will lead them to the help they need.

Starting in the fall, Shutter says they will start a huge campaign to get the word out about the new hub.

Though Shutter mentioned she believes many students are unaware of the resources available to them, she said they are still seeing many students and there has been an increase in demand for help.