Ann Arbor Times

Eastern Michigan University is advancing its efforts to support student mental health through the "Building a Community of Caring" task force. This initiative, launched in 2023, aims to enhance emotional well-being and help students manage daily challenges.

Ron Flowers, chair of the Mental Health Task Force, stated, “The goal of ‘Building a Community of Caring’ is to create a campus where students feel valued, connected, and empowered to navigate academic, social, and emotional challenges.”

Among the initiatives are the "Brown Bag Speaker Series," which addresses mental health issues affecting diverse student groups, and the "Building a Caring Classroom Learning Community," designed to foster supportive classroom environments.

By April 2025, additional initiatives will be implemented:

- A Centralized Mental Health and Wellness Webpage

- Wellness Wednesday on the Eagle App

- Faculty Development Center Mini-Grants

- Serenity Spaces for stress management

The Mayo Clinic Health System reports that 15% of college students experience serious suicidal thoughts and 44% show symptoms of depression. Despite this, 75% are reluctant to seek help.

Kati Lebioda from EMU’s Department of Leadership and Counseling emphasized the importance of holistic support: “A student’s academic ability is directly tied to their mental health and well-being. When we support students holistically, we’re not just helping them succeed in college—we’re equipping them with the resilience and skills they need for life beyond the classroom."

The initiative is supported by a $50,000 grant from the Flinn Foundation and aims to integrate well-being into campus culture. Flowers noted that “this isn’t just about resources—it’s about building a lasting culture of care.”

For more information about “Building a Community of Caring,” interested parties can visit the webpage or contact via email at We_Care@emich.edu.

Eastern Michigan University was founded in 1849 as Michigan's second oldest public university. It serves nearly 13,000 students across various degree programs. EMU is recognized for its excellence in education and diversity.