Dear Parents and Families,
I hope that you and your students are looking forward to spring break! Whether your student is going home, staying on campus, traveling elsewhere, or just catching up on sleep, I think it is fair to say that most Carls are eagerly anticipating a little time off to hopefully rest and recharge.
We have been giving a lot of thought this year to ways in which we can support student mental health and wellness. You may recall that as part of our planning process for Carleton 2033: The Liberal Arts in Action, we appointed a task force on Student Mental Health and Wellbeing. Chaired by Director of Student Health and Counseling Marit Lysne, CSA President Quinn Buhman ‘24, and Professor Al Montero, the group submitted its report a few weeks ago, and we are already beginning to implement its recommendations.
The report identifies three primary approaches to enhancing student wellbeing: through individualized care, such as the provision of clinical care to individual students through Student Health and Counseling (SHAC); public health approaches, such as programming targeted to groups of students on topics like sleep, time management, and drug and alcohol use; and institutional and community culture, meaning working to change social norms that reinforce busyness and stress and promoting self-care and well-being. One key recommendation will be implemented later this spring: the introduction of a 24-hour telehealth option for on-demand counseling that will supplement the in-person counseling available at SHAC.
This is a very busy time on campus, and a difficult time in the world at large. I continue to be impressed by the thoughtfulness, earnestness, and care that our students bring to their work, their activities, and their interactions with each other, even at times of stress. These qualities help make our community strong, and I believe will stand our students in good stead when they leave Carleton.
