Washington, DC – In recent years, climate surveys and research studies have demonstrated a critical need to prioritize the mental health of postsecondary students, but little information exists about programs and services designed to address the needs of master’s and doctoral students. The University of Northern Iowa is pleased to endorse the recent work by the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) and The Jed Foundation (JED) to address this issue.

The findings and recommendations summarized in Supporting Graduate Student Mental Health and Well-being are intended to provide a starting point for discussion and action for all campus groups with a vested interest in the quality of graduate education. Embedded in the report is a “Statement of Principles and Commitments of Graduate Deans,” which provides institutions a blueprint for action to support the academic success and well-being of all students. The University of Northern Iowa is proud to be one of the 150+ universities to have endorsed the principles and commitments.

“The University of Northern Iowa is dedicated to student success. We value holistic student success across multiple wellness dimensions and recognize the importance of mental and emotional well-being for our students,” said UNI Graduate Dean Jennifer Waldron. “The Graduate College is committed to taking actionable steps towards furthering resources and support for our graduate students.”

“Given the diversity of the graduate student population both in terms of life stage and career goals, considering the unique needs of graduate students in campus mental health plans must be a priority,” said CGS President Suzanne T. Ortega. “Establishing a shared set of values and a framework of principles and commitments is just the first step toward creating more inclusive, supportive program and campus environments and ensuring more equitable access to care. Our work with JED lays the foundation for future research on this critically important topic.”

“The findings from this project will be instrumental in moving forward with efforts to promote graduate student mental health and well-being,” said Dr. Nance Roy, chief clinical officer, The Jed Foundation and assistant clinical professor, Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine. The recommendations provide actionable steps to support graduate student mental health as well as opportunities for future study. JED is proud to have partnered with CGS on this valuable work.”

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About CGS
The Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) is an organization of approximately 500 institutions of higher education in the United States and Canada engaged in graduate education, research, and the preparation of candidates for advanced degrees. The organization’s mission is to improve and advance graduate education, which it accomplishes through advocacy in the federal policy arena, research, and the development and dissemination of best practices.

About The Jed Foundation (JED)
JED is a national nonprofit that exists to protect emotional health and prevent suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults. We’re partnering with high schools and colleges to strengthen their mental health, substance misuse and suicide prevention programming and systems. We’re equipping teens and young adults with the skills and support to grow into healthy, thriving adults; and we’re encouraging community awareness, understanding and action for young adult mental health. Learn more at https://www.jedfoundation.org/