Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) has planned a mental health week for March 27-31 to showcase resources available to students.
“Students are our first priority, and we want to make sure that we’re supporting them in becoming the best version of themselves,” said EKU President Dr. David McFaddin. “EKU offers numerous mental health services and helps students navigate the many challenges they face daily. We are encouraged by the work of the Student Government Association to host mental health week that highlights campus resources and promotes student wellbeing.”
The Healthy Minds Study conducted by the Health Minds Network found that more than 60% of college students met the criteria for at least one mental health problem in 2020–21. The study was based on data from nearly 400 campuses nationwide.
Paige Murphy, student body president, has been working alongside campus partners to plan EKU’s mental health week since October.
“We have a lot of students coming into the counseling center for various reasons,” said Murphy. “However, we noticed that a lot of the reasons students were coming in were because they didn't know how to pay for school, didn't know where their next meal was coming from or because they have a learning disability and can't do their work. We have resources to help students with all of those issues, and the goal of this mental health week is to help students access those resources.”
The week starts off with a resource fair on Monday, March 27. Campus partners, including the University Counseling Center, Colonel’s Cupboard, the Student Success Center, the Provost’s Office and the Dean of Students, will be available to discuss what services they can provide to students.
Students will find help with navigating financial aid, food insecurity, receiving accommodations and mental health services throughout the week.
Additional mental health week events include:
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SGA Diversity Cabinet: Neurodiversity Tabling - 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 29
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EKU Psychology Clinic Mindfulness Event - 1 p.m., Wednesday, March 29
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SGA Campus Activities Board Coloring Book Tabling - 11 a.m., Thursday, March 30
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EKU Libraries Chill Trivia Night - 5:30 p.m., Thursday, March 30
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Stress Ball Making with SOTA and SOSA - 6 p.m., Thursday, March 30
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SGA Tabling - 11 a.m., Friday, March 31
Most mental health week events will be located in the Powell Building. Students can find exact locations and information about events on EKU’s SGA Instagram @eku_sga.
As the School of Opportunity, EKU is committed to providing students with the means to succeed through an abundance of student support services and campus resources.
EKU Colonel’s Cupboard started in 2014 to address food insecurity needs on campus. Colonel’s Cupboard is a completely free and confidential resource to all EKU students.
EKU’s Counseling Center provides services to students at no cost. The center provides confidential psychotherapy, educational events and programs to increase mental health awareness within the EKU community.
EKU’s Student Success Center serves as a one-stop shop where students can get assistance with coursework, financial aid, study skills, choosing a major, course registration, stress management and much more.
Additional resources for students include the Center of Student Accessibility, Office of Academic and Career Services and Big E Central, among others.