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Season 3, Episode 8 - Teach & Learn

Improving Awareness and Access to Student Support Services in Higher Ed With Dr. Amelia Parnell

As the number of university and college students grappling with mental health issues rises, institutions must  improve access and awareness of support services.

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Highlights

01:02

Dr. Cristi Ford introduces Dr. Amelia Parnell

04:30

Dr. Parnell emphasizes the critical role academic advisors play in creating safe spaces for students

11:38

Discussion about how technology could help advisors manage their workload and support students

17:00

The gap between institutional investment in support services and awareness of these services

22:23

Dr. Parnell shares insights from NASPA's research on top issues in student affairs

25:39

Call to action for faculty and staff to support student affairs professionals and promote collaboration

Welcome to Season 3, Episode 8 of Teach & Learn: A Podcast for Curious Educators, by D2L. Hosted by Dr. Cristi Ford and Dr. Emma Zone from the Academic Affairs team. The podcast features candid conversations with some of the sharpest minds in the K-20 education space. We discuss trending educational topics, teaching strategies and delve into the issues plaguing our schools and higher education institutions today.

According to a U.S. News + Generation Lab report, 70% of college students have struggled with mental health since starting college. Despite expressing a need for care, only 37% of survey respondents searched for mental health resources. These findings align with a recent D2L-sponsored Tyton Partners report, which found that only 50% of students are aware of key on-campus services like academic and career advising, financial aid, and mental health counseling.

It’s clear we’re edging closer and closer towards a student mental health crisis in the higher education world. To discuss why this is happening and offer solutions, Dr. Cristi Ford, D2L’s Chief Learning Officer, welcomed Dr. Amelia Parnell, President of Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA).

In this episode, they discuss:  

  • The D2L and Tyton Partners Listening to Learners Report, which highlights the impact of student safety on re-enrollment decisions
  • Why academic advisors play a pivotal role in creating safe spaces and supporting students beyond academic guidance
  • Why so many students are unaware of available mental health resources
  • How technology can enhance the delivery and accessibility of support services
  • The importance of continuous collaboration between student affairs departments and academic affairs departments to support student success

Speakers

Kim Scalzo
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