Cupola Conversation – You Matter: Getting Real about Student Mental Health

Cupola Conversations are intended to have difficult conversations about challenging topics that are important and relevant to ECU’s campus community. As we continue through the spring semester and mark the second anniversary of a global pandemic, we also note the impact of continued stress, anxiety, and uncertainty on the world around us. The last few years have affected the overall mental health and wellbeing of our students, and while this discussion is not new, it has been pushed to the forefront in the recent months as colleges and universities are working to provide resources and support to their student population.

On Thursday, March 3, 2022 at 12 pm, ECU and Student Affairs will host a Cupola Conversations program entitled “You Matter: Getting Real about Student Mental Health.”

We do know that as individuals, we can equip ourselves, our friends, and our family members with the knowledge to ask the important questions, start the tough conversations, and refer to professional resources when needed.

Did you know that 39% of students in college experience a significant mental health issue? And 67% of people 18-24 years old with anxiety or depression don’t seek treatment? Often a student will approach a friend, faculty member, or advisor first before they reach out to a professional resource—and having the information about what supports are available can make all the difference.

You are invited join this program that will feature faculty and staff members, with each panelist representing a different perspective in the mental health community.

The panelists are:

Dr. Jake Jensen, ECU Marriage and Family Therapy Program
Dr. Gwendolyn Tyson, director of Student Development and Counseling, ECU College of Nursing
Phylicia Bridgers, Staff Counseling/Coordinator of Outreach and Intercultural Affairs, ECU Center for Counseling and Student Development

On March 3rd at 12 pm click this link to join this special Cupola Conversation

This will be open to the entire campus as well as the general public and participants will be able to type in questions as part of the conversation (Note – not all questions and comments will be included in the program).

ECU and the Division of Student Affairs will have more programs and opportunities throughout the spring semester. An ECUnited Steering Committee has been formed that includes representation of the entire campus so that we can continue to provide strong programming that meets the needs of our students, faculty, staff and community.