RESOURCES SUPPORTING STUDENT SUCCESS

Dear readers,

Student success is our highest priority at Colorado State University, and we are always paying attention to ways we can help each student cohort thrive.

As we open the door to a world-class education, we also connect students to resources that support them along their journey from admission to graduation. When students feel connected to their campus community and their peers, they are better equipped to tackle academic challenges, they more easily navigate life’s complexities, and they graduate at higher rates. Statistics also tell us that student success is tied to mental and physical well-being.

At CSU, enhancing students’ sense of belonging and well-being begins with an emphasis on community involvement through campus activities, student clubs, athletics events, and shared experiences. These connections, along with structural supports, help students build resilience and create a solid foundation for coping with stress.

CSU students can access a wide range of resources aimed at supporting success and strengthening community. These include academic support coordinators, essential-needs assistance, recreational activities, and 24/7 online tools. Students also have access to skill-building workshops, counseling services, crisis support, and substance use resources – all designed to bolster students’ abilities to meet their academic and personal goals.

Supporting students’ mental health and well-being has historically been an area of strength at CSU. In fact, our university was recently named one of The Princeton Review’s top schools for mental health services. This issue of STATE magazine delves into the intersection of mental health, well-being, and academic success.

Our cover story sheds light on the challenges faced by today’s students and highlights resources that enhance mental health and overall wellness. This issue also features insights from Provost and Executive Vice President Marion K. Underwood, who shares takeaways from CSU’s Fall 2024 Ethics Colloquium on Mental Health in Higher Education. Readers will also hear directly from three students about their own experiences; discover a digital tool created by an alumnus and used by colleges across the country; and learn about a CSU outreach program focused on stress management for farmers and ranchers.

Through these stories and more, we share how proactively addressing mental health can help students best position themselves to pursue their aspirations and contribute meaningfully to our world. Thank you for taking time to explore this important topic with us and for your support of our students.

With gratitude,