Mental Health Initiatives

Mental Health Information and Resources

• NCHA Survey FAQ

  What is this survey?

  The National College Health Assessment survey is a nationally recognized research survey to collect precise data about students’ health habits, behaviors, and perceptions. After collecting data, we can:

  • Identify most common health and behavior risks affecting CWU students’ academic performance
  • Purposefully design programs and policies to better serve diverse student populations and more.

   

  Do I have to take this survey?

  This survey is completely optional. We know survey fatigue is a real thing, and you may be worried that the information you provide will not be used. We plan on sharing this information with many CWU stakeholders who are reviewing policies and procedures to make student experiences better, and the information you provide will help us creating these with students in mind.

   

  The survey asks about alcohol and drug use, violence and other senstive subjects. Will I get in trouble for answering honestly?

  The answers you provide are confidential, and after you submit the survey we have no way to track your answers back to you.

   

  Why are my answers confidential and not anonymous?

  Your answers are confidential until you submit the survey, after which we have no way of tracking back to you. Your answers are confidential because the link sent to your email is persistent, meaning you could start the survey and come back to it at a different time, picking up where you left off.

   

  How can I take the survey?

  The survey will launch mid-April and be sent to your CWU email. You will have until May 5th to take the survey. Please only use the unique link that was provided in your email. The link cannot track answers back to you, but is specific to you so we can ensure there are no duplicate responses, contact you for reminder messages, draw names for our winners, and it allows you to leave the survey at any point and come back to it and pick up where you left off.

   

  Are you giving away any prizes?

  Yes! Students who submit the survey are automatically entered into a drawing. Winners are chosen after the survey closes and will be emailed.

   

  Who does this survey go to?

  The survey goes to all CWU students who are taking 6 credits or more. International students, online and all CWU campuses are able to participate.

   

  I'm a faculty or staff, can I offer extra credit or make it required?

  No. Participation must be completely voluntary. Instead of offering it as extra credit or requiring students to complete it, we reccommend dedicating class time or allowing students to complete it on their work shift to allow time to complete.

   

  I have concerns and/or questions, who can I contact?

  You can contact us by email or visit us in SURC 256 to have your questions answered!

• Events Focused on Supporting Mental Health

  CareCalls

  CareCalls is a peer-to-peer calling program for all first-year students to ask how your transitioning and answer any questions you have. Returning CWU students call first year students to welcome them on campus and help to answer any questions, feel free to ask them anything!

   

  Coping with Clouds

  Coping with Clouds is an uplifting mental health fair designed to open the conversation around mental health and suicide prevention. This interactive education event is in partnerships with many different CWU departments to showcase resources, educate on mental health and suicide, and provide an open and caring space. This event is held every February.

   

  Mind Matters

  Mind Matters is our yearly exhibit for Mental Health Awareness Month, held every May. This exhibit draws attention to the intersectionality of mental health and how to support yourself while at CWU.

   

  Adulthood Unlocked

  This event strives to teach students about life "outside the classroom' through teaching life skills such as budgeting, changing a tire, cooking and more. Are you a faculty or staff member who wants to participate? Email us at HealthPromotion@cwu.edu! This event will be held on May 8th, 2024.

• Workshops and Trainings

  Mental Health First Aid

  Mental Health First Aid Training is an 8 hour long training, providing education and training on how to identify prevalent mental illnesses, how to talk about mental health by reducing stigma, and how to help others by encouraging help-seeking behaviors. This training is done by request and for groups of 8 or larger.

   

  Step Up! Bystander Intervention Training

  Step Up! is our 90 minute bystander intervention training teaching the different ways you can help others around you. In this presentation, participants learn what bystander intervention is, what might prevent us from stepping up, different ways to help others, and how we can put it all into practice.

   

  Class Presentations
  

  Classes and groups can request a presentation and have it customized to their class/topic. Email us with your class subject and what kind of mental health subject you want to infuse in your classroom and we will create a custom presentation for you.

• Multidisciplinary Teams

  CWU Suicide Prevention Team 

  The CWU Suicide Prevention Team is chaired by the Office of Health Promotion and Student Counseling Services and is a multi-department initative focused on preventing suicide, showcasing resources, and working towards change on campus. For more insight into the team members and the work being done, visit the Suicide Prevention page.

• Resources for Mental Health

  Resources for Students: 

  Student Counseling Services - Available to all students (Ellensburg Campus, Center and Online Students)

  TimelyCare - 24/7 virtual access to counseling and medical (paid for in tuition)

  988 National Suicide Lifeline - call, text or videophone available, in multiple languages

   

  Resources for Staff/ Faculty:

  Case Management - To connect students experiencing obstacles to resources, support and connection

  Employee Assistance Program - Available to staff/faculty and family for confidential virtual assistance. View full list of services here.

   

  Resources for Concerned Others: 

  Case Management - To connect students experiencing obstacles to resources, support and connection