Ursuline College: BIPOC Mental Health Summit

Yolanda King, Assistant Dean for Diversity, and Matthew Bartuccio, Campus Counselor, took the lead in organizing the BIBPOC Mental Health Summit at Ursuline College, funded by grants allocated for mental health resources. This collaborative effort saw student organizations, including the Black Student Union and UC Pride, joining forces to create a comprehensive wellness program and a remarkable mental health summit in partnership with John Carroll University. The summit itself was marked by engaging group activities, candid discussions addressing mental health stigmas and guest speakers. For a more in-depth look at how Ursuline College put the OFIC Diversity Grant to use, read further.

BIBPOC Mental Health Summit

Ursuline College, with its 90% female student body and commitment to women's education, aims to support students from diverse economic backgrounds through competitive financial aid packages. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the college maintained enrollment and provides a caring academic environment.

To address the mental health needs of students, particularly students of color, the college used the diversity grant to focus on increasing awareness of mental health resources and reducing stigma within these communities. Ursuline College recognized the importance of addressing disparities in accessing counseling services, as students of color were not seeking help at the same rate as their peers.

Counseling Services at Ursuline College experienced a significant increase in student appointments, with issues ranging from coping with college demands to anxiety and depression related to past trauma. This trend was especially concerning given the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on people of color in terms of health, income and stress. Despite 30% of Ursuline students being Black and Brown, they were not accessing counseling services as frequently.

The program aimed to raise awareness among all students, with a specific focus on students of color. It sought to increase awareness of Ursuline's Counseling Services, community resources, and reduce the stigma associated with seeking help. By addressing these barriers, the program aimed to ensure that all students, regardless of their background, felt comfortable seeking and receiving the mental health support they needed.

The grant aimed to have a lasting impact on student mental health, promoting well-being and resilience within the Ursuline College community. By increasing awareness, reducing stigma and providing resources, the program aimed to create a supportive environment where students felt empowered to prioritize their mental health.

Ursuline College recognized the significance of mental health support, particularly during challenging times, and was committed to ensuring equitable access to these services for all students. Through the program, the college made a positive and meaningful difference in the lives of its students and contribute to their overall success and well-being.