Seton Hall to Host Inaugural NJ Mental Health Summit for NJ Colleges and Universities

As part of NJ Governor, Phil Murphy’s commitment to strengthening Youth Mental Health, staff from colleges and universities across New Jersey are coming together for the first time on January 10, 2024 at Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ to share best practices to best college students at the NJ Higher Education Mental Health Summit. Hundreds of professionals and front-line practitioners are expected to attend the gathering on January 10, 2024 at Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ, and collaborate across disciplines to combat the youth mental health crisis, and develop methods to foster the psychological health and well-being of students to help them thrive, develop and achieve personal and academic success. Registration is now open.

The 2023 Health Minds Survey indicated that 44% of college students reported symptoms of depression and 37% experienced anxiety. More than ever, institutions of higher education must work with one another to address the challenges facing college students’ mental health.

The one-day conference will feature a keynote speaker, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, co-founder of the legendary rap group Run-DMC and mental health advocate. Following the keynote address, colleagues from around the State will have the opportunity to engage in educational sessions addressing mental health on campus with specific topics on Student Athletes, Health Services, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, Counseling Centers, Disability Support Services, and more. Throughout the day, attendees will be able to network with one another and vendors specific to college student mental health. 

“The summit is an opportunity for colleagues from all of our campuses to learn from one another and share best practices,” said Karen Van Norman, Associate Vice President and Dean of Students at Seton Hall University. Van Norman serves as the Summit’s Co-Chair alongside, Sara Klein, Ph.D., Vice President for Student Affairs at Stevens Institute of Technology. Van Norman went on to say, “We know that addressing the mental health needs of our students is the work of everyone on campus, not just our counseling centers.”

With the emphasis on student mental health being the work of individuals across campus, the conference is designed to be beneficial not only for campus mental health practitioners and Counseling Services but also Chief Student Affairs Officers, Campus Police, Residence Life, Athletics/Athletic Training staff, Health Services, Advisors for EOP/EOF and First Gen programs, and other staff dedicated to student success and well-being.  

The collaborative nature of this event is a large priority of the Summit’s Steering Committee, Klein stated, “we see the Summit as an opportunity for all higher education staff in New Jersey, and beyond, who work closely with students to learn and make connections with colleagues – even those staff members who may typically not attend a student affairs-focused conference.” Klein went on to add, “This is the first such Summit offered in the State of New Jersey, and we are thrilled with the response we have already received.  We hope this sets a precedent for future collaborations across the state that enhance training and development for higher education staff and ultimately improve the lives of our students.  

For more information on the Summit and to register, visit the NJ Mental Health Summit website. For current Seton Hall faculty and staff interested in attending, please contact [email protected]. 

Categories: Health and Medicine