Enhancing student wellbeing

About

Universities across Australia are increasingly aware of the growing prevalence and severity of mental health difficulties across their student populations. This project supported sector-wide conversations, a whole-of-institution approach and pedagogical innovations that promote mental health and wellbeing. It made accessible the research, theoretical approaches and promising practices that are prompting change in this area, and offers practical resources to assist academic educators better support the mental wellbeing and academic outcomes of students.

Aim

This project aimed to assist university educators and leaders to develop policies, curriculum and learning environments that promote and support student mental health and wellbeing.

Funding

Support for this 2017 project has been provided by the Australian Government Department of Education and Training.

Researchers

  • Associate Professor Chi Baik (project co-leader), The University of Melbourne
  • Associate Professor Wendy Larcombe (project co-leader), The University of Melbourne
  • Dr Abi Brooker (project manager), The University of Melbourne
  • Professor Johanna Wyn, The University of Melbourne
  • Dr Lee Allen, The University of Melbourne
  • Associate Professor Rachael Field, Queensland University of Technology
  • Mr Matthew Brett, La Trobe University
  • Professor Richard James, The University of Melbourne

Outcomes

  1. A framework for developing a whole-of-institution approach to promoting student mental health and wellbeing. The framework builds on the outcomes of the 2011 National Summit on the Mental Health of Tertiary Students.
  2. Online professional development resources for academic teachers to advance awareness of student mental health issues and of curriculum and pedagogical approaches that can support mental wellbeing in the teaching and learning environment.
  3. A National Symposium on Student Mental Health Wellbeing was held at the University of Melbourne on Friday 9 September 2016.
Enhancing Student Mental Wellbeing: A Handbook for Academic Educators

Download handbook

More information

Associate Professor Chi Baik, Melbourne CSHE, The University of Melbourne