A message from the chancellor: Facing the Mental Health Challenge

Dear Carolina Community,

Today, I’m joining Governor Cooper, mental health professionals and university leaders from across the UNC System to discuss how we can approach the worrying trend of mental health challenges among young people. For the last two decades, rates of anxiety and depression have been rising not just among college students, but among young Americans of all backgrounds.

We’ve responded with greater support on campus through the Heels Care Network, peer counseling and support groups, Mental Health First Aid training led by our School of Social Work, telehealth resources, and open dialogue around creating a culture of care and compassion at Carolina. We’re also going to continue the well-being days in our academic calendar, providing a welcome opportunity to rest and step back from daily stresses.

I’ve enjoyed talking with students on campus the past few days and seeing their rejuvenation following this week’s well-being days. I hope many of you will continue to use well-being days to care for yourself, to unplug and to connect with classmates and colleagues as needed. Being part of a campus community means we don’t just look out for ourselves; we also do our part to take care of others. Decades of research, much of it conducted right here in Chapel Hill, shows that strong social ties are key to a thriving and meaningful life. We all have a role in making Carolina the kind of place that builds and sustains that type of culture.

While we think carefully about how to support our students, faculty and staff, we’re also focused on UNC-Chapel Hill’s broader role in addressing mental health. As the state’s flagship public university, we work every day to support people on the front lines of this challenge across our society — teachers, doctors, counselors, nurses and community advocates who are making a difference far beyond the boundaries of campus.

I speak often about Carolina’s responsibility to address the grand challenges of our time. Offering a sense of care, compassion and promise to a rising generation is a vital part of that mission.

Sincerely,

Kevin M. Guskiewicz
Chancellor