Today's college students face challenges related to the increasing stressors of academic perfectionism, exposure to world-wide trauma, denser housing, and alienating campus climates. Administrators are seeking more collaborative and integrated solutions that can address the growing mental health needs of students, with a focus on a continuum-of-care approach to assure more healthy and positive student experiences.

This program outlines a well-coordinated model of mental health prevention, education, outreach, and response that can integrate well with the philosophies and practices of Residential Life and Housing communities. 

Concepts of mental health also encompass well-being, perceived self-efficacy, autonomy, competence, and the student’s recognition of the ability to realize both their intellectual and emotional potential. By leveraging resources, relationships, and existing cultures of belonging, UCLA’s Residential Life implemented a mental health model poised to give more direct involvement in areas such as crisis management, conflict resolution, social-emotional growth, and distress tolerance.  

During this program, the presenters outline the development and launching of large-scale initiatives of clinical, educative, and preventative focus – including a new campus suicide prevention model, revised policies related to crisis management and response, and a student resilience program - reflecting the new model and meeting a variety of needs. Finally, presenters provide examples of the significant collaborative, programming and networking activities including partnerships and professional networks that enhance health and wellness, safety and resiliency so that students can achieve holistic success.