To the Executive Board of Huron University College, 

We, the students of Huron University College, urge you to consider this petition concerning how the college handles the mental health of students at Huron. Mental illness is extremely prevalent within the Western University community. Students are subject to considerable amounts of stress; stress, when experienced continuously or excessively can contribute to mental health problems. It is estimated that one fifth of students will be affected by mental illness in their lifetime (Canadian Mental Health Association). Suicide accounts for 24% of deaths among 15-24 year olds, making it the second highest cause of death amongst this age range (Canadian Mental Health Association). These statistics are staggering and are prevalent among the student body at Huron. When comparing Huron to main campus and other affiliates, it is clear that Huron is lacking in resources. Kings University College offers their students mental health counseling resources, drop-in mindfulness group sessions, and a mediation group. Brescia University College also has an institutionalized mental health plan for their students.

Huron University College Student Council survey,  “Huron Speaks Up Mental Health Feedback Survey,” had the following results:

• In the event of having mental health troubles, 45% of respondents felt less than moderately comfortable approaching a friend or family member.
• In the event of having mental health troubles, 23% of students did not feel the slightest bit comfortable approaching a Huron staff member
• 70% of students felt less than moderately comfortable approaching a Huron staff member for help, while only 36% felt less than moderately comfortable seeking professional help for mental illness.
• In the event of having mental health troubles, only 6% did not the slightest bit comfortable seeking professional help, as opposed to 23% who felt completely uncomfortable approaching a Huron Staff member.
• In the event of having mental health troubles, 11% of respondents felt not the slightest bit comfortable, and 50% felt less than moderately comfortable seeking professional help on Western's campus
• When asked how much more comfortable the respondent be accessing help for mental health if the resources were located on Huron’s campus, 63% of respondents felt between moderately to extremely more comfortable seeking resources.

These statistics help make clear the need to address mental health issues on Huron’s campus and the value of having permanent mental health resources at Huron. The college and its students would benefit from trained professionals as well as more training for student life staff, academic counselors, and various other members of the Huron community. We urge Huron to follow in the steps of Western University and its’ other affiliates in enacting a permanent mental health and counseling resources, as well as improved staff training. The benefit to the Huron community – students, faculty, and staff – cannot be overstated.