Study Abroad and Mental Health
Faculty Luncheon and Workshop

Monday, October 13, from 12:00-1:30 PM
Spartan Rooms A&B, International Center
(Lunch will be served at 11:30 AM)
RSVP required- contact Amy Fekete fekete@msu.edu by October 8, 2008

Links of interest: Powerpoint Presentation

Sept 25, 2008, National Public Radio Story on College Students and Depression

MSU Counseling Center Faculty Resources

The Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law

Department of Education's brochure on Balancing Student Rights and School Safety (PDF)*

MSU Counseling Center pamphlet: Helping a Distressed Student (PDF)*

• Article: "Mental Health and Study Abroad (PDF)*" by Les McCabe, International Educator, Nov/Dec 2005. (see attached)
• Article: "In the Eye of the Storm: Students' Perceptions of Helpful Faculty Actions Following a Collective Tragedy (PDF)*" by Therese A. Huston & Michele
• DiPietro, To Improve the Academy, Volume 25, D. Robertson & L. Nilson (eds.), Bolton, MA: Anker. 
• Article: "The Day After: Faculty Behavior in Post-September 11, 2001, Classes (PDF)*" by Michele DiPietro, To Improve the Academy, Volume 21, C. Wehlburg & S. Chadwick-Blossey (Eds.), Bolton, MA: Anker.

Nationwide, campus health professionals report that more students with pre-existing mental health conditions are participating in higher education. This is a reflection of many positive changes in our society, such as the recognition of anxiety, eating disorders, and substance abuse as medical conditions. More students seek treatment early in their development, successfully combining medication and therapy which have helped them to not only function, but even thrive in diverse environments. Thankfully, colleges and universities have responded positively to such students, often expanding services and adding staff to cover the increased demand. As a result, more students with mental health conditions are also studying abroad. Most have successful, trouble-free experiences, but some do not, which results in stress on the part of the program leader and the accompanying participants, as well as potential danger for the affected student.

Join David Novicki, Ph.D., LPC, Professor and Counselor, MSU Counseling Center, in a discussion about the state of student mental health at MSU. Dr. Novicki will provide an overview of common conditions and discuss how certain factors, such as the stress associated with study abroad, can exacerbate some symptoms.  He'll also discuss warning signs and suggest strategies for responding to a mental health emergency.  Ample time for Q&A will be provided.

Questions: contact Julie Friend friendju@msu.edu (517 432 8686) or Amy Fekete fekete@msu.edu (517 432 4258).

*Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to read PDF documents.