WHEREAS, Trauma-informed care approaches have become increasingly important in understanding and supporting student mental health needs, with research suggesting that California Community College students often have complex trauma histories that can impact their ability to meet academic expectations [1];
WHEREAS, California Community College students are experiencing increasing rates of anxiety and depression, with approximately 66% reporting feelings of nervousness or anxiety [2], and 56% indicating that emotional or mental difficulties have negatively impacted their academic performance in the month prior to a recent survey [3]; additionally, in 2023, over three-quarters of college students (76%) experienced moderate to serious psychological distress [4], which is significantly higher than the general population where approximately 20% of adults experience a mental illness in a given year;
WHEREAS, Recent studies have shown that over 50% of community college students meet criteria for one or more mental health conditions, with prevalence rates significantly higher for students aged 18-22 compared to their peers at four-year institutions [5, 6] and the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated mental health challenges for college students, with increased reports of stress, anxiety, and desire to use substances as a coping mechanism [7]; and
WHEREAS, The Student Senate for California Community Colleges previously supported S20.03.12: Mental Health Services on California Community College Campuses [8], which aimed to address mental health challenges among community college students; however, S20.03.12 predates the COVID-19 pandemic and lacks comprehensive discussion of trauma-informed care approaches; Now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges advocate to the California State Legislature and California Community College Chancellor’s Office for increased funding and resources to expand all trauma-informed care and mental health services across all California Community College campuses;
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges urge the California Community Colleges Board of Governors and the California Community Colleges to implement comprehensive mental health awareness and education programs to reduce stigma and increase help-seeking behaviors among community college students;
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges advocate for the California Community Colleges Board of Governors and the California Community Colleges to encourage Board of Trustees to expand on-campus trauma-informed counseling services and the exploration of innovative telehealth options to increase accessibility of mental health support for community college students; and
RESOLVED, That the Student Senate for California Community Colleges build upon SSCCC Resolution S20.03.12 by emphasizing trauma-informed care approaches and addressing the evolving mental health needs of students in the post-pandemic landscape.
Citations:
[1] California Community College Student Mental Health - Trauma-Informed Care Fact Sheet
[2] Diverse Education - General Mental Stress/Challenges
[3] Diverse Education - Stress Caused by Academic Performance
[4] Best Colleges - College Student Mental Health Statistics
[5] National Library of Medicine - Community College Vs. Four-Year Institutions
[6] California Budget & Policy Center - UC and CSU Campuses
[7] National Library of Medicine - COVID-19 Coping Mechanisms
[8] SSCCC Resolution S20.03.12: Mental Health Services on California Community College Campuses