position statements

Creating a Culture of Support in the Workplace

A Best Practices Resource for Managers in the Hospitality Industry

January 11, 2021

Summary: This resource draws on in-depth feedback and data gathered by Optum and Active Minds from people who work throughout the hospitality industry – from front-line employees, to managers and executives, to industry association representatives. That input has been compiled and translated into the following concise and accessible best practices that will support your management team, step-by-step, to create a workplace culture that is more supportive of employee mental health.

Supporting the Whole Student: Promising Practices for College and University Staff to Integrate Mental Health Promotion in the First College Year

November 5, 2020

Summary: The guide draws on Active Minds’ evidence-based Healthy Campus Framework and case studies from campuses that have been recognized for their student mental health efforts with the Active Minds Healthy Campus Award. These recommendations will give faculty and staff the tools needed to create a caring campus community and productive learning environment that help students thrive and, when needed, seek professional help.

Recommendations for Prioritizing Student Mental Health and Campus-wide Healing and Recovery during COVID-19

June 25, 2020

Summary: Active Minds provides short and long-term recommendations to support college and university leadership with prioritizing mental health and helping the campus community heal and recover from the impact of COVID-19 and national civil unrest.

Creating a Culture of Caring: Practical Approaches for College and University Faculty to Support Student Wellbeing and Mental Health

April 9, 2020

Summary: This report provides practical approaches that faculty members can implement in “the everyday.” By doing so, faculty can contribute to the creation of caring campus communities and productive learning environments that help students thrive and, when needed, seek professional help.

Recommendations to Shape a Positive Mental Health Climate on College Campuses with and through Peer-to-Peer Networks

Oct 1, 2019

Summary: One of the most important factors in terms of a student’s decision to seek help is campus climate. Students are uniquely positioned to have direct and immediate effects on their peers’ perceptions of mental health issues and their likelihood to access mental health services.

Recommendations for Leave of Absence and Return from Absence Policies for Mental Health Concerns at Higher Education Institutions

May 1, 2017

Summary: In general, an institution’s policy for leave of absence for mental health reasons should be lawful, flexible, easy to understand, and on par with leave of absence policies for medical/physical health reasons.

Recommendations to Empower the Student Voice in Campus Mental Health Decisions

October 1, 2017

Summary: Stronger campus communities result when students are involved in mental health policy decisions and programs that affect them. Research demonstrates that student involvement increases awareness and usage of campus health services; generates new solutions and favorable long-term results; and increases student academic performance and retention.