The University of Illinois System hosts an annual online discussion devoted to issues around mental health. Initially planned as a day-long, interactive event, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the 2020 and 2021 programs being held virtually. It was decided that 2022's program and future events would also be offered via the virtual format. So far, nearly 1,300 faculty, staff, and students from the three universities and system offices participated in the three events. The event is hosted by President Killeen and the three chancellors and is keynoted by nationally recognized leaders in the student mental health arena. The discussions recognize the importance of mental health support, provide a forum to explore fresh ideas, strengthen system-wide relationships, and generate innovative strategies to address the growing need for effective and available mental health services to promote student and employee success. The events, to date, are just the start of an ongoing effort to address mental health response while emphasizing the role all members of the campus community can play in supporting a caring and nurturing environment that allows students and employees to thrive and reach their full potential.
The fourth System-Wide Mental Health Program is scheduled for October 11, from 1:30-3:30pm. Dr. Luoluo (pronounced “lō-lō”) Hong, Vice President for Student Engagement and Well-Being, Georgia Institute of Technology, will serve as the keynote speaker with her presentation: Resilience, Resistance & Roaring: Integrating Belonging, Social Justice & Well-Being Into Our Educational Mission. The event is free to all faculty, staff, and students.
About Vice President Hong | Student Engagement and Well-Being (gatech.edu)
