Title

TalkCampus

Status
Status:
Completed
Start Term
Start Term:
Fall 2020
End Term
End Term:
Fall 2021
Project Leads
Project Leads:
Dean of Students, Director of Student Engagement
Core Team
Core Team:

Dean of Students, Director of Student Engagement, Counselors

Pillars of Success
Pillars of Success:
Student Success
Strategic Plans
Strategic Plans:
Annual Work Plan
Project Purpose

Project Purpose

M State surveyed ºÚÁϹÙÍøs in the fall of 2020 to assess the impact of COVID. When ºÚÁϹÙÍøs were asked what the most likely barrier to success in college was, 50 percent (n=155) responded mental health was a factor. The college’s findings was further supported by national trends indicating the mental health of college ºÚÁϹÙÍøs as being an increasing concern due to the pandemic (increased stress, anxiety and depression due to health concerns, isolation, etc.). Due to the college’s limited capacity to serve ºÚÁϹÙÍøs in-person and during certain times of the day, the college identified an essential need for 24/7 mental health services to support our ºÚÁϹÙÍøs’ well-being and persistence towards their educational goals.

Deliverables

Deliverables

  • Mental health support network for ºÚÁϹÙÍøs to access 24/7
  • A support system to increase ºÚÁϹÙÍøs’ ability to cope, give ºÚÁϹÙÍøs a greater sense of wellbeing and resilience, and increase levels of self-esteem and confidence
  • Peer social connection via a mobile app with real time crisis interventions
Project Scope

Project Scope

In Scope

To identify a technology-based solution to support ºÚÁϹÙÍø mental health at M State that operates in a 24/7/365 manner. Additional aspects for consideration: languages beyond English, app-based, sustainable price and mental health education option.

Out of Scope

Hiring additional staff/counselors.

Effectiveness Measures

Effectiveness Measures

  • TalkCampus usage data from vendor by semester
  • Annual ºÚÁϹÙÍø surveys to determine why ºÚÁϹÙÍø are and are not using TalkCampus. The college will explore integrating key questions into existing survey efforts to avoid survey fatigue for ºÚÁϹÙÍøs and is planning to start collecting survey data to make improvements beginning summer 2022
Constraints

Constraints

Budget, Contracting/software vetting process at MinnState

Financial Impact

Financial Impact

Increased retention of ºÚÁϹÙÍøs creates an increase in tuition revenue

Summary of Results

Summary of Results

  • Secured contract with TalkCampus
  • Communicated purpose of support service and how it can be accessed to stakeholders
  • Created ongoing internal outreach campaign for enrolled ºÚÁϹÙÍøs
Future Direction

Future Direction

This project is now college practice and has been institutionalized.