What is the Campus Assessment Tool?
The Campus Assessment Tool (CAT) is a participatory research initiative designed to empower post-secondary student mental health advocates. Developed by Jack.org, the CAT provides a comprehensive framework, tools, and mentorship to help students assess and improve mental health resources and policies on their campuses. Launched in 2018, the CAT emphasizes student leadership and engagement, enabling students to collaborate with campus decision-makers to enhance mental health services.
Who is this report for?
This report, which summarises findings from the CAT on 14 campuses between 2021-2024, is designed for youth and decision-makers who want to better understand mental health systems and services on campuses and understand what steps to take in service of supporting mental health outcomes. Through analysis of campus mental health systems, best-practices, and student feedback, the CAT provides insights and data-driven recommendations that youth and decision-makers can use to help implement supports for student mental health.
The 14 campuses where the Audit Framework was completed are:
Key Insights From the 2021-2024 Report:
1. Wait Times and Service Capacity:
- The average wait time for an initial counselling appointment is about one week, with follow-up appointments averaging two weeks.
- Variability in wait times underscores the need for continuous monitoring to ensure timely access to mental health support.
2. Insurance Coverage and Mental Health Strategies:
- Most campuses offer student health insurance covering off-campus mental health services, with coverage varying in amount and percentage.
- Nine out of 14 campuses have publicly available mental health strategies, highlighting a growing institutional focus on mental health.
3. Equity-Deserving Groups:
- Several campuses provide tailored mental health services for Indigenous students, 2SLGBTQ+ students, and racialized students, addressing specific needs that either promote mental health or aid students in receiving mental health support.
4. Partnerships and Referrals:
- Most campuses have established partnerships with off-campus mental health providers, enhancing access to specialized support and continuity of care.
5. Student Survey Findings:
- Common stressors include academic performance, loneliness, and financial hardship.
- High prevalence of anxiety, depression, and ADHD among students.
- Barriers to accessing care include long wait times, lack of awareness of available services, and financial issues.
Recommended Next Steps from the 2021-2024 Report:
1. Enhance Awareness and Accessibility:
- Improve communication about available mental health resources through campus-wide campaigns.
- Increase visibility of various support options to streamline help-seeking and reduce reliance on counselling centres.
2. Targeted Support for Equity-Deserving Groups:
- Advocate for culturally competent care and promote resource options tailored to the needs of diverse student populations.
3. Strategic Partnerships:
- Strengthen collaborations with off-campus mental health providers to expand service options and ensure seamless care transitions.
4. Ongoing Evaluation and Improvement:
- Engage in continuous collaborative evaluation with students and campus staff to identify and address common issues, such as service awareness and perceptions of care.
5. Implement Stepped Care Models:
- Adopt and promote stepped care approaches to provide tailored, early intervention, and efficient resource allocation, reducing stigma and improving accessibility.
Read the full report here.
Our Commitments
In collaboration with Jack.org staff, each Jack Chapter that participated in the CAT developed recommendations and next steps specific to their campus. These include building key strategic partnerships with counselling and wellness centres, student services, equity-seeking groups, and other student clubs. Jack Chapters also plan to collaborate with administrations to improve awareness and accessibility of resources, address wait times by improving staffing at counselling centres, and implement mandatory mental health training for professors.
Jack.org remains committed to supporting student mental health by providing data-driven insights and empowering students to advocate for change. The Campus Assessment Tool will continue to be a part of our work to foster healthier, more supportive campus environments across Canada.
If you are interested in bringing the CAT to your community, please contact chapters@jack.org.
Thank You to the Student Researchers
Jack.org would like to thank the Jack Chapter student researchers who completed the CAT on their campuses over the past three school years, 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24:
- Huron University College: Katelyn Matsumoto
- Western University: Gabrielle Geist
- Laurentian University: Nathalie Kashur
- Mount Allison University: Isabella Gallant, Zoë LindenSmith
- University of Calgary: Shaanzae Khan, Amna Idris, Ruaa Qaryaqos, Amirah Zaim, Lulya Kahsai
- Algonquin College (Ottawa campus): Stephanie Dejardin, Diamond Lee
- Dalhousie University: Isabel Oleschuk, Shizza Hassan, Ananya Toal
- University of British Columbia: Laura Wrighton, May Anne Cheok, Reanne Mitchell, Fareeha Asif
- University of Alberta: Alyssa Mae Domingo, Natascia Ciancibello, Hannah Sun, Saria James-Thomas
- University of Waterloo: Lama Abdallah, Bailey Grigg, Tay Miranda, Bristi Deb
- Memorial University of Newfoundland: Mohammed Roshan, Rufaro Mathemera, Mary Feltham
- University of Victoria: Nora Vincent-Braun
- Brock University: Michela Torchia, Stephanie Masur, Daniela Ramelli, Isamaris Escano
- University of Guelph: Malone Buckler, Kailyn Pereira, Romina Heydarinasab, Julia Moraes, Hanika Saini
The Campus Assessment Tool is made possible through the generous funding of Bell Let’s Talk, the Rossy Foundation, and Bank of America.