Georgia Southern’s work toward stronger mental health services began in 2020 when they partnered with the JED Campus Program to ensure that students are getting the services they need.

JED is a program that works with the Healthy Minds Institute at the University of Michigan to conduct their baseline assessments of campus climate and then their final assessment, according to Dr. Caldwell, a licensed psychologist and executive director of the Georgia Southern Counseling Center.

“Healthy Minds is one of the leading sources of research into student mental health on college campuses in the country,” Dr. Caldwell explained. “JED facilitated the building of a truly campus-wide interdisciplinary team that was focused on studying our strengths and growth areas, then worked to improve our mental health focus in every way possible.” 

JED has accomplished many of its goals on campus. Dr. Caldwell shared, “Some of the pieces that I was most excited to see the team accomplish involved the formalization of policies that allow for mental health/medical leaves of a sense, the initiation of regular environmental scans to ensure that our facilities are the safest possible, and the expansion of peer to peer support services on campus.” 

According to the JED Campus Executive Summary Report of 2024, “Georgia Southern has demonstrated an impressive commitment to promoting student mental health and well-being, showcasing strong leadership in fostering a supportive campus environment.” It is evident as shown from a survey that “83% of students agree that administration is listening to the concerns of students around health and wellness.” 

This is an 11% increase since 2020. Dr. Caldwell explained that the survey was allocated randomly to a large sample of students in 2020, and then the same survey was re-administered again in 2024. 

After four years of strategic planning, data collecting, and analysis, the study was completed. The report shows a record of data from students, and it reads as follows:

JED will continue its work on the Georgia Southern campus. “The team is creating a strategic plan for the upcoming years so that we can maintain our successes and continue to build upon them,” said Dr. Caldwell. 

Students are encouraged to reach out for assistance at any time if needed.  “Students have at their disposal an incredible network of resources to help improve their mental health — there is something for everyone!” Dr. Caldwell exclaimed. 

Dr. Caldwell highlighted, “The spirit of JED is that the mental health of our community is the responsibility of every part of our community — it does not lie solely within the counseling center.”