Students overwhelmingly want mental health days.
A Student Government Association survey found that most students support the policy that would that approve the days off as excused absences from class.
“There were over 800 positive results,” said Ava Lowe, the SGA senator representing the College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences, who introduced the idea. “What really inspired me was West Lafayette…. Their student government did it and succeeded, so I figured why not here.”
In September, the Purdue West Lafayette Student Government passed a bill to give students two mental health days per semester. However, instead of having students decide which days they can take off, the mental health days must be pre-decided.
If the plan is implemented, students would not be penalized for missing classes on account of well-being.
Lowe presented her recommendations to the Faculty Senate on March 14. The Senate is expected to vote on the proposal this semester.
“I’ve met with multiple departments, [and] I’ve … spoken with the dean of students just to talk about what their role would be if this were to be implemented,” Lowe said. “I’m hoping they hear me out and see this as an overall benefit rather than a ‘get-out-of-jail card’ because that is not what I’m trying to do. There’s going to be limits.”
Some faculty understand how students might benefit from a break.
“I think students often struggle multiple times throughout the semester,” said Toqa Hassan, who teaches Digital Media. “Not because of academics but because of external factors … like coronavirus, election cycles as well as anything else that’s going on. Also, with the increase of use of social media like TikTok and Instagram, I think there’s definitely an [increase in] mental health issues.”
Cathy Gillotti, chair of the Department of Communication and Creative Arts, agrees that mental health is a critical issue that must be addressed, but believes there are more logistical challenges to consider.
“I think there would have to be documentation,” she said. “If it’s an excused absence you have to have gone through the dean of students and provide documentation. I think a process like that would have to be in place so that students can’t just call it a mental health day when really they are just physically tired because they were out partying the night before.”
Despite concerns about potential implementation, both Hassan and Gillotti emphasized the significance of dealing with stress and mental health.
“I encourage my students to prioritize things that are important, that are urgent and to make time in between tasks to relax, rest and recharge,” said Hassan. “I also encourage students to take time just for themselves and dedicate some time throughout the day just for you.”
Gilloti agreed.
“Seek the resources that are here,” she said. “Use everything that is here for you because there are a ton of resources that are available…we have the counseling center, first year advisors as well as academic advisors.”
