Listen to Students and Support Mental Health

As an alum, former administrator (Health Professions Advising, Athletics) and more recently a regular contributor to PAW (“The Whole Student”), I write to draw your readers’ attention to an excellent recent article in The Daily Princetonian: “Princeton wants to help students in mental health crises. Can it succeed?” by Raphaela Gold ’26.

First of all, to any alum who is interested in checking the campus pulse, I highly recommend an occasional scan of The Prince as a complement to reading PAW. It’s easy to assume that life on campus is just as we left it as students — but in actuality there are important differences, changes, and distinctions, and listening to the voices of current students is always instructive (and often inspiring.)

Perhaps no single challenge is as impactful, complicated, or critical as student mental health right now — for Princeton and campuses more generally. Gold’s article points to a number of key considerations which we, as concerned parents and alumni, should all pay attention to and find appropriate ways we might be supportive. To name a few:

• Compassionate campuses must strike a balance between flexibility for students experiencing mental health difficulties and adherence to the university’s educational purpose. Students want to feel seen and respected. College staff must make sure students are well enough to engage.

• Princeton has more resources than many of its peers, and has added features, programming, and benefits in response to growing needs. Still students don’t always feel they can trust the system, or feel satisfied with the support, and occasional wellness opportunities do not compensate for the toxic elements of campus culture. There has been progress on the finances of seeking support, but more work is needed.

• Communication is at the heart of the matter — in the face of tragedy and crisis, messages need to feel genuine, clear, and meet students where they are (including when they may be grieving). Faculty are essential communicators and need the training and skills to recognize and respond when they sense struggle. The res colleges are also well positioned to provide meaningful support.

• We must continue to explore models like the “Zero Suicide Approach” and engage national experts like the Jed Foundation. We all need to recognize mental health as an ongoing concern for our campus.

To Gold’s powerful points, I would add that as alumni, we should push for research and reflection on the root causes of college students’ distress — and wonder about a Princeton where joy is more palpable on campus year-round, not just when we return for Reunions.

Our university, like so many, is being tested by forces that could wreak unimaginable harm. As we stand up in defense of higher education, I hope we keep listening to what students like Raphaela Gold are telling us about mental health.