Student Mental Health Policy

Student Mental Health Policy 1.1 1.2Issued: October 2013 1.3Next review: October 2018 1.4 1.5

1.6 Policy Statement

1.7 The University recognises that mental health conditions are becoming more common and complex in society, and that behaviour associated with certain conditions may pose difficulties not only for the individual but also for other members of the campus community. The University is committed to providing a supportive environment for the holistic development of students, including the care of their mental health and wellbeing. 1.8

1.9 Purpose

1.10 The purpose of this Policy is to provide information about: a) Provision of medical and non-medical mental health services b) Mental health educational resources c) Confidentiality of information related to a student’s mental health 1.11

1.12 Applicability

1.13 This Policy is applicable to all NTU students. This Policy and the associated Procedures shall apply in all circumstances, except when confidentiality requirements mandate otherwise. 1.14

1.15 Definitions

1.16 The following terms shall, in the context of this document, have the meanings as provided below: 1.1.1 Mental Health: A state of wellbeing in which the individual can cope with the normal stresses of life, study and work productively, realise his/ her abilities and make positive contributions to the community. 1.1.2 Mental Health Condition: A diagnosable state or illness which changes a person’s normal thinking, emotion or behaviour, and disrupts the person’s ability to study, work or carry on his/ her usual personal relationships. 1.1.3 Confidential Policy: A policy that deals with a matter of sensitive or personal nature and deems such a matter inappropriate for wide circulation. 1.1.4 Confidentiality: The University Code of Conduct on Confidentiality and Privacy mandates that restricted information be treated with due respect for its sensitivity, secrecy or confidentiality, and in compliance with all applicable laws and agreements and the

1 University’s policies and principles pertaining to the use, protection and disclosure of such information. 1.1.5 Student: Any person who is currently enrolled in a part-time or full-time programme of study at NTU. 1.1.6 Counselling: Within the context of the University, counselling is an interactive learning process of addressing students’ intimate concerns, issues or behaviours facilitated by a professionally-trained counsellor within a private and confidential setting. 1.1.7 Pastoral Care: Within the context of the University, pastoral care is the holistic approach of personal care and support provided by adequately-trained staff to help students connect with their personal, University and community resources within or outside the campus. 1.1.8 At-Risk Behaviour: Behaviour or actions that pose an imminent risk to personal safety or that of members of the University community or the community at large. 1.1.9 NTU Healthcare Professionals: NTU Medical Centre physicians, NTU professional counsellors, and other professionally trained healthcare service providers employed by, or that have their services contracted by, the University.

1.17 Policy

1.18 Provision of medical and non-medical mental health services 1.1.10 The University provides students with medical services at the NTU Medical Centre (NTUMC). The NTUMC medical practitioners may provide referrals to national healthcare institutions and hospitals for specialist assessment and/or treatment. 1.1.11 The University provides students with non-medical health services to support mental health including: mentorship, academic advising and pastoral care services at the School level; mentoring and pastoral care support services at the Halls of Residence; and professional counselling services and other support services at the Student Wellbeing Centre (SWC). For information about the roles of campus community members in supporting general student health and wellbeing, refer to the Policy on Campus Community Approach to Student Health and Wellbeing.

1.19 Mental health educational resources 1.1.12 The University believes that good mental health is key for a fulfilling university life, and that educating students about mental health and mental health issues will result in positive outcomes for individuals and the university community at large. The University shall collate and make readily accessible relevant and comprehensive educational resources about: a) mental health wellbeing; b) mental health issues and conditions arising from university life, studies, communal living and personal relationships; c) identification of potential mental health issues and conditions in oneself and others; d) mental health services available to students.

2 These materials are intended to help educate students about mental health, identification of mental health issues and to remove the stigma associated with mental health issues. As mental health is closely related to physical and social health, the University shall make available information on and provide opportunities for students to participate in activities that promote a healthy lifestyle such as sports, recreational and social activities. In addition, the University shall make available information about maintaining good nutrition, sleep habits, and measures to manage the stresses of university life and improve overall personal resilience.

1.20 Confidentiality of information related to a student’s mental health 1.1.13 The University shall respect and regard all information related to a student’s mental health with strict confidentiality. Such information shall only be used to assist the student to receive appropriate treatment and professional help in order for the student to maintain and/or regain their mental health. 1.1.14 Students with mental health concerns and conditions will most likely not seek assistance from mental health service providers unless they are assured of confidentiality. The University shall respect and regard all information provided by each student with strict confidentiality unless withholding such information poses an immediate danger to the student or others. 1.21

1.22 Responsible Parties and Contact Information

1.23 Policy Owner: Associate Provost (Student Life) 1.24 Responsible Office: Student Affairs Office 1.25 Consulted Parties: Student Wellbeing Centre, Office of Academic Services 1.26 1.27 For clarification on this policy, please contact: 1.28 Name 1.29 Designation 1.30 Email 1.31 Tel ephon e 1.32 Lok Tat 1.33 Director of Students 1.34 [email protected] 1.35 679 Seng 0 5152 1.36