EMU Today

YPSILANTI—Eastern Michigan University’s “Building a Community of Caring” task force is taking bold steps to support student mental health through innovative programs and campus-wide initiatives that promote emotional well-being and help students cope with everyday challenges.

“The goal of ‘Building a Community of Caring’ is to create a campus where students feel valued, connected, and empowered to navigate academic, social, and emotional challenges,” said Ron Flowers, chair of the Mental Health Task Force.

Launched in 2023, the task force has implemented multiple initiatives to strengthen student well-being. One is the “Brown Bag Speaker Series,” where speakers discuss how mental health problems impact everyone, from students of color to members of the LGBTQ+ community. Another is “Building a Caring Classroom Learning Community,” which helps instructors create a classroom environment that supports students' well-being and mental health.

Other initiatives targeted for the end of April 2025 include:

• A Centralized Mental Health and Wellness Webpage – A hub featuring mental health resources, educational videos, clinical services, and faculty support.
• Wellness Wednesday on the Eagle App – A weekly initiative sharing wellness tips, campus events, and self-care activities.
• Faculty Development Center Mini-Grants – Funding for faculty to integrate mental health programming into their courses.
• Serenity Spaces – Quiet areas on campus for students to decompress and manage stress.

The need for such initiatives is currently in high demand. According to the Mayo Clinic Health System, 15% of college students experience serious suicidal thoughts, while 44% report symptoms of depression—yet 75% hesitate to seek help.

“A student’s academic ability is directly tied to their mental health and well-being,” said  Kati Lebioda, professor in EMU’s Department of Leadership and Counseling and member of the task force. “When we support students holistically, we’re not just helping them succeed in college—we’re equipping them with the resilience and skills they need for life beyond the classroom."

The “Building a Community of Caring” initiative, led by Flowers in collaboration with the JED Foundation, is backed by a $50,000 grant from the Flinn Foundation. In addition to expanding resources, the task force aims to shift campus culture, making well-being a core focus for students, faculty, and staff.

“This isn’t just about resources—it’s about building a lasting culture of care,” Flowers said.

For more information about “Building a Community of Caring,” visit the webpage or email We_Care@emich.edu.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, EMU is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves nearly 13,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.