Collaborations for Change: Connecting Research and Practice in Post-Secondary Mental Health
The idea of bridging the gap between research and practice has been around for many years and exists in various sectors. This is no different for mental health in post-secondary education. Although many post-secondary institutions are using evidence-based mental health services, practices and programs, evaluation of these services at post-secondary institutions is sometimes lacking, given limited resources. The potential for collection of rich data exists on post-secondary campuses and in student samples, which can be leveraged to inform campus mental health. The research literature in post-secondary mental health is relatively sparse and not commensurate to the attention this topic receives in the public and media. The recent launch of the National Standard for Mental Health and Well-being for Post-Secondary Students provides a backdrop for the integration of research and practice on post-secondary campuses. Opportunities for collaborations between researchers and clinical providers can fill this gap, especially as new partnerships between faculty and service providers to support post-secondary student mental health are becoming more prevalent.
This Conference will bring post-secondary student, service professionals, mental health providers, and researchers together to have meaningful conversations on how to best to move forward to integrate research and practice in post-secondary mental health. Students, whether working towards careers in academia or in professional practice, are vital for informing and sustaining collaborations as we move forward.
You Are Welcome Here
Equity, diversity, inclusion, and access are principles essential to advancing campus mental health efforts. The Collaborations for Change conference organizers, committee members and partners are committed to upholding and safeguarding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion, and access in our conference environments. We want every conference participant to feel welcome and valued.
We all share responsibility for creating a safe, respectful, and harassment and discrimination-free conference environment for everyone involved regardless of age, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, nationality, ability, language or language proficiency, religious beliefs, or other identities / social location.
To promote the goals of equity, diversity, inclusion, and access, the Collaborations for Change conference, organizing committee and partners will:
Work to remove the barriers that limit equitable access to conference participation for all members, with considerations for traditionally underrepresented and marginalized groups.
Continue to review conference policies and processes (formal and informal) through an equity lens and review processes to identify unconscious bias.
Thank you for your commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and access. We welcome your questions or comments at info@collaborationsforchange.ca.
