Report warns of growing demand for UW counseling
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A new report says the number of students seeking mental health services on University of Wisconsin campuses is increasing but staffing levels are not.
The report warns the wait for services is likely to increase if campuses do not add more counselors or find ways to better manage their existing workers. Already, most students have to wait a week to get an appointment in non-urgent cases.
The report done by the UW System Office of Operations Review and Audit will be presented to the Board of Regents next week.
The review found more than 9,500 students received counseling services in the 2006-2007 school year on 11 campuses where data was available. Three campuses reported a more than 40 percent increase in students seeking services since 2002-2003.
Aug 16, 2008 at 4:35 p.m.
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Life grows more complex each passing day. In addition, colleges have become increasingly harder over the last few decades and the absolute requirement of an education in the private sector puts more stress on students to perform. The problem I see in the counseling system is that for many times of the year it is quite slow. However, during highest stressor times of the year (final exams, registration, etc.) demand outweighs the ability of counselors to help. In my opinion it would be more productive to have a mandatory group meeting with a counselor for new students at the beginning of the semester. As a result, students could ask questions and the counselor could explain the rigors of student life. Consequently, this will leave the counselors more open during the rest of the semester for more serious cases and may not require as much additional staff.
Aug 15, 2008 at 10 p.m.
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Waiting a week for a "non-emergency" appointment is better than what they are going to get in the private sector. Is this another excuse to raise tuition?
Aug 15, 2008 at 3:55 p.m.
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Once a person seeks help, it is absolutely necessary for the help to be there ASAP.
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