The report also outlined improved methods for disseminating information, including cards given to each incoming first-year listing their adviser, PCP, mental health resource person and other resources.

“In this instance...redundancy is good,” the draft report said of outreach efforts.

The report noted the potential usefulness of structures already present within residential Houses, but stressed a need to ensure that these options are used consistently.

“The residential house system is a potentially invaluable resource to the students,” the draft report stated. “Inconsistency across the houses is great and a cause of frustration to students.”

The report found that the strength of the connections between Houses and mental health professionals also varies, in part, due to level of interest of House tutors and masters, and said that it should be improved.

A pilot program to increase education and support for tutors interested in specializing in mental health and wellness was also suggested in the report, along with increased training coordinated with sexual assault and alcohol education.

The report noted that even among peer counseling groups designed to aid students with mental health concerns, information about services available through the school is “not consistently known” and recommended more stable mentoring and supervision of these groups.

Among graduate students, knowledge of MHS and the Bureau’s services is also inconsistent and should be improved though the establishment of a working group.

“Some [graduate schools] have very well established mental health and academic support services, while others have virtually none,” the report stated.

The draft report also said that most international students, who represent 25 to 50 percent of the graduate student body, “find the process of adaptation very challenging” and that efforts to “demystify” UHS and ease the transition must be implemented.

The report concluded that moving forward, Barreira should convene an advisory group composed of students, faculty, administrators, residential staff, and academic support and mental health practitioners to keep him informed about mental health on campus and to vet new options to improve the system.

STAFF CHECKUPS

While the task force advocates increased awareness, it also recognizes the need to reexamine its existing staff.

The February interim report recommended that Bureau staff members become credentialed as clinicians through UHS, so that the Bureau can participate in professional peer review—a step that has began this spring.

Besides providing credentials to as many clinicians as possible, the administration has taken steps to begin beefing up staff levels.