Does Monmouth need more health resources?

Many students know about the University’s mental health resources through Counseling and Prevention Services (CPS) and the Health Center on the Residential side of campus. Even though CPS offers eight free sessions to students per semester and the Health Center offers services like STD testing and other health related needs for sickness, are there truly enough resources offered on this campus? Could Monmouth use more?

In regard to CPS’s resources, one editor said, “I think the services Monmouth provides to students are good! I’ve never personally used any mental health resources, but I’ve heard great things form my peers about them!”

Another editor commented, “The recent US News and World Report ranking has Monmouth at #13 nationally for mental health services. I feel CPS is open and available to all students.”

“I believe that the University has pretty good mental health resources. I know where they are located and briefly what kind of services they provide but I don’t know a whole bunch about it. What CPS offers students was stressed to me during freshman year orientation but I haven’t heard much about it since,” one editor emphasized.

Many universities, like The College of William & Mary for example, have built an entire health center dedicated to mental and physical health needs. While Monmouth has a small Health Center, only open during the weekdays, they do not offer an on-campus pharmacy, student health groups, or 24/7 emergency care. By having a larger Health Center, students do not have to find a way to get resources or care off campus.

One editor thinks, “Considering the tuition at this school is pretty pricey, I don’t see why not [adding a larger Health Center].”
“I absolutely think Monmouth should invest in a Health Center with more focused resources on mental health. Mental health is still super forgotten in our society and there’s so many stigmas and misinformation in regards to how everyone should be going about seeking guidance,” one editor said.

Another editor commented, “It is much easier for students if these [an on campus pharmacy] resources are on their campus. Instead of having to travel and take time out of their already busy schedules to seek help, they can have it provided on campus.”

One editor believes the resources on this campus are great for our size, “For our size, having both the Health Center and CPS serve as effective tools for students physical and mental health.”
The resources on this campus could be limited due to funding and overall size of the University; however, some editors found that the resources the University has to offer are not said enough throughout their years here.

“I’m not educated enough on the mental health resources provided on campus to speak on that. However, I do think the Health Center is a great resource to students, but it cannot be used to its fullest potential because of its limited resources,” one editor shared.
One editor emphasized, “I think a lot of students are unaware of these services and it only benefits us to be aware of what we have access to.”

An editor also believes the University is focusing on other tasks, “I think the school just needs to pay more attention to these resources rather than, let’s say, hanging a large banner outside of the student center.”

The editors also weighed in on what the University should add in order for students to utilize its resources.
“I would love for Monmouth to add a weekend clinic for students to visit if they need any health-related services on Saturdays or Sundays,” one editor said.

Another editor said, “I would like if they [the University] added a bigger Rec center to play sports with friends. For example, I don’t understand why the basketball teams often practice on the same courts that students use to play for fun with friends. Often times the courts they offer for students (only 2) are not open.”

Another editor commented, “I would like to see Monmouth bring more awareness to the student body of what resources are available. I don’t know exactly what services I can receive as a student and I feel like if I knew more, I would be more likely to utilize them.”
With countless hours of studying, mental and physical health is crucial to any college student. It is extremely important that students put our mind and body first. By having more resources, or bringing awareness to what the University has to offer, college students can thrive.