The Fall 2024 Provost’s Ethics Colloquium, held on October 29, focused on mental health in higher education, featuring a keynote address by Katie Rose Guest Pryal, an expert in mental health and neurodiversity from the University of North Carolina School of Law. Pryal, who has published a book titled *A Light in the Tower: A New Reckoning with Mental Health in Higher Education*, discussed the significance of understanding and supporting mental health within academic institutions.
Keynote Address by Katie Rose Guest Pryal
Pryal’s presentation covered various topics, including neurodiversity, mental health challenges, and the stigma often associated with these issues in academic settings. She proposed a redefinition of mental health as neurodiversity, describing it as normal variations in human neurological function that encompass developmental and acquired neurodivergences, such as ADHD, autism, depression, and PTSD.
Three-Step Framework for Supporting Neurodivergent Individuals
To cultivate a supportive environment for neurodivergent individuals, Pryal put forth a three-step framework comprising: 1) acceptance to decrease stigma, 2) inclusion to actively integrate neurodivergent individuals into communities, and 3) accessibility that goes beyond basic accommodations to establish welcoming environments.
The Role of Accessibility in Mental Health
In discussing accessibility, Pryal highlighted its critical role in facilitating participation by all individuals from the outset. She emphasized that building accessible spaces relies on establishing trust among faculty, staff, and students. Pryal recommended that educators prioritize supportive classroom environments that foster peer engagement over punitive measures.
Panel Discussion and Actions for the CSU Community
Following her keynote, a panel discussion explored actionable steps to enhance support for faculty, staff, and students within the Colorado State University (CSU) community. Participants emphasized the need for flexibility and adaptability in educational frameworks to meet diverse student needs while maintaining personal boundaries for faculty well-being.
Recognition of CSU’s Mental Health Initiatives
The discussion also included CSU’s recent recognition by The Princeton Review as one of only 16 institutions nationwide included in its 2025 Mental Health Services Honor Roll, which underscores the university’s commitment to improving mental health services. Christina Berg, director of Health Education and Prevention Services at CSU, remarked that this honor reflects the ongoing efforts and initiatives aimed at promoting mental health and well-being in academic contexts.
Conclusion: Moving Towards a Positive Mental Health Culture
The colloquium has initiated further dialogue regarding the establishment of a positive culture around mental health and the enhancement of institutional support systems to cultivate a more compassionate and understanding academic community.
(Source: Colorado State University)
