Following acceptance into college, students are faced with even more challenges than expected. A culture shock to some, the admissions process doesn’t end with the acceptance letter. Applying to organizations is one of the most integral campus experiences. Whether it’s applications for further steps in one’s career or a social troupe to put yourself out there, student organizations can change the trajectory of your next few years.
Viewed as one of the most stressful aspects of each semester, it can lead to experiencing burnout later down the line. Organization and club application season takes a mental toll on students’ well-being, and these organizations should be held accountable for creating a possible toxic environment.
“We do have a mandatory safety education that all organization leaders have to go through,” said Aaron Voyles, executive director of student involvement in the Office of the Dean of Students.
On-campus initiatives are opportunities already in place to hold the University to high standards.
“We talk about reputational safety, emotional safety, including our mental health and our interpersonal wellness,” Voyles said.
The McCombs School of Business requires its presidents of student organizations to meet every month. During a meeting in January, undergraduate presidents opened up about the reality of the negative mental health impacts of student groups.
“As an officer, we do take a little bit more of a (mental) toll in terms of putting events up,” said Manuel Ayala, president of the Hispanic Business Student Association. “But again, it comes with that sacrifice. Most of the officers become officers to give back to the organization because (that was done) for us as underclassmen.”
McCombs released a survey asking members how their organization has impacted their mental health. It created an open space for student leaders to voice their opinions and concerns, a significant step forward in promoting a safer, more productive community. This is something that more colleges should strive to follow, as student leaders are the backbone of university life.
“A lot of students and other presidents in the room had the same thoughts and feelings about the concept of work culture and what concerns there are to mental health,” said Maahika Saini, finance and BHP junior and president of the University Stock Investments Team.
Transitioning into college can be overwhelming with the workload and rigor associated with academics, positions and daily life. According to the National College Health Assessment, 80% of undergraduate students feel stressed about these issues. Additionally, 40% of students find that this stress makes it difficult to function and causes significant problems such as depression and anxiety.
Colleges should make it their duty to remain cognizant of their students, especially the organizations that set the foundation for many undergraduate experiences.
“When students get involved in some way on campus, they have a better experience across the board,” said Voyles. “It’s also OK if the first thing you get involved with isn’t your thing.”
By normalizing and requiring frequent wellness checks and promoting mental health resources, schools can have a more overarching view of their student population — and effectively aid services to benefit their community best.
“When in doubt, if you get with the Office of Dean of Students, we will figure out where to route it,” said Voyles. “It can be hard to know where to go. If we can help figure out how to shepherd that in the right way, that’s what we want to be able to do.”
Apuda is a journalism freshman from The Woodlands, Texas.
