Impacts on Faculty and Staff Mental Health within a University

Raylyn Garner

Those who work with college students have seen the emotional impact that COVID-19 created for young adults. For instance, in one study conducted at Texas A&M, 91% of student respondents reported pandemic-related worry, many exhibiting significant increases in anxiety and depression as well (Son et al, 2020). Universities are working hard to address students’ mental health concerns, but faculty and staff mental health should also be considered. University faculty and staff members work daily with students to council them on academics and personal wellness. They, too, have experienced intense stress caused by the pandemic and the changing needs of their students. For faculty and staff to meet students’ mental health needs, they must first ensure their own wellbeing. Thus, an investment in faculty-staff mental health is by extension an investment in their knowledge and emotional resources for serving students. Without such an investment, universities are likely to see increased turnover among employees, high levels of burnout, and decreased ability to help students.