Widener University students Anna Dunn and Michaela Kolenkiewicz came together during the 2019 summer research program to work on a single research theme focused around facilitating difficult conversations about mental health on college campuses, and providing tools for people who need guidance on where to turn to help troubled individuals. They formed a team with communications Professor Angie Corbo, who co-leads the summer research program. They proposed introducing a resource tool available through the university’s myWidener intranet portal in which people could enter a key word that would generate a list of linked mental health resources at the university and beyond.
From the Judges
We liked the simplicity of this campaign, and that students were the driving force in the creation of the initiative. This could easily become a national model for other institutions. We love the creation of a digital tool to grant easy access to those who are vulnerable and those who want to assist them. The related communications, promotions and stress-reducing events add to stakeholder engagement, empathy, and ability to reach students. This is an elegant solution to a problem all college campuses face.
