SSMH TF Initial Charge

Owned by Anuradha Vedantham (Unlicensed)
Dec 19, 2023
2 min read

Approved by LSC 9/26/2023

Context: Princeton University’s leadership has focused on the need for increased support for student mental health in recent months. Conversations have included ideas for how library spaces and services can make a positive impact. In August 2022, the Program Director of TigerWell, Dr. Anne Laurita, presented to Library Administration Team (LAT) about collaboration opportunities. In September, the Director of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Dr. Calvin Chin, presented a workshop to library staff on techniques to respond to students in distress. A sub-group of LAT began meeting regularly with Anu Vedantham as the point person, and connected with the Peer Health Advisers program. Subsequent conversations led to the launch of “re-set” rooms in Firestone and Lewis libraries, as well as refinement of the end-of-semester study breaks and research / writing clinics.  

Charge

The SSMH TF will provide coordination and guidance for PUL’s efforts to support student mental health. Through focus groups, workshops and small group conversations, the TF will explore the current and potential practices of PUL that could have an impact on student mental health. Key outcomes include:

  1. A report with recommendations to LSC by May 2024 which will include a PUL-wide inventory of relevant practices. 

  2. At least two open theme-based meetings for all PUL staff to share insights with the TF

  3. At least two staff development programs on relevant topics for sub-groups of PUL staff

  4. At least four small-group conversations with campus stakeholders with notes shared on Confluence

 

Recommendations from the TF could include:

  1. Changes to spaces including furniture, and policies on usage

  2. Changes to library hours

  3. Changes to library services including hosting campus partners in library spaces

  4. Mechanisms to maintain strong communication with campus partners

Communication Expectations

INTERNAL (among the TF members)

  • Google Drive, Slack and email

 

For PUL Staff who attend meetings and staff development programs

  • Outlook invitations for meetings by request

  • Confluence and Google Drive for workflows and policies

  • Email announcements to libserv list for all meetings with LibCal RSVP process when feasible

 

EXTERNAL (among librarians, administration, and campus)

  • Report to LAT once a quarter.

  • Anyone can contribute suggestions and ideas to the group via email to any of the members.

Members

 

LSC Sponsors: Ufuoma Abiola and Wind Cowles

  • Anu Vedantham, DaRTS (co-chair)

  • Sara Howard, CAS (co-chair)

  • Steph Ayers, ODUL

  • Carol Houghton, CAS

  • Valencia Johnson, SanD

  • Ken Kraus, ODUL

  • Marissa Mozek, SanD

  • Kelee Pacion, DaRTS

  • Daina Wilpon, UL

Meeting Schedule

Open meetings for all PUL staff will take place on a reliable schedule with themes set for each meeting. Guest speakers may be appropriate for specific meetings. Meeting notes will be shared on Confluence within two weeks after each meeting.