2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

This paper reviews the mental health crisis among college students, describes a mental health unit in a first-year civil engineering seminar course, and shares student views. The mental health unit presented the data on the prevalence of mental health issues reported by students, in an effort to reduce the stigma that sometimes accompanies mental health. The eight dimensions of wellness were presented. Students were asked to reflect on their own mental health during the semester and explore their own activities to support their personal well-being. An unexpected finding was that a number of students discussed the positive role of watching college football games. Cheering for the home football team in the outdoor stadium fulfills 4 dimensions of self-care: it takes their mind off their studies, it is a social time and shared experience while providing fresh air and exercise. The results align with the team identification social psychological health model and previous research on belonging, a cathartic release of tension, changes in mood, and elevated heart rate. Football games also provide an example of resilience and fighting back from adversity. There are no easy solutions to the mental health crisis among college students, but including a short assignment in a first-year course may help reduce stigma and encourage students to reflect on positive actions they can take. Faculty should consider whether our students view us as their coaches, refs, or the opposing team. We can combat the stress culture of engineering by encouraging students to engage in leisure activities outside of school to provide a life balance that supports their well-being.