For undergraduates studying psychology, it can be a challenge to find an extracurricular activity relating to their major. Jen Segula, a senior studying psychology, decided to fix this problem at Ohio University by co-founding a group called Students Overcoming Stigma last year.
While working in the sexual assault lab at Porter Hall, Segula spoke with a graduate student about the need for a student advocacy group for mental health resources on campus.
We talked about it and decided it would be a good idea since there is no organization on campus that does that
said Segula, president of SOS.
The goal of the group is to provide accurate information to students about the psychological services offered on campus through promotions at Baker University Center and programs like relaxation sessions.
As peer mediators, members of SOS are limited in providing counseling for students.
If someone broke down we know that ethically we aren't trained to do that Segula said. In these situations, students are often referred to counselors-in-residence.
Although the group works with Counseling and Psychological Services, its funding, which pays for promotional materials and conference costs, comes from membership dues, fundraisers and donations from outside sources, said Derek Zeigler, vice president of SOS and a junior studying psychology.
This year, SOS has promoted the Well Being Plan, which includes 13 free individualized counseling sessions in addition to the walk-in services already provided at Hudson, as another mental health resource.
During Winter Quarter, 48 percent of OU students were enrolled in the Well Being Plan compared to 45 percent in Fall Quarter. Ninety percent of students who use Counseling and Psychological Services are enrolled in the plan, said Jacqueline Legg, interim director of Student Health Services.
The Well Being Plan costs $40, but can be waived from student accounts.
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Culture
Gina Edwards
