Talia Vescio, Courtney Walshe, Rachel Blance-Palmer
{"title":"A Wellbeing Specialist Case Management Service Providing Support to Students in a University Setting","authors":"Talia Vescio, Courtney Walshe, Rachel Blance-Palmer","doi":"10.30688/janzssa.2023-1-04","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.30688/janzssa.2023-1-04","url":null,"abstract":"Development of the Student Wellbeing Connect (SWBC) service was a response to increased student support needs in the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Due to the government-imposed restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, students often faced complex psychosocial and wellbeing issues (Dodd et al., 2021). Two years on from its inception, the case management service has become a core component of La Trobe University’s Student Health, Wellbeing and Inclusion services responding to the complex and compounding factors that can impact the wellbeing and success of university students. Varying psychosocial needs can underly a student’s presentation to a counselling service; thus, the case management service complements the counsellor’s role by providing practical-based interventions. The focus of the service on practical issues has provided an alternative support model for students who do not identify as primarily requiring mental health or counselling support. This has opened service provision to a broader cohort of students. Using a multi-disciplinary, strength-based, and person-centred case management approach, students work collaboratively with Wellbeing Coordinators to identify internal and external supports to address their needs through psychosocial assessments and implementation of goal-focused planning. SWBC acts as a safety net within the university setting if/when psychosocial difficulties are impacting the student’s experience, academic performance, and wellbeing. This paper will outline the operational and service provision framework for providing case management to tertiary students.","PeriodicalId":39085,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Australian and New Zealand Student Services Association","volume":"18 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"72540760","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Developing Staff Referral Pathways to Aid in Proactive Management and Maintenance of Student Health and Wellbeing","authors":"Sarah Power","doi":"10.30688/janzssa.2022-1-05","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.30688/janzssa.2022-1-05","url":null,"abstract":"The escalation of the COVID-19 situation throughout 2021 saw a dramatic increase in the number of ad-hoc referrals and requests submitted to the Student Health and Wellbeing (SHW) team at La Trobe University. While the SHW team was pleased to be receiving these referrals and requests, the incomplete nature of many of the requests made it incredibly difficult for them to follow up. A standardised form was developed to better enable non-clinical and all university staff to request consultations, make referrals, and effectively hand over students of concern to the SHW team for wellbeing support. Although a challenge to develop appropriately, this form has seen enormous success and has improved service delivery and capacity to an unprecedented level. Although somewhat counterintuitive, by standardising the requests and referrals process, the team were better able to deliver non-standard, individualised support for the at-risk and distressed students who required it.","PeriodicalId":39085,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Australian and New Zealand Student Services Association","volume":"18 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-12-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"81707615","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Brett Perozzi, Lisa Bardill Moscaritolo, Birgit Schreiber, T. Luescher
{"title":"Student Affairs and Services Mediates the Context for Students’ Living, Learning, and Development: Lessons from COVID-19","authors":"Brett Perozzi, Lisa Bardill Moscaritolo, Birgit Schreiber, T. Luescher","doi":"10.30688/janzssa.2022-1-03","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.30688/janzssa.2022-1-03","url":null,"abstract":"This study presents findings from a survey implemented in May 2020 on responses to COVID-19 by Student Affairs and Services (SAS) practitioners around the world. Conducted by researchers from Germany, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States, the survey yielded 781 valid responses. Results show the involvement of SAS practitioners in COVID-19 institutional decision-making, actions taken during the pandemic, and the critical impact SAS had on different student groups and universities located in different contexts. The research demonstrates how SAS mediated the impacts of differently constituted public domains and sociocultural contexts on students and how SAS responded to diverse student needs. Based on the data, we outline a model for understanding SAS’s broader engagement with students in various contexts to enable conditions that promote student persistence and success.","PeriodicalId":39085,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Australian and New Zealand Student Services Association","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-12-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"83663256","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Psychological Distress and Help-seeking Behaviour: Chinese International Students in New Zealand","authors":"Kelly Atherton, Jon Cornwall","doi":"10.30688/janzssa.2022-1-04","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.30688/janzssa.2022-1-04","url":null,"abstract":"With high numbers of Chinese international tertiary students worldwide, it is important that institutions understand how best to establish environments that support positive mental health in this student group. This study used a mixed methods approach via an online survey to explore levels of psychological distress, help-seeking preferences, and engagement with counselling among Chinese international students at a New Zealand university. Findings support existing literature showing that Chinese international tertiary students experience high levels of distress and under-utilise counselling and other campus services, while the relationship between students and family is an important consideration to assist in mitigating psychological distress. Culturally appropriate interventions are needed to improve the wellbeing, and aid the integration, of Chinese students to their host country and educational environment.","PeriodicalId":39085,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Australian and New Zealand Student Services Association","volume":"5 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-12-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"74977930","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Support for Students who have Experienced Bullying Because of their Race or Ethnicity","authors":"Ulani Kan, Emma-Jayne Tse, M. Clark, V. Green","doi":"10.30688/janzssa.2022-1-02","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.30688/janzssa.2022-1-02","url":null,"abstract":"Individuals may be victimised for a range of reasons, including their ethnicity or race. These experiences can have a significant impact on individuals’ health, wellbeing, and educational opportunities. However, despite the intersectionality of racism and bullying, it is a relatively under-researched topic in the tertiary sector. This pilot study utilises the student voice of 13 tertiary students who identified with one or more ethnic minority. The study aimed to understand how educational institutions can provide better support to students who have experienced bullying at secondary school or university. Approximately half of the participants had sought support from friends and parents after bullying incidents. They highlighted the importance of having their experiences taken seriously by individuals who were empathetic and culturally sensitive. Conversely, a dismissive and insensitive response reinforced their belief that there was no point in seeking help, as nothing would change. These preliminary findings could inform educational policies to increase the efficacy of support systems for tertiary (and secondary) students of ethnic minorities in New Zealand.","PeriodicalId":39085,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Australian and New Zealand Student Services Association","volume":"46 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-12-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"86540067","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Perceptions of students’ counselling experience with intern counsellors within a tertiary education setting: A thematic analysis.","authors":"S. Forman, Katrina Andrews","doi":"10.30688/JANZSSA.2021.1.03","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.30688/JANZSSA.2021.1.03","url":null,"abstract":"Mental health decline and psychological distress is rising among tertiary students’ worldwide andis now recognised internationally as an important public health issue.There is a growing demand for campus-based counselling services as evidence suggests that providing on-campus counselling support can significantly support student mental health and wellbeing. In addition, there is a symbiotic demand for counselling students to have the opportunity to integrate their skills through practice with clients. With the increasing demand for universities and tertiary institutes to provide counselling support, the use of graduate level trainees to deliver counselling services could provide an innovative and effective model to cope with high demand in a cost-efficient way. This qualitative research explores the perceptions of students who have sought counselling, delivered by trainee counsellors within a tertiary education setting. A thematic analysis was used to interpret the data from anonymous, semi-structured survey questions. Three predominate themes were identified; 1) positive experiences of counselling were connected directly to the relationship and positive regard that the counsellor fostered; 2) the counselling process supported the clients’ autonomy, self-determination and resilience and 3) despite nervousness, clients were surprised by the perceived positive benefits of counselling. A fourth theme identified that a minority of clients need a more experienced therapist to support their needs. This study demonstrated that counselling services delivered by trainee counsellors was perceived as helpful by the majority of students and has implications for improving practice and service availability through the use of trainees within university counselling services.","PeriodicalId":39085,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Australian and New Zealand Student Services Association","volume":"1 1","pages":"59-73"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-05-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"76203286","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Whatever it takes: Maintaining student engagement and wellbeing in unprecedented times.","authors":"Laura Burge, Angelica Klein-Boonschate","doi":"10.30688/JANZSSA.2021.1.04","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.30688/JANZSSA.2021.1.04","url":null,"abstract":"When COVID-19 impacted Australia earlier this year, student accommodation providers found themselves in the most challenging operating environment imaginable. Deakin Residential Services (DRS) rapidly adapted to the continually changing landscape, taking a ‘whatever it takes’ approach to supporting students across all four of Deakin University’s campuses. Adopting a focus on ensuring members of our community were supported, engaged and informed, DRS instigated ongoing one on one welfare checks with every resident, and introduced a new wellbeing model tailored to support students through life ‘out of the ordinary;’ facilitated a comprehensive suite of virtual programs to foster community and responsibly engage students in a COVID-safe manner, and leveraged technology to keep students informed, manage expectations, and demonstrably ensure understanding, compliance and active support for key safety messages. This paper will share further details regarding this three-part strategy, exploring aspects which have been found to be silver-linings and likely to remain part of our operation post-pandemic, along with discussing some of the challenges and opportunities which have arisen throughout 2020. The authors will highlight key elements which are transferable, not only to other student accommodation providers, but also to those supporting the broader student experience within higher education.","PeriodicalId":39085,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Australian and New Zealand Student Services Association","volume":"4 1","pages":"52-58"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-05-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"79846340","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
G. Oswald, R. DuVivier, Samantha Wood, Tiffany S. Freeman
{"title":"Surviving and thriving at a UK university through a minority lens.","authors":"G. Oswald, R. DuVivier, Samantha Wood, Tiffany S. Freeman","doi":"10.30688/JANZSSA.2021.1.05","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.30688/JANZSSA.2021.1.05","url":null,"abstract":"Higher education institutions around the globe are focussedon creating inclusive environments for all students. Initiatives are being crafted to assist marginalised students to obtain better outcomes in key metrics such as enrolment rates, retention rates, graduation rates, and resultant employability statistics. This article presents findings from a quantitative study conducted at a large research university in the United Kingdom that examined factors that impacted the persistence and engagement levels ofBlack and Minority Ethnic students. The study examined such factors as resilience, challenges, persistence, decision-making, student support, communications and feelings of belonging.Significant differences were found among Black, Asian, White and Other minority groups on multiple factors contributing to persistence and engagement. Recommendations for practice change in university operations, specifically Student Affairs and Academic Affairs, are offered.","PeriodicalId":39085,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Australian and New Zealand Student Services Association","volume":"16 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-05-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"81542279","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Exploring the challenges and opportunities for improving the health and wellbeing of international students: Perspectives of international students.","authors":"D. Newton, A. Tomyn, A. Lamontagne","doi":"10.30688/JANZSSA.2021.1.02","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.30688/JANZSSA.2021.1.02","url":null,"abstract":"This study sought to explore the challenges and opportunities for improving the health and wellbeing of international students through in-depth interviews with 21 international students at an Australian University. Interviews explored 1) conceptualisation of health and wellbeing, 2) perceptionsof the most significant health and wellbeing issues for international students, and 3) the barriers to international students accessing campus-based services for health and wellbeing concerns. Almost all international students viewed health and wellbeing as a state encompassing both physical and mental/emotional health. Key challenges included mental health, lack of social support, academic stressors, financial pressures, and accommodation concerns. Barriers to accessing university support services included cultural stigma, language barriers, waiting periods to access services, and not knowing how or where to access support within the university. The implications of these findings and suggested strategies for improving the health and wellbeing of international students are discussed.","PeriodicalId":39085,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Australian and New Zealand Student Services Association","volume":"78 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-05-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"83082864","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Comparing online cognitive behavioural therapy versus online positive psychotherapy, well-being theory (PERMA)on test anxiety of online learning students: A randomised control study.","authors":"Fataneh Alibak, Morteza Alibak","doi":"10.30688/JANZSSA.2021.1.08","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.30688/JANZSSA.2021.1.08","url":null,"abstract":"This study aims to compare the efficacy of test anxiety interventions using internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and internet-based positive psychotherapy (PERMA model). Changes in test anxiety responses were evaluated in 48 online postgraduate students who met diagnostic criteria based on DSM-5 and were randomly assigned to three treatment groups: internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (n=16), internet-based positive psychotherapy (n=16) and a control group (n=16) over three phases: pre-test, post-test and follow-up. Assessments included a self-report questionnaire and a diagnostic interview. An 18-item self-report of the Online Test Anxiety Inventory(OTAI) was used with a high internal consistency (α=0.91) to assess test anxiety of online learning students. The OTAI consists of three factors: online, psychological, and physiological. The analysis of test anxiety by repeated measure ANOVA revealed a significant decrease of anxiety in both treatment groups while no significant change was observed in the control group. The study supports using internet-based psychological interventions for the treatment of test anxiety, which is particularly significant during the COVID-19 restricted teaching environment.","PeriodicalId":39085,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the Australian and New Zealand Student Services Association","volume":"1 1","pages":"6-17"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-05-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"76529498","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}