Student Mental Health Policy
Issued: October 2013
Next review: October 2018
1.
Policy Statement
1.1
The University recognises that mental health conditions are becoming more common
and complex in society, and that behaviour associated with certain conditions may pose
difficulties not only for the individual but also for other members of the campus
community. The University is committed to providing a supportive environment for the
holistic development of students, including the care of their mental health and wellbeing.
2.
Purpose
2.1
The purpose of this Policy is to provide information about:
a)
Provision of medical and non-medical mental health services
b)
Mental health educational resources
c)
Confidentiality of information related to a student’s mental health
3.
Applicability
3.1
This Policy is applicable to all NTU students.
This Policy and the associated Procedures shall apply in all circumstances, except when
confidentiality requirements mandate otherwise.
4.
Definitions
4.1
The following terms shall, in the context of this document, have the meanings as
provided below:
4.1.1
Mental Health: A state of wellbeing in which the individual can cope with the
normal stresses of life, study and work productively, realise his/ her abilities and
make positive contributions to the community.
4.1.2
Mental Health Condition: A diagnosable state or illness which changes a
person’s normal thinking, emotion or behaviour, and disrupts the person’s ability
to study, work or carry on his/ her usual personal relationships.
4.1.3
Confidential Policy: A policy that deals with a matter of sensitive or personal
nature and deems such a matter inappropriate for wide circulation.
4.1.4
Confidentiality: The University Code of Conduct on Confidentiality and Privacy
mandates that restricted information be treated with due respect for its sensitivity,
secrecy or confidentiality, and in compliance with all applicable laws and
agreements and the University’s policies and principles pertaining to the use,
protection and disclosure of such information.
4.1.5
Student: Any person who is currently enrolled in a part-time or full-time
programme of study at NTU.
4.1.6
Counselling: Within the context of the University, counselling is an interactive
learning process of addressing students’ intimate concerns, issues or
behaviours facilitated by a professionally-trained counsellor within a private and
confidential setting.
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4.1.7
Pastoral Care: Within the context of the University, pastoral care is the holistic
approach of personal care and support provided by adequately-trained staff to
help students connect with their personal, University and community resources
within or outside the campus.
4.1.8
At-Risk Behaviour: Behaviour or actions that pose an imminent risk to personal
safety or that of members of the University community or the community at large.
4.1.9
NTU Healthcare Professionals: NTU Medical Centre physicians, NTU
professional counsellors, and other professionally trained healthcare service
providers employed by, or that have their services contracted by, the University.
5.
Policy
5.1
Provision of medical and non-medical mental health services
5.1.1
The University provides students with medical services at the NTU Medical
Centre (NTUMC). The NTUMC medical practitioners may provide referrals to
national healthcare institutions and hospitals for specialist assessment and/or
treatment.
5.1.2
The University provides students with non-medical health services to support
mental health including: mentorship, academic advising and pastoral care
services at the School level; mentoring and pastoral care support services at the
Halls of Residence; and professional counselling services and other support
services at the Student Wellbeing Centre (SWC).
For information about the roles of campus community members in supporting
general student health and wellbeing, refer to the Policy on Campus Community
Approach to Student Health and Wellbeing.
5.2
Mental health educational resources
5.2.1
The University believes that good mental health is key for a fulfilling university life,
and that educating students about mental health and mental health issues will
result in positive outcomes for individuals and the university community at large.
The University shall collate and make readily accessible relevant and
comprehensive educational resources about:
a)
mental health wellbeing;
b)
mental health issues and conditions arising from university life, studies,
communal living and personal relationships;
c)
identification of potential mental health issues and conditions in oneself and
others;
d)
mental health services available to students.
These materials are intended to help educate students about mental health,
identification of mental health issues and to remove the stigma associated with
mental health issues.
As mental health is closely related to physical and social health, the University
shall make available information on and provide opportunities for students to
participate in activities that promote a healthy lifestyle such as sports,
recreational and social activities. In addition, the University shall make available
information about maintaining good nutrition, sleep habits, and measures to
manage the stresses of university life and improve overall personal resilience.
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5.3
6.
Confidentiality of information related to a student’s mental health
5.3.1
The University shall respect and regard all information related to a student’s
mental health with strict confidentiality. Such information shall only be used to
assist the student to receive appropriate treatment and professional help in order
for the student to maintain and/or regain their mental health.
5.3.2
Students with mental health concerns and conditions will most likely not seek
assistance from mental health service providers unless they are assured of
confidentiality. The University shall respect and regard all information provided
by each student with strict confidentiality unless withholding such information
poses an immediate danger to the student or others.
Responsible Parties and Contact Information
Policy Owner:
Responsible Office:
Consulted Parties:
Associate Provost (Student Life)
Student Affairs Office
Student Wellbeing Centre, Office of Academic Services
For clarification on this policy, please contact:
Name
Designation
Lok Tat Seng
Director of Students
Email
D-DSO@ntu.edu.sg
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Telephone
6790 5152