Student Mental Health
Version 03.0 UPR EQ07 (formerly UPR AS/A/6)
Effective: 1 September 2011. Re-issued: 1 September 2012
STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH1
SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL CHANGES
General changes
This document has been revised to reflect the implementation on 1 September 2012 of the University’s new
School-based structure for purposes of academic governance.
This document should be read in full.
(Amendments to version 02.0, UPR EQ07, are shown in italics.)
1
INTRODUCTION
This document incorporates, as appropriate, the agreed institutional terminology set out in
UPR GV082, has been approved by the Academic Board3 and should be read in conjunction
with UPR EQ034. The policies which it contains apply across the whole of the University’s
educational provision.
2
PURPOSE
The purpose of the policies and procedures set out in this document is to enable the
University to promote the mental wellbeing of all students; to address the needs of students
experiencing mental health difficulties and to discharge its legal responsibilities, including
those arising from the Equality Act 2010.
3
COMMITMENT
The University welcomes and values the contribution of students with mental health
difficulties to its diverse community. This policy and its implementation demonstrate how the
University will realise that commitment.
4
MENTAL WELLBEING, MENTAL HEALTH DIFFICULTIES AND MENTAL HEALTH
CONDITIONS
4.1
Whilst these terms may help to clarify aspects of the student mental health agenda, mental
health is best understood as a continuum along which any student may move.
4.2
The University recognises that research and good practice will continue to inform and
develop understanding of student mental health matters.
4.3
In the context of this policy, mental wellbeing refers to the attitudes, behaviours and lifestyles
that enable students to meet the academic, social and emotional demands of University life.
Students with mental health difficulties may experience problems in meeting these demands.
Whilst students may experience mental health difficulties without having an ongoing mental
health condition, such difficulties may also be linked to a mental health condition. Mental
health conditions may, at times, have a significant effect on how students perceive,
experience and deal with situations.
4.4
There is evidence that, for a range of reasons, the number of students in Higher Education
with mental health conditions and/or experiencing mental health difficulties is increasing.
However, students can be supported in managing their mental health needs with the aim of
completing their studies successfully.
1
Note 1 for Partner Organisations (UK and Overseas)
Organisations to which the University franchises programmes will be expected to have local mechanisms in place for
the implementation of the policies set out in this document (UPR EQ07).
2
UPR GV08 ‘Glossary of Approved University Terminology’
Academic Board Minutes: 860, 6 March 2002; 956, 5 March 2003; 62.2, 10 March 2004; 139.10, 9 March 2005;
257.3.2, 1 March 2006,369, 7 March 2007; 479, 12 March 2008; 574.3, 11 March 2009; 9, 16 March 2011; 123,
14 March 2012, refer
UPR EQ03 ‘Equality and Diversity Policy’
3
4
University Policies and Regulations (UPRs)
THIS DOCUMENT FORMS PART OF THE UNIVERSITY’S REGULATIONS AND ADVICE FOR STUDENTS
© University of Hertfordshire Higher Education Corporation (2012)
106742321
60
Student Mental Health
Version 03.0 UPR EQ07 (formerly UPR AS/A/6)
Effective: 1 September 2011. Re-issued: 1 September 2012
5
DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION ACT AND OTHER RELEVANT LEGISLATION
5.1
The Equality Act 2010 covers admissions, enrolment, exclusions and the provision of student
services, including teaching, assessment, field trips and placements. It places a duty on the
University to anticipate and meet the needs of disabled people in the provision of education.
It also provides protection to disabled people from unlawful disability discrimination,
harassment and victimisation.
5.2
The Act defines unlawful disability discrimination as any or all of the following:
a
b
c
d
direct discrimination (including discrimination based on perception or association);
indirect discrimination;
discrimination arising from disability;
failure to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people.
5.3
The Act also makes it unlawful to harass someone for a reason related to disability or to
victimise someone for either exercising their legal rights to fair treatment or supporting
someone in exercising their legal rights to fair treatment.
5.4
People who are not disabled are protected from direct discrimination based on:
a
b
5.5
their association with someone who has a disability (for example, if they are caring
for someone who has a disability) and/or
a perception that they themselves have a disability.
In most circumstances, a person will have the protected characteristic of disability, as
defined in the Equality Act 2010 (Note for guidance refers), if they have had a disability in the
past, even if they no longer have the disability. They are protected from harassment and
discrimination.
(Note for guidance
o
A person is a disabled person (someone who has the protected characteristic of
disability) if they have a physical and/or mental impairment which has a long-term and
substantial adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.
Mental impairment includes mental health conditions such as depression and
schizophrenia.
o
‘Long term’ means that an impairment is likely to last for the rest of the person’s life, or
has lasted at least 12 months or where the total period for which it lasts is likely to be
at least 12 months.
o
‘Substantial’ means more than minor or trivial. The impairment must make it more
difficult and/or time-consuming for a person to carry out an activity compared to
someone who does not have the impairment and this causes more than minor or trivial
inconvenience.)
5.6
In meeting its responsibilities under the Act, the University is mindful of its duty of care to all
students and staff, as well as the requirements of the Data Protection Act (1998).
5.5
The Equality Act 2010 places a positive duty on the University to have due regard for the
need to:
i
eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and other conduct
prohibited by the Act;
ii
advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected
characteristic and those who do not;
iii
foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and
those who do not.
University Policies and Regulations (UPRs)
THIS DOCUMENT FORMS PART OF THE UNIVERSITY’S REGULATIONS AND ADVICE FOR STUDENTS
© University of Hertfordshire Higher Education Corporation (2012)
106742321
61
Student Mental Health
Version 03.0 UPR EQ07 (formerly UPR AS/A/6)
Effective: 1 September 2011. Re-issued: 1 September 2012
6
POLICY
6.1
The University seeks to:
a
b
c
d
promote the mental wellbeing of all students;
provide appropriate adjustments and support for students who, for mental health
reasons, need these;
develop further appropriate services and support for students with mental health needs;
increase staff and student understanding of mental health matters.
6.2
The University will work constructively with the Students’ Union and other agencies to
promote staff and student awareness of student mental health.
6.3
Applicants and students with mental health needs will be treated fairly and inclusively.
6.4
The University will encourage applicants and students to disclose any mental health
conditions or difficulties so that adjustments and support can be agreed with appropriate
members of University staff.
6.5
Students who have declared a mental health condition which has been recognised as a
disability will be encouraged to meet with their Disability Adviser to agree a Study Needs
Agreement. This Agreement is used to inform staff of the agreed adjustments in study and
assessment and, with the student’s permission, will be used also to communicate these to
others who need to know.
6.6
Staff will be given information and training to help them make agreed adjustments and to
support students experiencing mental health difficulties.
6.7
The University will, in all cases, use its best endeavours to ensure that students who are
experiencing mental health difficulties are appropriately supported and enabled to continue
their studies at the University. However, on occasion their difficulties may be so significant
that continued academic study is not appropriate. In these circumstances, students will be
supported in withdrawing from the University until such time as they are able to return and
continue their studies.
6.8
The Vice-Chancellor may require a student who is unable to continue with academic study
as a result of mental health difficulties, to withdraw from the University on a temporary or
permanent basis (UPR GV015 and UPR SA046, refer).
6.9
During periods of temporary withdrawal, the University will hold open the student’s place. It
will develop further its procedures to involve and support students in planning their return to
study and making agreed appropriate arrangements.
7
IMPLEMENTATION
7.1
The University’s ‘Statement on Disability Disclosure by Students’ is published on-line on the
Disability Services web pages under ‘disability disclosure’ at
www.go.herts.ac.uk/disability
7.2
5
6
This Statement encourages applicants and students to disclose any disabilities, including
mental health conditions, and explains that disclosed information is treated in confidence and
shared with others only to the extent that it is necessary to make any reasonable
adjustments that are required. Staff are required to use disclosed information in accordance
with the Statement.
UPR GV01 ‘Articles of Government’
UPR SA04 ‘Student Discipline’
University Policies and Regulations (UPRs)
THIS DOCUMENT FORMS PART OF THE UNIVERSITY’S REGULATIONS AND ADVICE FOR STUDENTS
© University of Hertfordshire Higher Education Corporation (2012)
106742321
62
Student Mental Health
Version 03.0 UPR EQ07 (formerly UPR AS/A/6)
Effective: 1 September 2011. Re-issued: 1 September 2012
7.3
It should be noted, however, that the University may be required, under the terms of certain
legislation and the regulations of certain professional and statutory regulatory bodies, to
disclose information concerning a student’s mental health.
7.4
The University will provide appropriate development and training to clarify the role and
responsibilities of staff, the boundaries which govern them and referral routes; to enable
them to work in ways that are inclusive and de-stigmatising and to promote positive
approaches to students experiencing mental health difficulties.
7.5
The University has developed the following guidance for staff and students on support and
referral of students who are experiencing mental health difficulties whilst they are studying at
the University:
a
b
‘Helping Distressed Students: A Guide For University Staff’;
‘A Guide For Students: Mental Wellbeing And Support Available’.
The Counselling Centre, the Mental Wellbeing Advisor, Disability Services, the Office of
Dean of Students and the Students’ Union Advice and Support Centre provide guidance and
support to staff and students dealing with mental health issues.
7.6
The University will support the development of appropriate procedures and practices to
ensure the effective implementation of this policy. It will seek to involve students with
experience of mental health difficulties and appropriate external agencies such as providers
of community mental health services, both in the implementation of this policy and the further
development of support arrangements.
7.7
As part of assessing the effectiveness of this policy, the University will develop further
monitoring of student admissions, progression, achievements and exclusions.
7.8
This document will be reviewed annually by the Dean of Students.
P E Waters
Secretary and Registrar
Signed: 13 August 2012
University Policies and Regulations (UPRs)
THIS DOCUMENT FORMS PART OF THE UNIVERSITY’S REGULATIONS AND ADVICE FOR STUDENTS
© University of Hertfordshire Higher Education Corporation (2012)
106742321
63