School Advocacy

A Postvention Guide for Student-Led Responses

Please be advised that due to the nature of the topic, this guide discusses methods of suicide.

This resource will help college student leaders:  Evaluate their current “leave of” and “return from” absence policies. Identify areas for improvement in existing policies and draft proposals for revisions. Create an advocacy action plan for campus policy change using allies and stories from students who have been affected by current leave of absence policies. Why Leave of Absence Policies? Colleges and universities are held liable under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a federal law that prohibits discrimination against students whose mental health conditions “substantially limit a major life activity,” including learning. Under the ADA, institutions must ensure that students are not unfairly discriminated against and receive “reasonable accommodations” to allow them to continue and succeed in higher education. Some colleges and universities are now starting to pay more attention to leave of absence policies. Students may seek a leave of absence for various reasons, including financial hardship, academic performance, family emergencies, personal circumstances, or mental health challenges. This guide will help you make the case to modify leave of absence policies to be easily accessible, non-punitive and specific so that students can take the time they need without fear of retribution or discrimination, especially those looking to take a leave of absence for mental health challenges.

This guide was co-written by Active Minds and the Coalition for Student Wellbeing.

Advocate for mental health funding at your institution This guide will help college student leaders: Evaluate your institution’s current student fees and identify gaps in mental health funding. Explore options for adjusting fees and drafting proposals to fund campus mental health programs and services. Make a compelling case to campus decision makers using research and statistics.