Initiatives
Healthy Minds Study
For more than 10 years, Boston University has participated in the nationally recognized Healthy Minds Study, which conducts population-based surveys to understand mental health trends in higher education.
We invite you to participate in this confidential survey and contribute to a community dataset that shapes mental health and wellbeing support at BU. The survey takes 20 – 25 minutes to complete and includes questions about access to mental health resources, personal mental health, and experiences supporting others in distress.
Students, faculty and staff who are selected to participate in the Healthy Minds Study will be emailed more information and a survey link on February 18. The subject line will be “Announcing the Healthy Minds Study at Boston University” and the email will come from healthyminds-BostonU@umich.edu.
Your input makes a difference! We encourage you to participate in this survey and help inform efforts to support mental health at Boston University.
What is the Healthy Minds Study?
The Healthy Minds Study is conducted in partnership with the Healthy Minds Network, a national research organization. The study uses web-based surveys to examine mental health, service utilization, and related issues among undergraduate and graduate students nationwide. More recently, they also launched a standardized survey to assess mental health issues among faculty and staff.
Why should I participate?
Your responses will importantly contribute to a large dataset needed to inform mental health and wellbeing support such as training and wellness offerings for the BU community.
Am I required to participate?
No one is required to participate in the survey. Furthermore, you may skip questions you do not wish to answer.
What happens to the information I share?
Your responses will remain confidential and de-identified from your name or other personal details. Survey responses will be shared with campus administrators in the aggregate (in other words, as a large group).
How do I know my responses will remain confidential?
The Healthy Minds Study (HMS) is designed to protect the privacy of participants. Survey responses are gathered by the research team at the University of Michigan and data are securely stored on HMS servers. Personal identities are never attached to survey data. Responses will remain confidential and de-identified from your name or any other personal details. Survey responses will be shared with campus administrators in the aggregate.
Why is the Healthy Minds survey now being conducted among faculty and staff?
We have observed an increase in faculty and staff experiences supporting students with mental health concerns. This survey asks about these experiences and will help BU better understand the challenges and respond with helpful training and other resources. In addition, faculty and staff have their own unique mental health experiences and needs for support. This survey will also enhance our understanding of these needs and help BU support the mental health and wellbeing of our full community.
How do I take the survey?
If you have been selected to participate in the survey, look for an email on February 18 titled, “Announcing the Healthy Minds Study at Boston University” from healthyminds-BostonU@umich.edu.
Are there incentives for participating in the survey?
Yes. Details about incentives for students, faculty and staff will be described in the survey invitation email that will come directly from the Healthy Minds Study.
What if I’m not selected to participate and I still want to provide feedback?
Students: Please use the SHS feedback form if you are not selected for the survey but have suggestions related to mental health and wellbeing support at BU.
Faculty & staff: Please use the FSAO feedback form if you are not selected for the survey but have suggestions related to mental health and wellbeing support at BU.
Where can I go for more information about the survey?
Visit the Healthy Minds Network for more information about the study, related research publications, and more. If you have questions about BU’s participation in the study, please email healthym@bu.edu
Where can I go for help if I have personal mental health concerns?
Students: Student Health Services’ Behavioral Medicine department provides free and confidential counseling, support groups, peer support, medication management, and 24/7 crisis support.
You can schedule appointments online or by phone. For non-urgent appointments, you can schedule using SHS’ online portal, Patient Connect. For urgent concerns, please call (617) 353-3569. If you or another student is experiencing a mental health emergency, help is available 24/7 by calling (617) 353-3569.
Faculty & staff: The Faculty & Staff Assistance Office provides free and confidential counseling and referrals for mental health and other concerns. For more urgent assistance, see the FSAO directory of Crisis Resources.
