Caring for Students’ Mind, Body, and Spirit

New study finds students mostly turning to their classmates for help.

A crucial need for equitable student support was revealed by the latest Canadian Student Wellbeing Study commissioned by Studiosity, an online study platform for post-secondary institutions, and carried out independently by Angus Reid. The study seeks to better understand the motivations, emotions, and demands of post-secondary students in Canada, and how to better tailor initiatives and solutions to them.

The study’s findings include:

• 64% of students aged 18-22 report having needed study help after class or off-campus. Among those who have needed study help after class or off-campus, 68% have asked another student or classmate, by far the most common source of help. Younger students are much more likely to turn to their classmates, while older students are more inclined to use support services at their college/university.
• 87% of students are motivated to achieve high grades, but still look for more support and engagement.
• 41% of students in Ontario and 39% in Alberta gave their schools the highest marks when it comes to feeling supported by their college/university.
• 66% of post-secondary students, including 75% of undergrads, did not use peer support services in their first year at school, with many believing they did not need it at the time. However, more than 50% agree they would have benefitted from having a senior student mentor in their first year.

Tyndale’s support services for students

For its part, Tyndale University has a wide range of support services for students, including:

• Led by ten leaders, Tyndale Houses encourage involvement, build comradery, and give students an opportunity to build relationships with others they wouldn’t otherwise connect with. Through the various House events and competitions, frosh students to final semester students, and all students in between, work and play together to earn House points.
• Tyndale offers a comprehensive program of writing support to all students at Tyndale regardless of skill level or area of study. Knowledgeable tutors are available to assist undergraduate students with mastering course material and sharpening study skills. One-on-one and group study sessions are available in several areas of study.
• The Tyndale Wellness Centre (TWC) offers psychotherapy to full- and part-time students and welcomes the Extended Healthcare Benefits plan that provides mental health and relational services. Services are provided through a multiethnic and multilingual team of qualified Wellness Practitioners, who are mainly past or current Tyndale students, allowing them to relate to their student clients. Wellness Practitioners are trained and willing to integrate faith into a psychotherapy session to the extent that the student wants them to.
  
  Learn more about how Tyndale cares for your mind, body, and spirit