UC Campuses Seek Boost in Funds for Mental Health
A UC committee and student groups are seeking an increase in mental health funding above the $4.6 million boost included in this year's budget, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
Michael Young, vice chancellor for student affairs at UC-Santa Barbara and co-chair of the UC Student Mental Health Committee, on Wednesday called for an increase in student fees to help provide more than $40 million the committee is advocating for mental health services on UC campuses.
The committee in September 2006 presented a report to UC regents outlining shortcomings in mental health services at UC campuses.
The Graduate Assembly has been meeting with UC administrators since last fall, highlighting concerns from students that there are not enough counseling sessions or counselors available on UC campuses.
The $4.6 million increase in this year's budget is intended to help campuses hire psychologists, social workers and disability specialists, according to Young. The funding is intended to help boost counseling services available to UC students (DelVecchio, San Francisco Chronicle, 4/19).