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CMU Avoiding Rise in Student Stress

by KREX News Room
by John Dias

Story Created: Sep 20, 2012 at 8:37 AM MDT

Story Updated: Sep 20, 2012 at 2:04 PM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.- As many colleges across the country tackle a rise in student stress levels, officials at Colorado Mesa University say so far, they've managed to avoid the issue.

The American College Counseling Association says universities across the U.S., including some on the Front Range, are seeing a spike in the amount of students seeking counseling.

However, just 5 percent of CMU students are seeking some sort of therapy.

"We certainly have our share of outreach in trying to support children because as we know, college isn't easy," said John Marshall, vice president of student services at CMU.

Marshall says student stress is still something they want to keep close tabs on.

“When students are happy outside the classroom, they are happy inside the classroom,” said Marshall. "When you see students coming to school really trying to improve their station in life, whether it's an adult student or a more traditional student, we know this can be a stressful time."

School officials attribute the success to the school’s smaller class sizes, which they say make for a more enjoyable learning atmosphere.

“I definitely think that if I was going to another school, I wouldn’t be able to manage it,” said Mary Niedzielski, a freshman at CMU.

Niedzielski believes the support she receives from her teachers at CMU also helps lower her stress level.

"This school is growing a great deal, but it still manages to keep the small school spirit,” said Niedzielski.

CMU officials also attribute the lower amount of stress to the socio-economic status of their average student.

"Students tend to be more oriented around working class and are used to some of the stresses, so are able to manage them relatively well," said Marshall.

If the stress levels at CMU go up in the future, officials say they feel comfortable the campus is well positioned to meet the needs of their students.

For more information on how college students can handle stress, click here.

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