A new Student Mental Health Agreement which aims to raise awareness and promote positive well-being for staff and students at Robert Gordon University (RGU) has been signed by the students union and the university.
RGU:Union designed the new Student Mental Health Agreement, which sets out the university’s and union’s commitment to improving the mental well-being of all students and staff. The new agreement, which was drafted with the guidance of Think Positive on behalf of NUS Scotland, will ensure that anyone experiencing mental ill-health can feel that they can continue in their studies without facing stigma or discrimination.
Spearheaded by Kerry Harrison, President of Education and Welfare at RGU:Union, the agreement will create opportunities to change perceptions of mental health among the student community, challenge any negative attitudes, and promote positive outcomes and supportive strategies to maximise the student experience.
She said: ‘The Student Mental Health Agreement is a key framework which both staff and students can use to shape their activity.This commitment also demonstrates the importance of mental health and the impact it can have on study. We hope this agreement has a positive impact on staff and student well-being, through training and a cultural shift to full acceptance of mental illness and support for students.’
During the agreement signing, Principal of RGU Ferdinand von Prondzynski said: ‘This really is an issue we need to be taking seriously, and we must take action for our students and staff to give them the best service possible.
‘This agreement is something that will make a difference in shaping the mental health priorities at RGU. Without the hard work and commitment of Kerry we would not be in this position and I am grateful for the work she has done. Everyone in RGU is fully committed to promoting positive well-being throughout the student and staff community.’
