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The Role of an Academic

The Role of an Academic

For many students experiencing difficulties, academics are often the first point of contact. Students may turn to academics for advice because they are approachable, accessible and they have a pre-existing relationship. However, research conducted for Student Minds, indicates that academics are struggling to respond effectively to student mental health.

Researchers interviewed 52 academics with diverse experience, at five universities. These academics identified that responding to student mental health problems is now an inevitable part of the academic role. However, this crucial frontline role is currently invisible, and the higher education sector does not have the appropriate structures or cultures to assist academics.

You can read a summary of the findings and recommendations in the document below, and download the full report. 

Have your say!

​Share your experience as an academic in our follow up research.

Download the full report


Download the accessible version

View the press release

Download a 2 page summary

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  • About
    • What we do >
      • Our strategy
      • Our impact
    • Our team >
      • Trustees
      • Clinical Advisors
      • Student Advisors
    • Our supporters
  • Find Support
    • Support for me >
      • Our Peer Support Programmes >
        • Thrive
        • Our confidentiality commitment
        • Support for specific difficulties
      • Support at your university and further
      • University staff-run workshops
      • Student stories
    • Support for a friend >
      • Starting a conversation
      • Looking after yourself
    • Support for parents
    • Cost of living
    • Resources >
      • Men’s Mental Health
      • The Wellbeing Thesis
      • Transitions >
        • Transition into University
        • Know Before You Go
        • Transitions for staff
      • Starting University
      • Exam stress
      • LGBTQ+
      • Looking after your mental wellbeing
      • Year Abroad
      • Student finance
      • Support through a family health crisis
  • Get Involved
    • Student volunteering >
      • Charter Student Resources
      • University Mental Health Day
      • Write for us
      • Peer support groups >
        • Apply to be a peer support facilitator
        • Set up a peer support group
    • Charter
    • Students’ Unions >
      • Mentally Healthy SUs Framework
      • Introduction to Student Mental Health Online
      • Campaigning and Creating Positive Change
  • Training
    • Look After Your Mate >
      • Look After Your Mate Online
    • Mental Health in Sport >
      • Mental Health in Sport Online
    • Accommodation Providers
  • News and Publications
    • Latest news
    • Research and publications >
      • Reports >
        • Climate change and student mental health
        • Part-time, distance learner and commuter students
        • International Students
        • Life in a Pandemic
        • Supporting Students with Eating Disorders
        • The Role of an Academic
        • LGBTQ+ Research​
        • Student Voices
        • Graduate Wellbeing
        • Grand Challenges
        • University Peer Support
        • University Challenge
        • Looking After a Mate
        • Summary of HEFCE’s Report
      • Consultation Responses
      • Insight Briefings >
        • Student Mental Health in a Pandemic >
          • Life in a pandemic: Wave II findings
      • Student Advisory Committee Reflections
      • Good practice guides >
        • Co-producing Mental Health Initiatives With Student Volunteers
        • Podcasting About Mental Health
        • Co-producing mental health strategies with students
        • Student Living
        • Supporting Male Student Mental Health
        • Materials and resources
  • Support Us
    • Donate >
      • Online shopping
      • Payroll giving
      • Universities
    • Fundraise >
      • 10/10 Challenge
      • Plan Your Own Event
      • RAGs and Student Societies
      • Celebrate with Student Minds
      • Challenge Events
      • Paying in money
      • Fundraising Resources
    • Corporate Partners