Mind Matters
President William A. Covino and First Lady, Dr. Debbie Covino, created the Mind Matters initiative to provide resources and programs to help Cal State LA students navigate the demands of academic excellence, family responsibilities, and jobs. The President and First Lady realize that without inner well-being, there is no academic success.
The Mind Matters initiative comes at a time when college students nationwide are experiencing high levels of stress, including problems caused by sleep deprivation and anxiety about adjusting to university life.
First Lady Debbie Covino Discusses Mind Matters
Mind Matters Programs
Well-Being Wednesdays
The goal of Well-Being Wednesdays is to promote inner well-being by encouraging a campus culture based on compassionate engagement and mutual support. Mind Matters and Student Health Advisory Committee (SHAC) volunteers will be tabling on Wednesdays. They will be supported by Well-Being Ambassadors and the new Mind Matters eagle mascot, Welly, as well as communications that reinforce the values of care and compassion.
Mental Health First Aid
More than 440 faculty, students and staff, including the President’s Leadership Team, have been trained in Mental Health First Aid. They wear green “We Care, I Care” buttons on Well-Being Wednesdays. Mental Health First Aid is an eight-hour course that teaches participants how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training provides skills needed to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis.
Speaker Series
Students, faculty and staff gain insights on compassion, inner well-being and time management from engaging speakers. Speakers have included Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez and Rev. Gregory J. Boyle, S.J., founder of Homeboy Industries.
Mind Matters Town Halls
These town halls are intended to complement the civic-learning research Cal State LA students carry out in their classes. Town halls are a proven practice that can contribute to student success and degree completion. More than 2,000 students have participated in Mind Matters Town Halls, and another 2,500 are expected to participate in the 2017-18 academic year. Students created action plans for the health and well-being of the University community.
Mind Matters Updates
#wellbeingwednesday - Curated tweets by CalStateLA