University Mental Health Framework

Framework

The Australian University Mental Health Framework provides guidance for mentally healthy university settings that support students to thrive educationally and personally. The framework also includes guidance for the mental health sector to strengthen its engagement with universities to support student mental health and wellbeing.

The framework is structured around six principles that support student mental health and wellbeing.

1. The student experience is enhanced through mental health and wellbeing approaches that are informed by students’ needs, perspectives and the reality of their experiences.

2. All members of the university community contribute to learning environments that enhance student mental health and wellbeing.

3. Mentally healthy university communities encourage participation; foster a diverse, inclusive environment; promote connectedness; and support academic and personal achievement.

4. The response to mental health and wellbeing is strengthened through collaboration and coordinated actions.

5. Students are able to access appropriate, effective, timely services and supports to meet their mental health and wellbeing needs.

6. Continuous improvement and innovation is informed by evidence and helps build an understanding of what works for student mental health and wellbeing.

Access the framework

The framework is supported by a range of materials including:

• a full report, which provides further information on suggested practices and the evidence base informing the framework;
• detailed case studies, which highlight examples of good practice currently underway to support student mental health and wellbeing; and
• answers to questions frequently asked about the framework.

A two-page summary of the framework is also available to support advocacy or promotion of the framework to anyone with a vested interest in student mental health and wellbeing.