Healthy Minds Survey Report Now Available

Dear Members of the Harvard Community:

Last spring, we asked students enrolled in degree programs to complete the Healthy Minds Survey. More than 5,900 students – 25% of our undergraduate and graduate students – did so, providing us with valuable data on the status of mental health on campus, as well as feedback on the services and resources we offer. We wish to share our immense gratitude to everyone who participated in this survey.

We are pleased to share with you the survey report, which shows data for Harvard students and compares it to national data gathered last academic year from colleges and universities across the country. In general, Harvard students scored better than the national average on measures related to mental health, belonging on campus, and awareness and utilization of resources and support services. A few key findings from the report include:

• Harvard students reported a higher level of flourishing and lower rates of anxiety and depression than the national average
• 81% of Harvard students strongly agreed or agreed that they fit in at Harvard and 83% saw themselves as part of the Harvard community
• 89% of students indicated general awareness of mental health care services available to them

While the data were largely positive for Harvard, we will continue to explore resources and strategies to help students who engage in binge drinking, and those who are experiencing feelings of isolation or imposter syndrome. In addition, the data suggested continued focus on outreach and education about the specific services we offer and gaining a better understanding of how finances impact student decision-making around seeking care.

You can find the full report posted on Harvard’s Healthy Minds Survey website. We also encourage you to visit the Wellbeing website at harvard.edu/wellbeing for information and links to many resources, supports, and services available to Harvard students.

We have made significant progress since the Task Force on Managing Student Mental Health published its report in 2020. We look forward to continued progress as we work to support the mental health of all Harvard students.

Robin Glover, MBA
Associate Provost for Student Affairs

Giang T. Nguyen, MD, MPH
Associate Provost for Campus Health and Wellbeing
Executive Director, Harvard University Health Services

*Read more about the survey report in this interview we did with our colleague Barbara Lewis, Senior Director of Student Mental Health and Chief of Counseling and Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in the Gazette.