We all know that taking care of our mental and physical health is critical to success in our academic and social lives here at William & Mary. While Student Assembly has put on a great deal of initiatives and events dedicated to wellness and health, we believe there is much to be done on an administrative level to meet the needs of our students. Having had years of experience working with the William & Mary Health Center, Counseling Center, and Administration, we know what it takes to make meaningful administrative changes and are ready to have those tough conversations and debates.
Previous Work:
Passed legislation funding and supporting:
Free Menstrual Products
988 Stickers for Suicide Hotline awareness
CPR Education
Free Flu Shots on campus
Medical Service information flyers and cards
Slant boards in the Rec Center for physical wellness
Drink spiking prevention with night cap (in progress)
Led town halls and open conversations with the Wellness Center to increase transparency for students
Worked with the CSD to create and promote intersectional mental health initiatives
Policy Moving Forward
Restarting past efforts to subsidize and increase the efficacy of New Leaf - W&M's mandatory rehab program
W&M is in the process of removing the Blue Safety Light system, to the growing concern of many students. We want to bring that back. Students deserve to feel safe and have access to emergency measures on campus. Students should also be notified that they are not currently in service.
In Spring 2023, Steer Clear was shut down because of staffing and maintenance issues. This was an important resource that was able to get students home when they were under the influence/it was late at night and was key in helping avoid many potentially dangerous situations. The reality of a college campus necessitates a program like Steer Clear. As such, we plan on exploring alternatives or the current viability of Steer Clear.
Clarify what Good Griffin is; there are often many different answers around what Good Griffin covers and students deserve to be informed of a consistent definition
Transparency about student privacy and necessary disclosures within the Wellness Center.
Continue to have an open dialogue with the Wellness Center, especially regarding the needs of marginalized students.
Transparency regarding hiring processes for Counseling Center staff, specifically staff of color.
W&M health insurance doesn’t provide dental or vision care. The same goes for dependents, so children of grad students also don’t get dental or vision care covered. We will work to expand insurance to provide dental and vision care for Grad Students and their dependents.
We will also push for better insurance coverage for grad students, specifically looking into options for subsidized child care.