By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
There are a lot of variables for students to encounter when it comes to academic and social success. A growing concern universities and colleges are dealing with is mental health.
Jakki Maser is the director of counseling services at Barton Community College. Maser told the Barton Board of Trustees last week that a lot research has surfaced about the importance of peer-to-peer support models. That’s why Barton created the Student Wellness Action Team (SWAT).
"The idea behind SWAT is having students serving as a thumb on the pulse," said Maser. "They're out with the students. They know what the needs are. They know the issues regarding wellness, physical or mental, that would be most effective to address with any specific group. That can change from year to year."
SWAT will be hosting a men’s mental health presentation Tuesday, Feb. 18. Josh Tanguay, a clinical psychologist from Hays, will be the speaker for a pair of presentations at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Barton President Dr. Marcus Garstecki applauded SWAT’s work and bringing a discussion revolving around men making connections with friends and other relationships.
"Colleges and universities across the country are seeing an increase in students wanting counseling services," said Garstecki. "When you do events like this and bring groups together...some don't need that individual appointment. I think you can really do a lot of good with a big group of students in a short amount of time."
The presentation Feb. 18 will take place at the library on the Barton campus in room L136.