On Nov. 10, the Brandeis Counseling Center sent an email encouraging students to fill out the Healthy Minds Survey, conducted by the Healthy Minds Network. The study collects information about adolescent mental health with the intended goal of helping colleges and universities better understand how they can support student well-being on their campus. “Healthy Minds Network” operates out of the University of Michigan and works with institutions across the nation to collect information about both student mental health on individual campuses and on a nationwide scale. According to the Healthy Minds Network’s website, the group works to treat mental health as an issue of public health using a three-pronged approach. This includes collecting research, disseminating information and putting knowledge into practice. Over the course of 15 years, the organization has collected over 935,000 student responses. 

The survey takes approximately 25-30 minutes to complete. Upon completion, all students will be entered into a nationwide drawing for four $250 gift cards and ten $100 gift cards. Additionally, any Brandeis student who completes the survey will be entered in a chance to win a MacBook Air, a pair of Beats headphones, a pair of AirPods, a priority room scheduling appointment or one of 20 available $25 Amazon gift cards.  

The survey offers participants the opportunity to share their responses either confidentially or anonymously depending on what their school chooses. However, the survey is designed in a way that prevents any responses from being “personally identifiable” and is aimed at protecting student privacy.