Annual Report on Student Mental Health Policies

In January 2025, the University of Waterloo created a new centralized website used to publish the University’s student mental health policies and rules. This new centralized website includes:

• Student-centred principles that demonstrate the institution’s commitments to its student population with respect to mental health and well-being;
• Easy access to information on programs, policies, services, and supports available with respect to student mental health, including resources on campus and in the community;
• Information on how the institution protects privacy and confidentiality for individuals accessing campus mental health and wellness services; and
• A holistic range of approaches, such as upstream measures like mental health and wellness promotion, and downstream measures like mental health intervention and crisis response.

In accordance with the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities Directive on Student Mental Health, the University of Waterloo has embedded a comprehensive mental health and well-being framework through Campus Wellness that aligns with sector expectations for accessible, holistic and evidence-informed supports. The University’s student mental health policies are supported by integrated medical care, counselling, health promotion and community engagement initiatives designed to meet the diverse needs of the student population. This framework is aligned with the Directive’s emphasis on ease of access, prevention, and early intervention, and a range of approaches to mental health and well-being. 

The University continues to action Okanagan Charter commitments and align its student mental health policies and practices with the National standards of Canada.  In addition to advancing its Okanagan Charter commitments, the University has sustained momentum through the Committee on Student Mental Health (CoSMH), which was struck to lead the implementation of key recommendations from the President's Advisory Committee on Student Mental Health and embed a culture of wellness across campus.  CoSMH's efforts, alongside persistent advocacy from student leadership, were instrumental in the recent re-establishment of the Office of the Ombudsperson, a confidential, impartial resource that further strengthens transparency accountability, and student support at the University.

Effectiveness of these services is supported by robust client experience data and measurable outcomes. Effectiveness is demonstrated through service quality, outcomes, student experiences, and engagement, and through efforts made towards continuous improvement. 

In client satisfaction surveys administered across the last two terms (W25 and F25), the following was shared:

This data indicates strong student engagement and perceived quality of care.

The greatest demand for mental health training is ‘Responding to Students in Distress’. This training has equipped students and student supporters with the knowledge and confidence to: recognize warning signs of distress; respond to signs of distress; and refer to resources and supports. In 2025, 216 students and student supporters participated in the training; 96% of participants indicated that they can respond to someone in distress (33% increase from pre-training survey), contributing to a more informed and supportive campus environment.