Data from the spring American College Health Association’s National College Health Assessment (ACHA-NCHA III) survey provided vital insights into Metropolitan State University of Denver students’ well-being, revealing strengths and challenges. These findings will shape the strategic direction of the University’s new Health & Well-being Team, led by Steven Zeeh, Ph.D., assistant vice president for Health and Well-being.
Key findings: student well-being challenges
Consistent with prior findings and national trends, the survey revealed that many MSU Denver students face significant challenges:
- Mental health and academic impact: Anxiety, depression, stress and sleep difficulties were identified as the primary mental-health factors affecting academic performance.
- Loneliness and isolation: Half of the respondents scored positive for loneliness on the UCLA Loneliness Scale.
- Basic needs and stability: Almost 60% of students reported struggling with food security, and nearly 7% experienced periods of being unhoused while enrolled.
- Primary stressors: The top five stressors for students were procrastination, finances, career concerns, family and intimate relationships.
Community response and resilience
Despite these challenges, survey responses showed that students experience a strong sense of community and support within MSU Denver. A full 60% reported feeling a sense of belonging on campus and believed that health and well-being are prioritized and openly discussed. Additionally, students scored their resilience and personal flourishing in the medium-to-high range, indicating notable personal strengths amid these challenges.
Survey background and participation
The survey, in collaboration with and with oversight from the Health Center at Auraria, ran April 1-19 and achieved a 7% response rate, representing the University’s diverse student demographics. Incentives such as laptops, Regional Transportation District passes, Amazon gift cards and textbook vouchers encouraged survey participation, capturing the broad experiences and perspectives of the MSU Denver student body.
Informing the Health & Well-being Team
The ACHA-NCHA III data set will play a pivotal role in the development of MSU Denver’s Health & Well-being Team. Alongside other University data, these findings will support the mission to address basic needs, enhance mental-health support and promote social engagement.
If you have questions or would like more information on the data presented, contact Richard Miccio, associate director of Well-being, Inclusion and Behavioral Intervention at the Health Center at Auraria: [email protected].
