Stress, mental health concerns and basic needs challenges can affect how students show up in the classroom and persist through the semester. Student Affairs works behind-the-scenes to make sure our Jaguars don’t have to navigate those challenges alone.
Fall 2025 data shows how programming and services provided by Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and the Office of the Dean of Students are helping students build resilience and stay on track academically.
In the fall, more Jaguars turned to CAPS for mental health support, and they engaged more deeply once connected to CAPS services.
Compared to fall 2024:
- 11.1% more students received services (511 total)
- 25.5% more counseling sessions were provided (2,542 total)
The most common concerns students shared included anxiety, depression, stress, ADHD and trauma. Students who received care through CAPS also reported stronger improvements than national averages in areas like anxiety, emotional distress, frustration/anger, eating concerns and alcohol use.
In a fall 2025 student satisfaction survey, the respondents across the board described feeling supported and getting access to the care they needed to thrive in college.
“CAPS has significantly improved my life. Group therapy, individual therapy and psychiatry appointments have just made it so much easier for me to live my daily life. I did not think it was possible for me to enjoy my life to the extent that I do now,” said one student.
Another emphasized the importance of seeking out help and using availablw resources. “It might be scary to take that extra step towards engaging in services, but once you’re there, the safer it feels. CAPS has always been welcoming and has always done its best to make sure I feel better during my time here.”
Removing barriers to student success
Student resilience goes beyond just mental health care. Access to food, technology and basic resources also plays a major role in student retention.
In fall 2025, Paws’ Pantry saw 582 unique pantry users and over 2,500 completed shopping appointments. 34 students participated in the loaner laptop program so they could connect to and access the same academic resources as their peers.
These numbers tell a clear story: When students know support is available, and feel comfortable using it, they are more likely to persist through challenges.
