KENNESAW, Ga. | Feb 13, 2025

Kennesaw State University recently earned JED Campus Alumni status, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to supporting student mental health and wellbeing.

Recognition comes after Kennesaw State, via the University System of Georgia, concluded a four-year partnership with The JED Foundation, an organization committed to protecting emotional health and preventing suicide among teens and young adults. Becoming a JED Campus Alumni school signifies that KSU has successfully built upon JED’s evidence-based framework and will continue to prioritize student wellbeing.

“Being a part of JED opens KSU up to national best practice resources and support from the JED Team,” said Marcy Stidum, assistant vice president for student wellbeing. “The Wellbeing@KSU Team is grateful to the University System of Georgia for providing much-needed services and support throughout the state to all its campuses. Now, as an alumnus, my goal is to continue the spirit of JED by promoting a culture of openness and reducing stigma around mental health.”

The Wellbeing@KSU Coalition has implemented comprehensive programs and policies across various departments and platforms to enhance mental health resources, promote emotional wellbeing, and prevent substance misuse and suicide among students.

Since joining the JED Campus program, KSU has taken significant steps, including:

• Creating the Wellbeing@KSU Coalition.
• Establishing Postvention Protocols, in partnership with the Dean of Students’ Office.
• Launching the YOU@Kennesaw wellbeing website, which is a tool for students, faculty, and staff to access self-care tips, guided mindfulness sessions, mental health assessments, and campus resources.
• Expanding mental health services and supports, including mental health and recovery training programs and embedded counseling services.
• Enhancing peer-to-peer support services across campus.
• Establishing Wellbeing@KSU’s You Matter, which is an ongoing, evergreen campaign that offers annual activities throughout the academic year to ensure continuous support and engagement beyond specific events, such as weekly wellness workshops, peer-to-peer support, body appreciation activities, and community service opportunities.
• Offering students free immediate access to online counseling, crisis support, and online wellness programming, via the USG’s Mental Health Initiative and its partnership with UWill. UWill is an immediate, secure option beyond the usual hours of KSU Counseling, including evenings and weekends.

As a JED Campus Alumni school, KSU will continue working to implement and refine best practices in health and wellbeing, ensuring that students have the support they need throughout their academic journey.

For more information on wellbeing and mental health resources at KSU, Wellbeing@KSU - Student Affairs

For more on The Jed Foundation and its impact, visit Home Page | JED Campus.

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.