The draft UniSC Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2026-2028  builds on the significant progress UniSC has made in supporting student mental health and wellbeing. The current draft of the Strategy lays the foundations for a broader, whole-of-university approach to support our students.

Our principles

The principles underpinning our Strategy are aligned with the Australian University Mental Health Framework and informed by the Limerick Framework for Action: Advancing the Global Health Promoting Campuses Agenda.

Student centred and co-designed

Student mental health and wellbeing initiatives are informed by the voices, lived experiences, and diverse needs of students.

Whole of university commitment

A coordinated, university-wide approach strengthens mental health and wellbeing. 

Inclusive, connected, and supportive communities

A mentally healthy university prioritises diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering belonging, social connection, and psychological safety

Timely and accessible support

Students have access to the right support, at the right time, in the right way. 

Learning environments enhance wellbeing

Academic success and mental wellbeing are interconnected. 

Data informed and responsive

Our actions are guided by research, data, and sector best practices. 

Systems thinking and broader social determinants

Student mental health and wellbeing is shaped by intersecting personal, social, economic, and environmental factors.

Our principles in action

Seven action areas guide our work: 

• We actively engage students as partners in designing and evaluating wellbeing strategies to ensure they are relevant, accessible, and effective.
  
• We share responsibility across our leadership, staff, and student communities to foster a culture of wellbeing in all aspects of university life.
  
• We recognise the impact of systemic barriers and actively work to create an environment where all students can thrive academically and personally.
  
• We provide a continuum of care to ensure students can navigate their wellbeing journey with ease.
  
• We embed wellbeing promoting practices in curriculum design and teaching to foster resilience, motivation, and engagement in learning.
  
• We continuously evaluate and refine our initiatives to respond to emerging challenges and evolving student needs.
  
• We collaborate across sectors, including health, community, and industry, to create sustainable, long-term improvements in student wellbeing.

Our draft Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Action Plan outlines how we intend to achieve these actions and measure our success.

How we will learn from what we do

The Strategy takes a broad, holistic view of health and wellbeing to address the mental health and wellbieng needs of UniSC students.

Evaluation of the actions outlined in the Action Plan will enable us to monitor progress, assess the impact on student health and wellbeing, and learn what works, what needs improvement, and to respond to any emerging health and wellbeing issues.