Alumni Student Support & Engagement Team (ASSET)

The experience of today's university students is intense. Extreme academic competitiveness, soaring tuition and living costs, high expectations and a cutthroat job market after graduation leave many students feeling hopeless, exhausted and depressed. And, according to North American statistics, almost nine per cent of post-secondary students have considered suicide.

Although there are several mental health support services available to students on the University of Alberta campus, sometimes there's a gap between students realizing they need help and accessing those supports.

That's where UAlberta grads are in a unique position to help. Alumni have a diverse offering of skills, talents and experiences. Perhaps most importantly, they know the challenges and stresses of being a student. Thirty-six ASSET volunteers, specially trained in Mental Health First Aid, Helping Skills, and Suicide Prevention, now support students at student events and various activities on North Campus.

• Have supportive and caring conversations with students, in person or virtually
• Provide information/referrals to mental health support services available on campus
• Engage with students at various events throughout the year (note: events are not occurring on campus currently, but we hope we'll be able to volunteer on campus next year)
• Work with our campus partners, such as the ACCESS network, Career Centre and Dean of Students Office, to deliver mental health programming and check-ins
• Reduce the stigma around accessing mental health supports
• Contribute to a caring campus community inclusive of students, staff, faculty and alumni