From the Nominator

"A growing body of evidence suggests that more college students are struggling to maintain both academic endeavors and mental health and wellness. The growing mental health needs of students, amplified by the persistent effects of the global pandemic and exacerbated by the pervasive impact of institutionalized racism, have created an emerging imperative for higher education. 

In the fall of 2020, the University of Michigan (U-M) charged a committee to review the mental health and well-being needs and resources on the Ann Arbor campus. As part of this plan, U-M adopted the Okanagan Charter and joined the United States Health Promoting Campuses Network in September 2021 in embedding health into all aspects of campus culture and leading health-promotion action and collaboration locally and globally. 

To address this effort, U-M expanded its current Health and Well-being Collective Impact efforts to be institution wide and renamed it the Well-being Collective. This broadened approach focused on establishing a sustainable infrastructure for addressing the complex and ever-changing health and well-being needs on the U-M campus. 

A multimedia Well-being Collective campaign was developed to raise awareness about the wide range of mental health resources available to the U-M community. A website was launched in the fall of 2022 to support the initiative as a central hub of information. All campaign tactics lead constituents to the site for tools and resources. Initial efforts focused on the U-M student community, and—due to its popularity and positive impact—the campaign is expanding to engage faculty and staff and the wider community."

From the Judges

A creative, friendly way to talk about mental health issues. Universities need to talk about mental health more often, and the idea of it being okay to not be okay is important for students to hear. The “Too blue to be Go Blue” was clever and distinct. Easily replicable, and relatable, using solid communication strategies to engage students with difficult content.