Rowan to host annual Student Mental Health Conference Nov. 14

Rowan University will host its annual Student Mental Health Conference – a program planned by, run by and hosted by students, Nov. 14.

The program, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Eynon Ballroom of the Chamberlain Student Center, will feature six student speakers as well as a keynote address by Dr. JoAnna Murphy, who will speak about the intersection of social justice and mental health.

Program organizer Jean Corcione, a graduate coordinator in Rowan’s Wellness Center, said speakers will address a range of topics including the pressures on first generation students to succeed at college and mental health challenges felt by students with disabilities.

“As a first generation student myself, I understand how first gen students can feel different pressures than some of their peers,” said Corcione.

She said the conference, first held in 2018, intentionally features student speakers because fellow students can often relate to what they have to say.

Corcione said that experience helps listeners feel they’re not alone, that they’re not the only ones who may be experiencing certain challenges, stresses or emotions.

“It’s an opportunity for listeners to hear that there are other students who may be going through some of the same issues that they are,” she said.

The program will include a variety of clubs and organizations in the ballroom’s lobby as well as a decompression period from 2 to 3 p.m. featuring therapy dogs from Rowan’s Shreiber Family Pet Therapy Program.

Allie Pearce, Wellness Center assistant director for Health Innovation and Quality Assurance, said participating students learn what it’s like to arrange, host and take part in a professional conference, while attendees often have an experience of even greater impact.

“Students may come and hear a story that they can really relate to and learn how to cope with issues in positive ways,” Pearce said.

Just as important, she said, attending students have an opportunity to learn about all of the services that the Wellness Center has to offer, from regular access to therapy dogs to 24/7 crisis care, to a wide range of mental health and emergency medical resources.

“It’s also a nice community building event,” Pearce said, “a way to be more of a part of Rowan’s community.”

Contact Corcione with questions at corcio62@students.rowan.edu.