From the President

As the post-pandemic world continues to reveal, health and well-being are not “nice-to-haves.” They are the very foundation of personal and professional success. This is particularly true for teens and young adults — the demographic that comprises many of our college students and young workers — who across America are struggling with stress, anxiety and depression.

Universities can only deliver on the promise of a transformational, life-changing experience if their students are mentally healthy. And companies can only reach their full potential if their young workers and future leaders are emotionally fit. 

As a university that consistently attracts high-performing, ambitious students, it is important that we take a holistic approach to supporting them. Yes, at Bentley we meet our students’ ambition with academic rigor and plenty of real-world learning opportunities. But we also realize that we need to help them develop the resilience and coping skills that will prepare them to be active participants in their own personal and professional success — advocates for their own well-being no matter their career path.

College is an exciting experience, but it can also be challenging as students learn to adapt to situations they’ve never faced. Many are living away from home for the first time and balancing academics, new relationships, jobs, student clubs, athletics and internships. It’s not easy.

That is why we and other universities are focusing on creating a healthy on-campus culture where students can learn the resilience to cope with the stressful times that will undoubtedly occur while in college, and beyond when they enter the working world.

Well-being is about more than mental health. It includes stress management, physical wellness, nutritious eating, sustainable sleeping habits and healthy relationships, among other areas.

In a time when employers report that leave-of-absence requests are on the rise, providing our students with tools to navigate these areas so they can manage stress and anxiety is a necessity. The students of today deserve it. And the employers of tomorrow will expect it.