Hobart and William Smith Colleges’ student-life leader will join a free college mental health event open to the public Thursday, Oct. 22, at The Little Theatre in Rochester.
Becca Morris, HWS’ vice president for campus life and dean of students, will appear on a live edition of “Connections with Evan Dawson” at noon, according to the college. Two other panelists will also take part.
The WXXI program, “Connections on the Road: Mental Health on Campus,” will examine how colleges are responding to students’ mental health needs. Organizers plan to discuss campus services, gaps in support and approaches that may be helping students, drawing on data from more than 20 colleges and universities in the Rochester and Finger Lakes region. The broadcast will also include a student’s personal story.
The discussion is open to the public at The Little Theatre, 240 East Ave. Advance reservations are available through WXXI.
Morris oversees HWS’ Counseling Center, Hubbs Health Center, Housing and Residence Life, Student Engagement and Campus Safety. She became vice president for campus life and dean of students in 2021 after 11 years at the college.
HWS participates in the JED Foundation’s multiyear JED Campus program, which helps colleges assess and strengthen their mental health, substance misuse and suicide prevention efforts.
Those unable to attend can listen at noon on WXXI-FM 105.9 or HWS’ WEOS 89.5 and 90.3 FM. WXXI News and its YouTube channel will stream the discussion, and a podcast will be available afterward.
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