Question 1

What does The Support Network provide to campuses as we launch/get set up?

Accepted Answer

The TSN Board of Directors is comprised of university alumni with proven expertise in student mental health programming and organizational development. Our goal is to help campuses launch, grow efficiently and exist for future students. Once a campus has launched, the TSN Board of Directors provides ongoing guidance and the backbone between the various campus organizations. Further, the Board helps resolve the turnover challenges of student organizations.
 
Representative services provided include:
1. The Support Network Blueprint (our manual/guidebook)
2. A Peer-to-Peer Leader Training Guide
3. General organizational consultation
4. Consistent support from TSN Board of Directors throughout the academic year and summer
5. Proprietary software for group placement
6. Access to other student-led Support Networks (via Slack)
7. Opportunities for cross-campus collaboration between student Directors
8. Shared templates and resources
9. Press and publicity opportunities
10. Logo and branding guidance
11. Website development

Question 2

What type of involvement is necessary to start a Support Network on a campus?

Accepted Answer

Campuses will need to have five student Directors and one mental health professional to help launch this program. Given the organizational responsibilities, the Directors should be demonstrated student leaders on campus that are passionate about the model's mission. Campuses should also have general support from their campus administration.

Question 3

How much does the program cost? What are the cost considerations?

Accepted Answer

Due to the overwhelming expansion interest and overall growth of TSN, new universities will be required to pay a Campus Launch Fee (payable over the first three years) and Active Campus Dues (after the first three years). This fee is to be paid by the University. This cost helps offset The Support Network's expenses as a 501(c)(3) non-profit and also helps ensure that the program can be provided at no cost to students. Please contact us info@thesupportnetwork.org to learn more.

Question 4

How does The Support Network approach liability concerns?

Accepted Answer

Each campus approaches liability differently. It is important to remember that The Support Network helps campuses establish peer support groups, not peer therapy and not peer counseling. Campuses are responsible for ensuring leaders are well-trained and receive ongoing training from mental health professionals. We encourage each program's staff advisor to work with us and the students collaboratively on crafting mitigation plans that meet their campus needs.

Question 5

Does The Support Network offer therapy?

Accepted Answer

No. The Support Network does not offer therapy, but many students have found the Weekly Group experience to be therapeutic. It is not intended to replace other pro-health engagements or activities. It is a simply a safe, inclusive, and confidential environment for students to engage honestly with one another.

Question 6

Is The Support Network only for students with mental illness?

Accepted Answer

No. Weekly Group is designed for all students, as we hope to address and promote mental health and well-being for all students. Many students elect to attend group for different reasons.

Question 7

How much does the program cost? What are the cost considerations?

Accepted Answer

Due to the overwhelming expansion interest and overall growth of TSN, new universities will be required to pay a Campus Launch Fee (payable over the first three years) and Active Campus Dues (after the first three years). This fee is to be paid by the University. This cost helps offset The Support Network's expenses as a 501(c)(3) non-profit and also helps ensure that the program can be provided at no cost to students. Please contact us info@thesupportnetwork.org to learn more.

Question 8

What does The Support Network provide to campuses as we launch/get set up?

Accepted Answer

The TSN Board of Directors is comprised of university alumni with proven expertise in student mental health programming and organizational development. Our goal is to help campuses launch, grow efficiently and exist for future students. Once a campus has launched, the TSN Board of Directors provides ongoing guidance and the backbone between the various campus organizations. Further, the Board helps resolve the turnover challenges of student organizations.
 
Representative services provided include:
1. The Support Network Blueprint (our manual/guidebook)
2. A Peer-to-Peer Leader Training Guide
3. General organizational consultation
4. Consistent support from TSN Board of Directors throughout the academic year and summer
5. Proprietary software for group placement
6. Access to other student-led Support Networks (via Slack)
7. Opportunities for cross-campus collaboration between student Directors
8. Shared templates and resources
9. Press and publicity opportunities
10. Logo and branding guidance
11. Website development

Question 9

What type of involvement is necessary to start a Support Network on a campus?

Accepted Answer

Campuses will need to have five student Directors and one mental health professional to help launch this program. Given the organizational responsibilities, the Directors should be demonstrated student leaders on campus that are passionate about the model's mission. Campuses should also have general support from their campus administration.

Question 10

What are some things that help make a Support Network successful?

Accepted Answer

In order to start a Support Network it first takes a dedicated group of students. It is a time-intensive commitment for students over the course of a year. We typically estimate that it will require 15+ hours per week from a diligent team of students to launch a support network within a semester. It also requires a supportive administration.

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