JED Campus Initiative

What Is JED Campus?

JED Campus is a nationwide initiative of The Jed Foundation (JED) designed to help colleges systematically strengthen their mental health, substance use, and suicide prevention systems. Through a collaborative process, UT San Antonio is partnering with JED to review our programs, policies, and practices to better support the emotional well‑being of all Roadrunners.
This structured approach helps universities create an integrated safety net where every student feels connected, supported, and empowered to ask for help.

Our Commitment:
UT San Antonio’s JED participation reinforces our institutional belief that student well‑being is foundational to academic success, persistence, and a healthy campus community.

Like many universities nationwide, UT San Antonio students report stress, isolation, and challenges accessing support—especially as our student population grows in size and complexity. By joining JED Campus, we aim to:

• Strengthen a campus-wide network of support
• Improve early identification of students at risk
• Expand help‑seeking pathways and resource visibility
• Ensure our policies promote safety and compassion
• Build a sustainable culture where mental health is everyone’s responsibility

This work is guided by data from UT San Antonio’s ACHA-NCHA and WISHES, administrations, as well as student focus groups.

UT San Antonio is currently implementing strategies informed by JED’s comprehensive, evidence‑based model. The process includes:

1. Needs Assessment - Review of policies, services, and student experiences, including survey data and focus groups.

2. Strategic Planning - UT San Antonio’s cross‑campus JED team collaborates with JED advisors to identify priorities in areas such as life skills, connectedness, crisis response, and substance misuse.

3. Implementation Support - JED provides guidance over multiple years as we implement improvements across Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, and more.

4. Sustainability - UT San Antonio builds long-term structures to maintain, evaluate, and expand this work beyond the JED program lifecycle.

UT San Antonio offers a growing portfolio of trainings rooted in national best practices. Contact wellbeing.education@utsa.edu to schedule training.

If you notice behaviors that indicate a student may be struggling, help is available. UT San Antonio encourages the campus community to:

Recognize the Signs

• Social withdrawal, isolation
• Frequent absences or missed assignments
• Expressions of hopelessness or being overwhelmed
• Significant changes in mood or behavior

Respond with Care

• Start a private conversation
• Listen non‑judgmentally
• Express concern and offer support

Refer to Appropriate Resources

• Wellness 360 Health and Counseling
• Student Assistance Services
• TimelyCare
• Crisis Helpline: 210‑458‑4140
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health emergency:

Emergency Contacts

• UT San Antonio Police: 210‑458‑4911
• UT San Antonio Crisis Helpline: 210‑458‑4140
• National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988
• Call 911 for life‑threatening emergencies

JED Campus updates, training opportunities, resource guides, and volunteer opportunities will be shared through:

• Wellbeing Services RowdyLink
• JED Campus website updates
• Social media channels
• Workshops and events across campus