Alabama State University
Alabama State University (ALSU) is a public Historically Black institution which was founded in 1867. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 3,903, its setting is urban, and the campus size is 172 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. The enrolled student population at Alabama State University is 93.7% Black or African American, 2.2% Ethnicity Unknown, 1.5% White, 1.1 Non-Resident Alien 1.0% Hispanic/Latino, 0.3% Asian, 0.1% American Indian/Alaskan Native, and 0.1% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander. There are about 62.2% identified female and 37.8% identified male students. 57.7% of the students are from Alabama.
Engagement Summary
At the start of engaging in the EMHF implementation, during focus groups, students and faculty both agreed that the overall environment of the ALSU campus is one that is supportive, hopeful and positive. Financial concerns were a source of stress for students and may be limiting students’ ability to seek out help. Students appreciated resources provided on campus, such as the food pantry and student organizations.
To improve upon the environment on campus, it was recommended that technology can be better utilized to connect students and to promote services and events. Another recommendation was to work with student organizations to encourage vulnerability in discussing mental health, to destigmatize seeking help, and to encourage searching for both on and off campus resources.
Midterm Evaluation Progress-to-Goal Snapshot
ASLU had a goal to better utilize technology in order to promote events and services on campus to students.
Highlights include:
- ASU received a $5000 grant from Alabama Department of Public Health and Suicide Prevention efforts.
- ASU holds fourth “Are You Good Day” this year to discuss suicide prevention with about 250 people in attendance.
- President fosters a “family, community,” or “communiversity.”
