Should Colleges Know Students' Mental Health Histories Before Orientation?

Universities are increasingly focused on student well-being, but a recent trend of collecting sensitive mental health and substance use data before orientation has sparked debate. A mother and therapist, LitMomTherapist💙, shared her concerns after her child received a non-anonymous survey from their university. "They were asked if they are in therapy, if they have a diagnosis, if they're seeing a psychiatrist, if they're on any medication," she explained. The survey also included questions about suicidal thoughts and past harm. The lack of transparency about data usage and storage raises concerns about privacy violations. Experts in higher education and data ethics are divided. Some argue that early access to this information allows for proactive support and intervention, while others emphasize the importance of protecting student privacy and avoiding potential biases in admissions or academic decisions. The debate highlights the need for clear guidelines and ethical considerations in collecting and using sensitive student data.