In the aftermath of the election, emotional responses have been widespread on campus. The College is offering various mental health support resources, including those within the Stone Center Counseling Service, the Slater International Center and the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life. 

Sophia Bodor ‘28 reported the tense emotions on campus following the election results. 

“Many of my friends didn’t go to class, and those that did attend barely participated,” she said. 

The Stone Center Counseling Service offered drop-in group support and urgent appointments this past week to combat increased stress related to the election among the student body. Students may receive mental health referrals and crisis support from mental health professionals by scheduling intake or referral appointments. After-hours assistance is available at all times at (781) 283-2839 and questions may be directed to [email protected]. 

According to Dr. Lisa Howard, Associate Dean and Director of Counseling Services, Counseling is not currently fully staffed, with an open position for a staff psychologist. She noted that they have arranged to hire a staff therapist to increase support hours but the services are still offering fewer clinical hours than in previous years. 

Counseling Services has not noticed a spike in appointments—the end of October and first two to three weeks of November typically comprise one of the busiest periods. Dr. Howard observed that many students are seeking supportive resources off- and on-campus outside of Counseling, such as off-campus therapists and in the college community. 

Additionally, the Office of Student Wellness is providing Mental Health First Aid training and can be reached at [email protected]. 

Moreover, the Slater International Center has held pre-election and post-election programs and resources. The Global Tea series taught students about the Electoral College and its history, discussing how it compares to electoral processes in other countries. Other programs included a teaching session by a faculty member on media influence and global discrimination, as well as an event hosting an immigration attorney guest speaker who addressed visa-related issues post-graduation. 

The Slater Center and the Inclusion and Engagement Team held a justice circle inviting students to process the election results post-election. According to Tana D. Ruegamer, Director of Slater International Center, the Slater Center plans to host community time in the future for international students to share their concerns and provide a safe space to discuss the election results. Year-round, students may schedule virtual or in-person one-on-one advising appointments with the Slater Center.

The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life is currently offering support resources through the college chaplains and the dean of ORSL. Confidential and nonjudgmental conversations are available to the whole college community, regardless of religious affiliation. Individuals may schedule an appointment by emailing a staff member or calling the ORSL at (781) 283-2685 and email the office for more information.

Students continue to find mental health support on and off campus. Bodor expressed the importance of reaching out within the student community: “My friends and peers have been fundamental to my mental well-being these past few days,” she said.