We appreciate that you have a variety of options for surveying your students. The HMS is designed to deliver rich, practical data with minimal effort on your part. It is the only annual, national survey focused entirely on college student mental health and related issues. The following are distinguishing features of the study that can make it valuable for your school:
High-Quality Research Design
The HMS is designed to optimize response rates with optional incentives and multi-mode contact protocol (introductory letter followed by emails linking to web survey)
The nonresponse analysis and weighting ensures that HMS findings are representative of your sample
The questionnaire contains measures that have been widely used and validated in a range of populations, including young adults
Thorough, Targeted Approach
The HMS explores mental health issues in the general student populations; it is not restricted to students who are receiving treatment
It offers a comprehensive picture of mental health issues—such as stigma, social support, academic outcomes, and substance abuse
The study focuses on understanding unmet needs and access to mental health services
The national scope provides the context to understand trends in mental health issues, attitudes, and healthcare utilization in different environments
Completely Web-based Format
This approach minimizes the administrative burden of fielding HMS
It conforms with best-practice guidelines for surveying students
The online format affords students the luxury of taking the survey at any time or place that is convenient to them—or to leave the survey at any point and resume it from their last completed answer
Other Factors
The HMS provides the opportunity for multi-year participation to assess mental health longitudinally
It examines the relationship between mental health and students’ academic and social environments, health-related behaviors (e.g. exercise, substance use), and academic outcomes (grades, remaining in school, graduating on time)
The optional custom questions allow the HMS to precisely address your unique needs