By Sean Savage
@SeanSav13
Over the last decade, college students’ mental health awareness has steadily increased.
A 2021 study by the National Healthy Minds Study showed that the percentage of students experiencing mental health problems has increased by nearly 50 percent since 2013.
For Springfield College students, such calamity is not uncommon – especially during a hectic time of year: Finals week.
Many students keep their stress internalized.
However, this year, a new face on Alden Street will aid in resolving student needs. Amy Sereday is the first-ever ombuds at Springfield College.
Sereday assists individuals and groups on campus through voluntary consultation and provides information, guidance and assistance in developing options to address conflicts or concerns.
“I hope to bring more conflict responsiveness to our community,” Sereday said. “Conflict is not necessarily a bad thing. It is an indication that we could be doing things better; it is a sign for us.”
Students feel at ease when visiting the Ombuds Office as it is built upon four pillars: independence, impartiality, informality and confidentiality – with the only exception being emanating risk of harm.
“Confidentiality is really important. It gives students a safe space to talk and not worry about where the messages are going,” Sereday said. “They can explore whatever it is and know it is their time to work through what is happening.”
Sereday also wants students to understand the environment she builds in the office.
“The Ombuds Office is like a Planet Fitness, a judgment-free zone,” Sereday said. “There is always room to be honest and transparent, saying what you want.”
The office is even more appealing because it avoids an official process as it is not a formal resource.
“When you explore solutions that a judge, rules or policies dictate, sometimes it is not the best for everyone,” Sereday said. “So, if we can come up with informal solutions, it is a better way of coming to a solution.”
An informal resource helps provide autonomy.
“It empowers students to find their way through problems or issues on a path that works for them,” Sereday said. “We will always have conflict in life. Working with an ombuds helps explore and build those skills to help find ways through that conflict.”
Additionally, Sereday will help power imbalances within the community. When there is a conflict between a student and a higher-up, Sereday will help students navigate those hard conversations.
Sereday’s goal for the year is to make herself available to students so that they can use the resource both early and frequently.
“It is so much easier to address a smaller problem before they grow into bigger ones,” Sereday said. “I would encourage anyone to come for any reason – come and play with fidget toys and have a piece of candy. I always appreciate having a good conversation with anyone.”
Sereday is working on offering training and workshops around conflict skills that she will be offering in the spring.
As for now, Sereday wants to continue to focus on making her role a healthy alternative to speaking out.
“Sometimes students may not feel comfortable making a formal report for fear of retaliation,” Sereday said. “That is an essential aspect of ombuds work. My office is a confidential and safe space to discuss an issue without risk of pressure and retaliation from peers, coaches or professors.”
Photo Courtesy Amy Sereday