Rutherford, N.J. – On October 8, a team of students from our Master’s and Doctor of Counseling Psychology programs attended the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE)’s first Student Mental Health Summit at Kean University. Organized by Dr. Nouriman Ghahary and Dr. Marcela Farfan, the team was selected from among 200 student attendees representing colleges and universities across New Jersey. 

The goal of this event was to empower students to lead and participate in keynote panels, presentations, and workshops alongside industry professionals, deepening their commitment as advocates for mental health research and support initiatives within their local communities. 

New Jersey’s OSHE is a leader in statewide efforts focused on reducing stigma and promoting a culture of mental wellness across college campuses. By participating in this event, our students represented the Felician community and the thousands of students in our state who benefit from accessible mental health resources every day. 

“I was especially moved by the stories of marginalized and nontraditional students who continue to persevere despite systemic barriers and limited accommodations, as well as by research highlighting issues such as burnout, stress, and belonging,” said Cristian Morillo, a fourth-year Psy.D. student and co-chair of the Mental Health Ambassador program for the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE). “Hearing these experiences, learning about innovative campus initiatives, and witnessing several university presidents speak with genuine commitment to student well-being reaffirmed why I chose this field and strengthened my dedication to creating more inclusive and compassionate spaces in higher education and beyond.” 

At Felician University, we have a responsibility to help shape the narrative around mental health and wellness support on campus, reminding every student that they are never alone. Participating in events like these is just the first step as we continue to uplift our community and provide hands-on, career enrichment opportunities for our students. 

### 

Felician University is committed to supporting academic success at any stage of life. With over 2,700 undergraduate, graduate, and adult education students enrolled across Schools of Arts & Sciences, Business & Information Sciences, Nursing, and Education, Felician provides diverse learning experiences that equip all students with the skills to meet the demands of today’s society. Over the past five years, Felician University has consistently ranked 3rd among private institutions in New Jersey for best value according to payscale.com and Money Magazine and has been recognized as one of the best college locations in New Jersey (#4) according to niche.com. Our Master of Science in Nursing program is ranked one of the best online graduate nursing programs in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and the Princeton Review. We are proud to be designated as a Military Friendly School (Gold Status) for the fifteenth year, a testament to our dedicated support of Veteran students. Our diversity as an HSI (Hispanic Serving Institution) and MSI (Minority Serving Institution), with underrepresented students comprising more than half of the student population, reflects our inclusive and supporting environment and earned us a spot on Washington Monthly’s Top 100 HSI list (#30). With campuses in Rutherford and Lodi, New Jersey, our Franciscan values of respect for human dignity, compassion, and social justice are woven into the very foundation and development of tomorrow’s leaders. Felician University is sponsored by Felician Sisters International.  For more information, please visit https://felician.edu.