NJ A2732

New Jersey institutions of higher education must implement mental health awareness programs including annual orientation sessions, online screening tools for conditions like depression and anxiety, and prominent website displays of mental health resources.

Student advisors, resident assistants, and campus security personnel must complete Mental Health First Aid training or a similar program before beginning their duties.

Each institution must establish a student peer support program utilizing recovery model principles, with defined selection criteria and continuing education for peer supporters.

Institutions must form strategic partnerships with local mental health providers and attempt to reach a benchmark ratio of one clinical staff member to 1,250 students through on-campus capacity, off-campus agreements, and telehealth services.

The Secretary of Higher Education must develop a Technical Assistance Center to create standardized medical leave policies, disseminate best practices, collect and analyze mental health data statewide, and monitor institutional compliance.