By: Blessing Seidu, MS, MBA, MICM, a Mason alumna with a Master of Science degree in Nutrition
“In diversity, there is beauty and there is strength.” – Maya Angelou
The landscape of public institutions has seen a significant increase in BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) student enrollment, rising from 33 percent in 2006 to nearly 45 percent by 2018. Today, BIPOC students represent 57 percent of the college population. Alongside this progress, there’s a growing need to reevaluate the terminology and delve deeper into the unique cultural histories that shape the experiences of BIPOC communities. Here’s how BIPOC cultural diversity affects college well-being experiences for students.
Acknowledge Unique Cultural Histories
The term “BIPOC” originated from a social media tweet in 2013, which was intended to expand upon the existing “POC” (People of Color) terminology established as early as 1976. By adding “B” for Black and “I” for Indigenous, BIPOC aimed to recognize individuals with darker skin tones and Native American heritage within the broader POC spectrum. However, there’s a growing frustration with the term BIPOC, as many argue that diverse identities have unique cultural backgrounds and histories, leading to distinct challenges. Hence, using a single umbrella term for such diverse identities is seen as inadequate, sparking calls for more nuanced distinctions. For instance, the historical experiences of Indigenous communities with colonization vastly differ from those of African Americans who faced chattel slavery, underscoring the need to recognize their unique struggles.
The urgency to recognize cultural differences within the BIPOC community was highlighted in a recent BIPOC survey conducted by our Center for the Advancement of Well-Being (CWB) at George Mason University in 2024.
It’s crucial to understand how the nuances of BIPOC terminology and the complexities of diverse cultural histories intersect with real-world challenges. One significant area where these intersections manifest is in the mental health landscape among racially and ethnically diverse student populations.
Address the Mental Health Crisis Among Racially and Ethnically Diverse Students
While acknowledging the historical contexts and unique struggles of BIPOC communities is essential, it’s equally imperative to address contemporary issues affecting these communities. The alarming rise in mental health disparities among racially and ethnically diverse students is a pressing concern. That necessitates targeted interventions and support strategies.
The mental health landscape for racially and ethnically diverse students presents troubling statistics. The National Healthy Minds Study, spanning from 2013 to 2021, reported significant increases in depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and suicidal ideation among minority student groups, with rates 45 percent higher than their white counterparts. Previous research mentioned in that study consistently indicates a higher likelihood of severe depression, elevated anxiety levels, and increased suicide risk among Black, Latinx, Indigenous, Asian, and Multiracial students.
These disparities, outlined in the American Council on Education’s 2019 status report and associated essays, stem from both external and internal risk factors. External factors include higher poverty rates, language barriers, and immigration status hurdles, while internal factors encompass discrimination, limited funding access, and issues pertaining to campus climate. While universities may not have direct control over external risk factors, they play a pivotal role in mitigating internal ones by raising awareness and offering targeted support to BIPOC students.
A recent CWB survey revealed a pronounced need among BIPOC participants for more information on accessing resources, such as scholarships and mental health services. This echoes sentiments from other university publications that report first-generation students believe resources tailored for their needs are not adequately promoted.
Strategic Interventions for Enhancing BIPOC Student Well-Being
Enhancing the well-being of the BIPOC community involves providing students with information on accessing resources like scholarships, aiding them in funding their education and leading to higher retention rates and timely graduation. Similarly, promoting mental health resources can enhance students’ mental health, allowing them to concentrate on their studies and graduate on time, as shown in the logic model below.
The diverse cultural identities within the BIPOC community not only shape historical narratives, but also significantly impact mental health outcomes. Recognizing these connections is pivotal in designing effective initiatives to enhance the well-being of BIPOC students on college campuses.
University communities can implement these strategies to address the challenges of the BIPOC community and improve well-being.:
- Monitor Student Demographics: Understanding the demographics of the BIPOC student population can highlight specific stressors and barriers, informing targeted support strategies.
- Organize Peer Support Groups: These groups provide a safe space for BIPOC students to share experiences, receive validation, find emotional support, and exchange coping strategies.
- Participate in Diversity Workshops: These workshops offer critical information on resources needed for student success.
- Incorporate Resource Information in Syllabi: Educators can help by including information about resources such as grants and scholarships in their syllabi.
Strategies for Students to Fund Their Tuition
- Funding Resources: The George Mason University Alumni Association provides scholarships for students, and there are additional external funding opportunities available for students, as well.
- Employment on campus: Securing professional and research positions on campus not only provides valuable work experience, but also offers opportunities for tuition grants, with some positions granting up to 6 graduate credits at the equivalent of the in-state rate per semester. This dual benefit not only helps fund tuition, but also enhances your academic and career development.
- Cost-Saving Strategies: Implementing cost-saving strategies can reduce expenditure and free up funds for tuition payment, contributing to timely graduation.
- Supplemental Nutrition: By utilizing the Patriot Pantry’s nutritious offerings, students not only maintain their well-being, but also alleviate financial burdens, allowing them to prioritize tuition payments and academic pursuits.
Strategies for Students to Invest in Their Mental Well-Being
- TimelyCare Services: TimelyCare provides a wide range of virtual mental health and well-being resources that are both free of charge and accessible 24/7 to Mason students.
- Counseling and Pyschological Services (CAPs): CAPS provides in-person and virtual, free and confidential, mental health services for Mason students.
- ProjectConnect: Project Connect helps Mason students build a stronger campus community for greater social and emotional well-being.
Additional Resources
Mason’s Racial Trauma Toolkit raises awareness about, and encourages healing from, experiences of racial trauma.
Read more about BIPOC well-being in this Thriving Together Series article and other Thriving Together Series articles on diversity.
Write one of these Thriving Together Series features! We’re looking for contributions on all topics related to well-being. Read other Thriving Together Series articles here and contact us at cwb@gmu.edu for guidelines. Thank you for helping our Mason community thrive together online!
