August 2025 Insights: The Start of Academic Year 2026

August is typically a month of transition and can be challenging for students--especially freshmen, transfer students, and international students. To aid in the transition for students, Student Outreach & Support – our case management team – hosted a Transit 101 event as part of ShockFest. This event introduced students to public transit and included a group route experience to ease anxiety about navigating a new city.

The insights below provide an overview of the student concerns unique to August and ways to promote a campus culture of care.

Overview of Reports and Activity
August marked the start of the fall semester, and with it came a significant increase in student outreach and support needs.

Eighty students were referred to the CARE Team in August—a surge that reflects the challenges students face during their transition back to campus life. We also noticed an increase in serious concerns related to transition, including seven students transported to a higher level of care for medical and mental health needs.

A total of 14 students were hospitalized in August:

  • 9 for illness/injury
  • 4 for mental health
  • 1 for alcohol consumption

This increase in reports and hospitalizations aligns with historical trends of heightened stress and adjustment challenges at the beginning of the academic year. Students often experience:

  • Homesickness and belonging concerns
  • Academic pressure
  • Basic needs insecurity

CARE Team Response

Our CARE Team worked proactively to:

  • Connect students to campus and community resources for housing, food, and mental health support.
  • Provide holistic assessments to identify underlying factors such as financial strain or lack of social support.
  • Coordinate care with medical and counseling services to ensure timely interventions.

Looking Ahead

As the semester progresses, the CARE Team remains committed to addressing barriers to student success. We encourage students to:

  1. Reach out early if you experience homesickness or anxiety in your transition.
  2. Engage with campus resources such as Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Engagement and Belonging, and the Office of Student Accommodations and Testing.
  3. Stay connected—building a support network can make a significant difference

Your well-being matters. We are here to help.