A small group of people have a long-term vision: a University Men’s Center to provide male students with information and support on issues such as depression, academic difficulty and personal fitness.
But immediate efforts are concentrated on gaining further student support and receiving recognition as a student organization.
The University Men’s Health Team has organized a variety of activities to further the center’s development. The team has already completed various activities, including a presentation on men’s issues at a recent crisis prevention conference, training on men’s issues and interventions with professional counselors. The group also holds weekly meetings addressing men’s personal issues. Representatives from the University health, counseling and student activities centers held a Men’s Center organizational meeting Tuesday. Two University students and an ASUO representative also attended to hear the center’s progress report.
During the meeting, George Hanawahine, graduate teaching fellow at the University Counseling Center, reviewed the results of a student survey of 260 male and female students. Hanawahine said he was pleased with the overall results.
“I think the survey is a positive endorsement for the Men’s Center,” Hanawahine said. “I’m also very pleased with the variety of sampling in the survey and I think it was a good reflection of what our campus looks like.”
After discussing the results of the survey, the meeting focused on how to gain greater support and endorsement from the student body.
Lach Litwer, Bean complex resident assistant, said there is strong support for a Men’s Center, but the idea is hindered by social stereotypes and preconceptions.
“My interactions with students lead me to believe there is great need and support for a Men’s Center,” Litwer, a sophomore in psychology, said. “But I think the biggest obstacle is fighting the preconceptions of what people think men need and want.”
Jon Davies, counseling and testing center psychologist, echoed Litwer and said stereotypes and misconceptions are the leading reasons men do not seek the help they need.
“We found the No. 1 reason that men do not seek help is because of social stigmas,” Davies said. “Asking for help is considered shameful.”
Davies discussed the history of the project and said the idea for the center originated after the University’s Men’s Health Team conducted five years of research on the perceived health needs of male University students. The research highlighted barriers for males who seek help and offered suggestions to help male students.
“Our research suggested that having a men’s center would be helpful for men who seek those services,” Davies said. “As a result, males would lead a more healthy lifestyle.”
For further information please contact George Hanawahine at 346-2770.