Michigan Technological University’s Peer Awareness for Well-Being and Support (P.A.W.S) program teaches students how to recognize signs of mental health struggles, support classmates, and connect peers with professional resources through a seven-week training program.
P.A.W.S. was launched at Michigan Tech in Spring 2024. The program focuses on preparing students to recognize when someone may be struggling and giving them tools to respond appropriately.
Josh Carlson, who oversees the P.A.W.S. program, said, “Students often turn to friends and peers before they turn to professional resources,” He elaborated, “We wanted to give them some additional knowledge, skills, and confidence to navigate those situations.”
Students who participate complete seven weekly, one-hour training sessions that combine education, group discussions, and interactive activities. Training covers topics including depression, anxiety, high risk, coping behaviors, and suicidal thoughts. Students practice skills in active listening, empathetic responses, and having supportive conversations through scenarios and role-playing exercises. The training emphasizes recognizing warning signs, understanding personal boundaries, and knowing how to connect someone with professional help.
Since its launch, the program has expanded beyond its original training sessions. The program graduates have helped organize student-led workshops called P.A.W.S. Pop-ups and partnered with other campus groups to establish Huskies. Resilience, Inclusion, Support, Empowerment (R.I.S.E) Peer Support Communities.
Carlson said the program measures its impact through surveys completed before and after training. In the most recent analysis of 74 student responses, scores measuring public stigma surrounding mental health decreased from 4.31 to 3.07. Scores measuring self-stigma associated with seeking help decreased from 19.80 to 17.56. Additionally, 70 percent of program graduates reported using skills learned through P.A.W.S. at least once per week, according to Carlson.
For students who are struggling, Carlson encourages them to reach out rather than wait until a situation becomes a crisis. Michigan Tech offers resources through the Center of Student Mental Health and Well-Being, the Dean of Students Office, and Mantra Health.
Carlson said building a supportive campus community does not require completing a training program.“Supporting student well-being isn’t just the responsibility of counselors or other professionals; it happens in our everyday interactions with one another,” Carlson said. “It can be as simple as checking in on a friend, taking the time to listen, including someone who might feel disconnected, or helping someone find support when they need it.”
