BUSU plans fall launch of app to improve mental health
The Brandon SunJun 26, 2017
The app -- which will be a BU-specific version of an app developed and maintained by Aspiria -- is still in the development stage as students have the opportunity to weigh in on what they'd like to see included.
"We're very excited to have this, the university is very excited to have it, and we're already getting really good feedback from students regarding it (on Facebook)," said BUSU president
I.M.Well will feature around-the-clock counselling in 180 languages, as well as breathing exercises for stress relief, a resource directory and a mood log.
Almost 300 students have contributed to an online poll put on BUSU's Facebook page asking what they would be looking for in the app, with others commenting suggestions like adding yoga poses to the exercise section and allowing the mood log to be accessed by the counsellors when needed.
The introduction of the new app is an effort to lend a hand to the overwhelming need for mental health resources on campus, Brown said.
"Currently ... we have two counsellors who are available
It will also add a resource for international students, who will now have access to counselling in their own language.
"We're very excited about the language option ... a lot of our international students deal with homesickness and loneliness in
BUSU and BU have been working on getting the app in place for about six months now, Brown said, with BU setting aside
A soft launch of I.M.Well will take place during orientation week in September, with a full launch following in October.
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