May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Oakland Community College is continuing its commitment to reduce stigma and strengthening support for students and employees through Mental Health First Aid Training and important resources. 
 
Guided by feedback from student and staff surveys, OCC’s Mental Health Advisory training was started. Working with others across the College, they have expanded awareness and access to mental health support and resources, including a free, evidence-based training program available to all employees and students. The course teaches participants how to recognize signs and symptoms of common mental health challenges, respond appropriately, and connect individuals to resources.  

Kristina Marshall, Director of Institutional Standards and Practices, said survey feedback highlighted the growing need for mental health support across the college. 

“We know college students often experience stress, anxiety, and depression, financial and food insecurity, the challenge of balancing work, family and school,” Marshall said. “Those competing responsibilities can feel isolating and overwhelming.” 

Marshall oversees Mental Health First Aid Training across OCC's campuses. Funded by Institutional Standards and Practices, the program is designed to build a college-wide support system and destigmatize mental health.  

“This training empowers employees across all departments to be a part of the support system and lead the way,” Marshall said. “Together, we are creating a supportive learning environment where students can succeed because they know OCC cares.”  

Dr. Shawna Boomgaard, a full time faculty member at OCC and social worker, focused on faculty mental health, describes the course as ‘CPR for mental health’. 

“It’s basically recognizing signs and symptoms when someone is having a mental health crisis,” Boomgaard explained. “The training shows us how we can support students, colleagues, friends, family and community members.”  

The free 7.5-hour course extensively covers how to react when someone is facing a mental health challenge. Participants will learn to:

  •  Recognize signs and symptoms of common mental health challenges
  •  Respond with empathy and confidence in real-time situations
  • Have supportive conversations while maintaining appropriate boundaries
  •  Understand when and how to refer to professional support
  •  Navigate OCC’s internal resources and referral pathways
  • Promote a psychologically safe and supportive environment

Upon completion of the course, participants earn a Mental Health First Aid certification from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, valid for 3 years. 

Jahquan Hawkins, Dean of Students and co-chair of the Mental Health Advisory Committee, now teaches the course after completing the training himself. He uses the tools he’s learned in his work and knows they've made a difference.  

“With the training, you become an asset to a student who may have been looking at you as an adversary,” Hawkins explained. “Now you have the tools to help the student navigate a crisis and connect them to the right kind of support.” 

The team has trained nursing students, faculty and executive leadership and will lead additional faculty trainings in June. He said faculty relationships with students play a critical role in identifying and responding early.  

“Faculty and front-line staff will be better able to identify signs and symptoms of a student who may be struggling or dealing with a crisis; and they will have the resources to refer the student,” Hawkins said.  

No prior mental health experience is required to participate in the course. 
“It truly gives participants the language and confidence to help someone who is actively in a crisis,” Boomgaard said.  

For more information, students can contact the Office of Institutional Standards and Practices. Employees can find more information on InsideOCC. 
 
About OCC       
Oakland Community College (OCC) has educated over one million students since 1965. OCC offers more than 80 degree and certificate programs and is committed to student success with affordable tuition, support services, flexible class options and top transfer opportunities. The College serves more than 20,000 students annually while advancing our community through education, training and career support. OCC is nationally recognized as Michigan’s top online college, and seventh in the U.S., by Newsweek’s  America’s Top Online Colleges 2025. Learn more at  oaklandcc.edu.        
 

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Media Contact: Marketing & Communications | (248) 341-2020 | contactus@oaklandcc.edu