Exploring Post-Secondary Gaps for Student Success with Mike Stroh and Steven Kavaratzis

Supporting students on gap years is everybody’s responsibility, including higher education institutions - especially when it comes to mental health and well-being. 

In today’s episode, we invited Mike Stroh, founder of Starts With Me, and Steven Kavaratzis from the Ted Rogers School of Management, to discuss what pushing pause looks like for post secondary students. They analyze current trends and external factors, such as academic validation and lack of support, and how these can foster a toxic relationship between students and school. Furthermore, they explore the role of institutions and how they need to step up to meet the mental health and wellbeing needs of their students. 

Topics Discussed

• The importance of institutions supporting students through to graduation and providing resources to encourage mindfulness and wellbeing. 
• What pushing pause looks like for post-secondary students and the gaps that need to be filled to make this process a fulfilling and positive experience. 
• Exploring the statistics and trends when it comes to mental health and wellness with post-secondary students. 
• Should academic performance be prioritized over mental health and wellbeing?
• Are institutions providing adequate resources to encourage students to take care of their mental health?

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

• • Mike’s mental health consultancy Starts With Me 

• Connect with Steven on LinkedIn 
• Prioritize mental health on your gap year with The Gap Year Accelerator

Connect With The Canadian Gap Year Association

• Join “Gapper Connect” on Discord to connect with students thinking about a gap year, current Gappers, and alum all in one place! https://www.cangap.ca/gapperconnect

• Find more resources at the Can Gap website https://www.cangap.ca/

• Follow on Instagram http://www.instagram.com/cangapassociation/

• Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ucangap

• Follow on Twitter https://twitter.com/ucangap

• Follow on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuBit8gLXEOxaBggoGmykjQ