Introduction

Academicians and administrators may regard their mission as solely the education of students. Universities can enhance the academic performance of graduate students by contributing to the quality of life of students, by supporting their sense of belonging and by providing appropriate support to students’ sense of worth. A dean of student affairs can offer direct help to graduate students as well as to various graduate and administrative departments. In addition, psychiatric services which are both available and accessible are a necessary resource for students to cope with the emotional stresses of graduate school. Outpatient care is best provided through a student or university health service located on campus because the providers are more apt to be familiar with the context of the university milieu, including an awareness of the particulars of programs of study, their stresses and how they impact on students.