Montclair State University is a Stigma-Free Campus

On Tuesday, May 3, 2016, in honor of Mental Health Awareness month, former Governor Richard Codey joined President Susan Cole and members of the campus community in announcing Montclair State’s official status as Stigma-Free. Governor Codey unveiled the first of two Stigma-Free signs that will stand on campus.

The University is the second institution of higher education in New Jersey to join the Codey Fund for Mental Health’s Stigma-Free campaign. Established by the former governor and his wife in 2012, the fund’s mission is to ensure that “compassionate, quality mental healthcare is accessible to everyone and that the stigma associated with mental illness is overcome through public awareness and education.”

“Montclair State University has a longstanding commitment to the well-being of our students,” said Karen Pennington, vice president for student development and campus life. “We have established programs and staff in place to support the mental health needs of our community. We believe that having the Stigma-Free signs standing on campus will spark awareness and remind students that they’re not alone. The Montclair State University culture is a compassionate one, and there is always judgment-free help available.”