Urgent Need for Academic Flexibility and Mental Health Reform in Singaporean Universities
As stress levels spike for Singaporean undergraduate students, there is a demand for universities to rethink their educational approach, potentially reshaping the future of student well-being and academic success. A survey conducted by the Inter-University Network (IUN) reveals that almost 90% of Singaporean undergraduates identify work and study commitments as their main source of stress. Additionally, a survey which included 470 students from different universities highlighted a strong desire for academic flexibility, including the introduction of ‘grace days’ to allow deadline extensions. Even though counselling services are provided, there are increasing concerns surrounding the quality and stigma associated with seeking help. Overall, these findings suggest a growing mental health crisis on campus.