The Vincent Prize follows on several University initiatives to combat depression and mental illness among students. In September, the University published a brochure for faculty members designed to help them identify students who need assistance and refer them to appropriate resources. Charles Ducey, director of the Bureau of Study Counsel and member of the University Student Health Coordinating Board, said the awards are intended to both draw attention to the problem and to seek input from students on the topic of depression. We want to tap into great untapped resources.
Students know what students best respond to.
As many as three winners will be announced on April 23. A prize dinner will be held in May where the winners will discuss their ideas with members of the Student Health Coordinating Board. Entries are due April 2. Students from Harvard College, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and the professional schools are all eligible. She hopes the award will draw suggestions from students with wide backgrounds.