By CONNOR RYAN
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
In the heat of a high-profile endorsement, Fordham officials incorrectly publicized that the university was ranked number eight on a list of best colleges for mental health Tuesday afternoon.
Fordham is among 30 other universities that have met the qualifications needed to earn a JedCampus Seal — a public nod of approval from the Jed Foundation, a nationwide advocacy group that works to promote mental health and suicide prevention, administrators announced Tuesday.
But no schools were ranked as part of the announcement.
Fordham was listed as number eight on an alphabetized list published as part of an article by USA Today.
The Fordham Ram reported the error Tuesday afternoon, but a correction had not been made as of Tuesday night.
The certification, which is valid for two years, is the first nationwide program dedicated to evaluating universities’ mental health support systems, according to the foundation.
“The Jed Foundation wants to celebrate those schools that are working hard to support their student body — academically and emotionally — during a very critical time in their lives,” said Phil Satow, co-founder and board chair of the foundation, in a statement.
Jeffrey Ng, director of Fordham’s Counseling and Psychological Services, expressed gratitude in a statement after the endorsement was announced.
“The award recognizes Fordham’s comprehensive and unified approach to promoting student health and wellness, which is only made possible through the dedication, care and hard work of countless administrators, faculty, staff, students and departments across our campuses,” Ng said.
New York University, Yale University and Georgetown University joined Fordham on the list of those who have earned a certification.