INTRODUCTION:
Student mental health extend beyond individual well-being with implications for academic success, student retention and equity. Universities are increasingly recognised as settings for mental health promotion and many institutions collect student mental health data to inform action. However, translating survey data into sustainable, setting-level interventions remains a challenge, particularly in the absence of clear organisational processes, resources, and leadership engagement. This workshop aims to explore how to effectively collect and translate such data into mental health action within universities, bringing together university leadership, operational staff, and students.

METHODS:
The workshop will use an interactive, participatory format. Key insights from qualitative interviews with university professionals and students involved in student mental health surveys will be presented briefly as an initial input. Participants will then engage in a world café format with small groups organised around predefined topics derived from these insights (e.g. organisational structures, resources, leadership). Participants will have the opportunity to rotate between topics to share experiences, reflect on their institutional contexts, identify barriers and facilitators, and discuss strategies to strengthen data-informed decision-making in university settings. Eventually, a plenary discussion will synthesise key points.

RESULTS:
The workshop focuses on shared reflections and practice-oriented insights on how organisational structures, resources, and leadership influence the collection and use of student mental health data. Participants will elaborate considerations and practical approaches for embedding survey data into strategies to strengthen student mental health at universities.

CONCLUSIONS:
Sustainable and effective data collection is more likely when survey procedures are embedded within organisational structures and supported by adequate resources and leadership. Building on this premise, the world café supports university professionals in moving beyond data collection towards data-informed institutional action. It highlights the importance of whole-university approaches and contributes to strengthening the role of universities as settings for sustainable mental health promotion.