Mental Health Resources

For many students, starting their college career can be a scary and uncertain time.  And a need for support can arise at any time in one's academic career. One of the main support systems can be the faculty they engage with through their classes and learning experiences.  Faculty can take some simply steps to create a warm and inviting environment for all students. Here are a few recommendations based on conversations with students.

1. Create an inclusive syllabus that contains resources for students who might need to seek assistance.  This guide references many of the

resources available to students on campus and in their community. Feel free to add them to your syllabus as well.

2. Take time to check that all students are on the same page.  Building in checks is a good use of class time to ensure that all students are understanding the materials.

3. Do check ins to make sure that students are doing ok.  If a student misses several classes, reach out and see what is going on.

4. Listen to what students are saying when they explain why they missed class.  It goes a long way to let a student know you are actively listening to what they are telling you.

5. Try to employ universal design principles for accessibility.  Also share accessibility resources.

6. Additionally pay special attention to your students around the 8th week mark.  This is a critical milestone in the semester for many, and indications of issues and stress may manifest at this time.