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Many faculty are noticing increased distress among their students. Most faculty are not mental health professionals but that doesn't mean we don't have a role to play in student wellness. As we start a new semester, here are a few things faculty can easily do to support students:
1. Make all assignments due at 5pm. If assignments are due at 9am, students will pull all-nighters. If assignments are due at midnight, they'll skip dinner. 5pm encourages healthy behaviors.
2. That said, be flexible with deadlines. Give students the benefit of the doubt when possible. I guarantee you have students who are grieving, experiencing economic hardship, & managing other challenges. Grant extensions and show compassion.
3. Include a list of mental health & wellness resources in your syllabus. These could be campus-specific or national resources. I like to call attention to this list on the first day of class. I also include a link to my university's mental health resources in my email signature.
4. Make explicit the ways in which you are seeking to cultivate inclusivity. For example, on the first day of class, introduce yourself with your pronouns and invite students to do the same.
5/5. Tell students why you are doing all of this. Tell them assignments are due at 5pm for THEIR wellbeing. Show them you care. These are just a few easy-to-implement, high impact steps that faculty members can take. I welcome other ideas!
