UCI is committed to the goal of being a health promoting university. An Academic Planning Group workgroup that included members of the Academic Senate and Administration, along with subject matter experts, has prepared this Resource Guide for Faculty and Staff in support of student mental health and wellness. This guide aggregates information about campus resources that can assist students in navigating a range of challenges.

This is not meant as a training guide, but instead was designed to equip faculty and staff with information to make appropriate referrals for support.

Here is a “Table of Contents” for this guide:

IN A CRISIS SITUATION
CALL 911

 UCIPD (Non-Emergency Line)
(949) 824-5223

UCI Counseling Center
(949) 824-6457

Section 1: Pedagogical Wellness - Cultivating Well-Being in the Classroom

Pedagogical wellness is the art and science of integrating evidence-based wellness strategies into the teaching and learning environment to support the health and well-being of faculty and students. Now that we have returned to teaching and learning on campus, we encourage being mindful of faculty and student well-being in the process of course design, teaching, and learning. These approaches in the classroom are meant to improve both student and faculty health outcomes, decrease stressors in the teaching/learning environment, and facilitate community among faculty and students.

Section 2: Campus Wellness Resources for Students

Section 3: Tips and Resources on Conflict Resolution

UCI offers a number of resources and tips on how to manage academic and personal conflicts in a healthy and productive way.

Section 4: Approaching Students in Distress or Those with Mental Health Challenges

Faculty and staff are often the first to notice when something may be impacting a student’s academic experience and overall well-being. As such, you are an essential part of helping to create an overall Culture of Well-being for our students and community at UCI. Below are some tips to help guide the process for assisting a student who may be having a difficult time:

If you are concerned about a student:

  • Before Reaching Out:
  • Connecting with the Student:
    • Listen supportively
    • Clearly express your concerns, focusing on behaviors in non-disparaging terms
    • Offer supportive resources and referrals
    • Emphasize the importance of professional help if appropriate and make them aware of campus resources
  • Making the Referral:
    • Be clear with the student about the limits of your role and refer accordingly
    • Set realistic expectations about referrals
    • Follow up with the student after the referral is made
    • Keep in mind:
      • Students may not always report back on the outcome
      • The office you referred to may have privacy laws that limit their ability to confirm that the student connected with their office
      • Students may not always provide a full picture of what happened with the referral process (i.e., say they attended but did not).

Urgent Concern/Crisis:

  • UCI Counseling Crisis Care Services: (949) 824-6457 (after hours crisis services select option "2")
    • Monday-Friday 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. (Lobby Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.)
    • counseling.uci.edu
  • If it's a life-threatening emergency: Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room

Additional Mental Health Resources:

REMEMBER: You are NOT expected to be a mental health expert; make the warm hand off and let the resources do the rest! In other words, you are working with the student to help them access the valuable resources that are available to them. Please support them in making the connection.

Section 5: Immigration Enforcement Resources

Our campus, including the UC Irvine Police Department, does not collaborate with federal agencies on immigration enforcement. We also believe it is unlikely that federal agents will enter campus grounds. However, we encourage everyone to stay informed and prepared. Please take a moment to review the information below and save any relevant contacts to your phone.

Policies, guidelines and resources to help you navigate immigration-related situations.

  • International Student Assistance
    • For International Students, the International Center is the best resource regarding immigration advice and support. Their advisors are available for appointments to discuss concerns and questions. They can be contacted with a question or to schedule an appointment.
  • Be informed. Review relevant university policy, guidance, and resources.
    • UCOP Frequently Asked Questions pertaining to immigration enforcement
    • UC policy regarding responding to enforcement involving patients at health facilities
    • UC guidance regarding traveling with electronic devices, including returning to the U.S. and border searches
  • Share appropriate immigration resources with impacted individuals.
    • Keep a copy of this UC Know Your Rights card and share it with colleagues.
    • Refer impacted individuals to the information provided on the California
      Office of the Attorney General’s immigrant resources site and Law Help CA site.
    • Please refer UCI students or staff seeking advice about personal immigration issues or enforcement to UC Immigrant Legal Services. The UCILS team can provide students, staff, and/or their families specific advice about their circumstances in a privileged environment.
      • Monday-Friday during business hours, please contact UC Immigrant Legal Services Karia Salazar and Vivek Mittal.
      • For weekend and after hours needs, please contact Vivek Mittal and Aidín Castillo Mazantini.
      • Emails to UCILS should include the impacted individual’s full name, date of birth, contact information, and a brief summary of their immigration history, e.g.: “Peter Doe is a UCI student who was detained in Menifee, CA on 1/1/2025. He is undocumented and is being held in an Orange County facility.”
  • Know what to do if you encounter a federal agent on campus. You do not need to address or evaluate these issues on your own.
    • If a federal agent seeks your consent to enter a limited access space (for example: a classroom, faculty office, research lab) or requests information or documents from you about an individual, please:
        • Call the UCI Police Department (949) 824-5223 immediately or the Office of Campus Counsel (949) 824-9904.
        • Ask the agent for their name, badge number, agency affiliation, and business card.
        • Ask for a copy of any documents the agent may have, such as a warrant or subpoena.
        • Inform the agent that you are not obstructing their process and need to consult with campus counsel because you are not authorized to give consent to access campus buildings or persons on campus.