This guide was created to help faculty in their efforts to support students and their mental health. It was created from a lens of helping students flourish and thrive first, and then being able to help them through a range of challenges by referring them to the appropriate resources on campus. It is not meant as a training guide or expectation that faculty will take on the direct role of providing guidance or therapy, but rather be equipped with the information to get students the help they need to address their specific challenge(s).

With the lens outlined above, here is a “Table of Contents” for this guide:

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. As we reintegrate back into 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 wellbeing. As such, you are an essential part of helping to create an overall Culture of Wellbeing 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 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.

IN A CRISIS OR EMERGENCY SITUATION:

CALL 911

Contact UCI PD (Non-Emergency Line): (949) 824-5223

Contact the Counseling Center: (949) 824-6457