- How can you help students during particularly stressful times?
- How can you help students see mental health challenges as common and that seeking support is a normal and helpful step?
- What can instructors do to help students address academic problems in time to take action?
- How will you approach content that might make students uncomfortable?
22Feb’22
What is the value of having wellness language on your syllabus?
Instructors can alleviate distress by giving students clear standards for their work and acknowledging that students face challenges outside the classroom as well. Syllabus and course design are two areas where instructors can make an impact.
Questions to Consider
Policy Examples from Penn Professors
BE 2000: Introduction to Biomechanics, Lecture
Your mental health and wellness are of utmost importance to the course instruction staff, if not the University as a whole. All members of the instruction staff will be happy to chat or just to listen if you need someone to talk to, even if it’s not specifically about this course. If you or someone you know is in distress and urgently needs to speak with someone, please do not hesitate to contact one of the many resources at Penn. If you are uncomfortable reaching out to Student Health & Counseling, any member of the instruction staff will be happy to contact them on your behalf.
CIS 1100: Introduction to Computer Programming, Lecture
If you experience significant stress or worry, changes in mood, or problems eating or sleeping this semester, whether because of CIS 1100 or other courses or factors, please do not hesitate to reach out immediately, at any hour, to any of the course staff to discuss. Everyone can benefit from support during challenging times. Not only are we happy to listen and make accommodations, we can also refer you to additional support structures on campus, including:
Student Health & Counseling 215-898-7021 (off hours and weekends 215-349-5490)
Reach-a-Peer Helpline (RAP-line) which is available nightly from 9pm-1am at 215-573-2727; you can text them anytime at 215-515-7332.
If you or someone you know is in distress and poses an immediate danger to self or others, please contact the Department of Public Safety at 215-898-7333, or 511.