Below are 10 actionable steps you can take to help support student emotional well-being at UWM.
- Add YOU @ UWM to Your Canvas Page
- YOU @ UWM is an online hub for self-care tips, guidance, and resources students can use to keep their academics, well-being and social connections on track.
- Visit our informational page about YOU @ UWM.
- Watch this video to learn more about YOU @ UWM.
- Login / create an account here.
- YOU @ UWM is an online hub for self-care tips, guidance, and resources students can use to keep their academics, well-being and social connections on track.
- Post the Emotional Well-being Resources Canvas Page to your course site and/or post the flyer in your office or other student-facing spaces. This flyer, which can be downloaded here, lists seven emotional health resources for students, ranging from self-care activities to crisis support. Request Canvas page and printed posters.
- Draft an email or course announcement that acknowledges how stressful the semester can feel at times. Remind students of the emotional well-being resources available on campus and note that they do not need to wait until they feel severe distress or in crisis to reach out for support. Set a reminder to send it 4-6 weeks into the semester.
- Support healthy sleep habits and consider early assignment deadlines. If using 11:59 pm deadlines for assignments, consider moving them to an earlier time. Inadequate sleep impacts academic performance and emotional well-being. Using earlier deadlines can encourage a healthier sleep cycle.
- Plan 2-3 short activities for your next course that help students to get to know each other.
- Provide students with a heads-up on any sensitive topics, readings, or course discussions and provide a way for them to discuss any concerns with you ahead of time.
- Share or model mindfulness or other self-care activities during high-stress times of the semester.
- Become familiar with the Navigate “Would benefit from emotional well-being resources” alert and appropriate situations for use.
- This alert prompts an automated informational email and a follow-up text message. It is intended to help students self-select from a spectrum of emotional well-being resources available on campus to best meet their individual needs. The alert should not be used if there are concerns about a student in crisis or severe distress or if direct outreach to a student is needed.
- If you are concerned about a student’s immediate safety or imminent harm, please contact UWMPD or local police. If signs of distress are apparent but the severity is unclear, consult with the Student Health and Wellness Center counseling staff at 414-229-7429 during business hours or the UW Mental Health Support 24/7 at 888-531-2142.
- If seeking a more proactive outreach by staff to engage the student (in a non-crisis/not in severe distress situation), complete a Student Support Request/Report It Form. The Dean of Students’ office will follow up with you and, as indicated, with the student to offer assistance, resources and referrals for challenges related to mental health, severe hardship, or other situational factors.
- Bookmark the Red Folder website where you’ll find a guide that helps UWM faculty, staff and other community members recognize, respond effectively to, and refer distressed students.
- Schedule a 45-minute block in your calendar to complete the new, online suicide prevention training for faculty and staff.
Looking for more ways to get involved? Consider joining the Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on Mental Health or the Campus Cares Committee. For more information, email wellness-info@uwm.edu.