General and Classroom Resources for Working with and Supporting Students Through Stressful Times
Faculty and staff are uniquely positioned to show care and compassion for students experiencing distress. Identifying and addressing a distressed student is an important part of supporting them and keeping our University community safe and thriving. Student distress can present itself in many ways. Having the tools to identify, address, and refer students appropriately is important as you interact with them.
Emotionally distressing events beyond the classroom can impede teaching and learning. Adopting pedagogies of care can help navigate times of stress and challenge. Below are three tips drawn from the Columbia University’s Center for Teaching and Learning’s on-demand resource Teaching in Times of Stress and Challenge.
- Check in with your students and connect them to campus resources. Gauge how your students are doing by checking in with them before, during, or after class, or during office hours. Connect students to campus support resources, and empower them to seek help from Columbia Health Counseling & Psychological Services (CPS).
- Acknowledge what is going on. Students appreciate instructors that acknowledge what is going on in the world beyond the classroom, and that they may be experiencing challenges. Recognize that students may have a hard time concentrating on learning, completing activities and assignments, or remaining motivated to engage in class or out of class. Build in flexibility to support your students’ success in your course.
- Take care of yourself. Seek out the resources (e.g., through Employee Assistance Program and Human Resources) you need in order to be able to show up for your students.
These moves can help students feel a stronger sense of support and belonging, which can help both faculty and students navigate any challenging conversations that might arise in the classroom.