Classroom

Infusing practicable skills into academic classes can give students a greater sense of self-efficacy in managing challenging thoughts and feelings, ...

[systemic stressors](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40596-015-0390-1) that impact students’ mental health, including [racism](https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2021-36705-001), [financial concerns](https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2015-56770-002) and [sexual violence](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32046595/). Inside Higher Ed…](http://www.insidehighered.com/advice/2020/11/04/professor-explains-through-poetry-his-rationale-not-giving-students-extra-credit#at_pco=cfd-1.0) [struggle](https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/surging-demand-for-mental-health-care-jams-college-services/) to meet the mental health needs of college students, a [majority](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/21676968211025348) of whom report anxiety and depression. [campuswide initiatives](https://cmhc.utexas.edu/wellbeing/images/WBLE_Guidebook_OPTI_092020.pdf) to build well-being within many learning environments. Inside Higher Ed…](http://www.insidehighered.com/blogs/higher-ed-gamma/how-might-elite-institutions-better-meet-needs-underserved-student-populations#at_pco=cfd-1.0) [From 3 struggling public colleges, a new university emerges](http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2022/08/24/3-struggling-public-colleges-new-university-emerges#at_pco=cfd-1.0) [Why too much public self-promotion by academics is damaging (opinion) Skills-based programs to enhance well-being are often just as effective when [paraprofessionals](https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Fcou0000190) deliver them. [The Science of Well-Being](https://www.coursera.org/learn/the-science-of-well-being?utm_source=gg&utm_medium=sem&utm_campaign=09-ScienceofWellBeing-US&utm_content=B2C&campaignid=9728548210&adgroupid=102459401907&device=c&keyword=yale%20happiness%20course&matchtype=b&network=g&devicemodel=&adpostion=&creativeid=433067297434&hide_mobile_promo&gclid=CjwKCAjwwL6aBhBlEiwADycBIPuPzJOcr_3oTJoQqaxIHgr9LhXnG-wijD-iao9GuwYJ_5uQQ46PkxoCQ8oQAvD_BwE),” which are led by psychologists. And at some institutions, the classroom itself offers [another setting](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/19325037.2004.10603632) in which students can improve their mental health. When it comes to grading, if students submit responses to the discussion prompts and other assignments that reflect the instructions, they receive full points, even if they write that they forgot to practice their new skills or that they encountered challenges. Students aren’t required to share any feelings or situations that they feel are too personal; rather, the assignments ask them to comment on some aspect of their inner experience. After reviewing the research about effective mental health interventions on college campuses, I noted that a key ingredient is Many colleges and universities now offer [digital tools](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30888256/) or [peer counseling programs](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30888256/) to help address an overwhelming demand for mental health services.