Well-being
Student and instructor well-being are important for an environment conducive to learning. Once your course is underway, you might encounter a student in crisis or be called upon to assist a student in a difficult situation. While it is appropriate to be helpful, keep in mind that it is not your responsibility to serve as a therapist or any other type of healthcare provider. Maintain personal boundaries and offer help by referring students to appropriate services or resources, which may also include asking a student if they are already connected to a relevant McGill service or coordinating for someone to accompany the student to the Office of the Dean of Students.
This article offers instructors suggestions for supporting students’ well-being as well as their own well-being.
In this article:
Supporting students
Enhancing student wellness: Simple tips for instructors: This infographic offers easy-to-implement tips for fostering a positive learning environment from the start of term. English version | French version
Should you be concerned as the term progresses that a student is experiencing difficulties, these resources might be useful:
Early Alert System: Signal your concerns to the Office of the Dean of Students by using the Early Alert System embedded in myCourses. Alternatively, contact a Case Manager in the Office of the Dean of Students.
The Helping Students in Difficulty Folder: The Office of the Dean of Students offers this guide for what to do and whom to contact in emergencies, crises, and worrisome or difficult situations with students.
Read more
Do students feel that mind-calming exercises promote deep learning? (Teaching for Learning blog)
Fostering a mindful learning community (Teaching for Learning blog)
How can assessment be used to promote student well-being? (Teaching for Learning blog)
I came upon a student in distress (Teaching for Learning blog)
Supporting yourself
Each instructor will have their own approach to fostering and maintaining well-being. The following strategies may complement your approach.
Identify signs you need self-care. When you are well, consider making a list of signs that indicate you need to care for yourself (e.g., irritability, poor nutrition). Identifying early warning signs allows you to understand indications of poor mental health and de-escalate negative situations.
Be aware of activities and strategies that you believe contribute to your well-being, and engage in them to bolster your well-being. These activities may be physical, creative, spiritual, or mental in nature (e.g., grounding exercises, meditation, speaking with a loved one).
Identify supporters and connect with them. Supporters are individuals in your life who support your well-being and/or promote well-being in their own lives (e.g., family, friends, coworkers, counsellors, neighbours). Consider making regular contact with these people to develop a support system.
Access services available to McGill staff:
The Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) is a confidential, no cost, third-party service that offers short-term counselling and referral services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
McGill Human Resources Health & Well-being promotes a healthy lifestyle and work-life balance by offering employees events and challenges focused on a variety of health-related topics, as well as information, tips, and links to health and well-being resources.
McGill Athletics and Recreation offers a Staff Fitness Program.
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While this resource is accessible worldwide, McGill University is on land which has served and continues to serve as a site of meeting and exchange amongst Indigenous peoples, including the Haudenosaunee and Anishinabeg nations. Teaching and Learning Services acknowledges and thanks the diverse Indigenous peoples whose footsteps mark this territory on which peoples of the world now gather. This land acknowledgment is shared as a starting point to provide context for further learning and action.
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