Cultivating Academic Belonging

Cultivating Academic Belonging to Promote Student Mental Health and Well-Being

Data from a range of sources indicates that high numbers of college students are experiencing mental health challenges. In this session, instructors will view a video case study telling the story of an U-M alumn that invites them to consider how a lack of academic belonging affects student mental health and well-being. Participants then explore how structural and interpersonal issues exacerbate mental health challenges for students, and discuss role-appropriate approaches faculty can take to cultivate academic belonging and proactively promote their students’ mental health and well-being.

The session is appropriate for faculty, graduate student instructors, and academic leaders. The session can be offered in either 90 or 120 minutes, in a virtual synchronous format or in-person synchronous format. It will be available throughout the academic year.

**The video case study in the session contains strong language, challenges related to mental and well-being, and references to racism and Indigenous genocide and erasure.

In this session, participants will:

  • Reflect on a range of structural and interpersonal issues that exacerbate mental health challenges for students.
  • Begin to consider how cultivating academic belonging in your classroom might proactively promote student mental health and well-being. 
What people have said about :
[I] really appreciated the student story. [It was] helpful to hear about the kinds of experiences students have in the classroom and at the university
The case study/theater piece was really effective in conveying the bureaucratic and interpersonal hurdles students face, for sure. I always appreciate the opportunity to talk with colleagues.
I think the video was very powerful and set up the discussion. The workshop also allowed me to meet with people interested in the topic for diverse reasons and exchange ideas.
I always enjoy the CRLT Players - it's always impressive.