This job aid provides practical strategies to help you recognize signs of mental health challenges, foster open dialogue, and provide targeted design adjustments to your online course.
You can apply these steps in any online course, adapting based on your institution’s policies and available support services.
Step 1: Understand the signs of mental health struggles
Students may not explicitly share their struggles, but changes in behavior can signal challenges:
- Academic performance changes: missed assignments, declining quality, frequent extension requests
- Communication changes: reduced responsiveness or unusual tone
- Personality shifts: increased negativity, anxiety, frustration, or hopelessness
- Engagement changes: reduced participation in discussions, group work, or optional sessions
Early identification allows you to intervene before challenges escalate and impact persistence.
- Monitor patterns (not one-off behaviors)
- Compare current behavior to earlier participation
- Document specific observations before reaching out
Step 2: Prepare your course environment
Here are three ways to intentionally design a supportive course environment.
What to do
Create structured opportunities for students to share challenges.
Why it matters
Students are more likely to seek help when communication feels safe and normalized.
How to apply
- Add supportive syllabus language: “Your well-being is important. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re encouraged to reach out so we can explore support options together.”
- Use regular check-ins: Ask how students are doing in announcements or office hours
- Use anonymous polls to gauge class well-being
- Respond with empathy: “Thank you for sharing this with me. I’m glad you reached out.”
- Normalize help-seeking: Share general strategies (e.g., time management, stress reduction)
What to do
Build flexibility into course policies where possible.
Why it matters
Flexibility can reduce pressure and support student persistence without lowering standards.
How to apply
Depending on your course and institutional policies, you might:
- Clarify extension processes: Make it easy for students to find and request flexibility
- Use low-stakes assessments: Add ungraded or low-pressure checks to build confidence
- Break large assignments into checkpoints: Help students manage workload over time
What to do
Embed small, consistent supports into course design.
Why it matters
Normalizing mental health as part of learning reduces stigma and increases engagement.
How to apply
You might:
- Add short (2–3 minute) videos on resilience or mindfulness
- Share time-management tools (e.g., time-blocking templates)
- Highlight campus wellness events in announcements
- Acknowledge milestones (e.g., completing a module)
- Suggest tools such as journaling or productivity apps
Step 3: Gather mental health resources & activities
Guide students to appropriate professional and peer support resources.
Faculty are not expected to provide counseling, but you play an important role in connecting students to support.
- Include institutional resources: Counseling services, crisis lines, and student support offices
- Share external resources: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call or text 988; Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Collaborate with student services: If concerns escalate, follow your institution’s referral process
- Suggest peer support options: Mentoring or wellness programs where available
- Support mental readiness and confidence building: You might share or recommend activities and resources that help students build resilience, manage stress, and stay motivated.
Step 4: Communicate your support
Here are some email templates designed to help you reach out to students who may be experiencing challenges. These emails can be personalized to reflect your unique style and the specific circumstances of the student.
Note: It is important to follow your institution’s policies on escalating support for students.
Template 1: Encouragement and resources
Subject: Checking In: Resources to Support You
Hi [Student Name],
I noticed [specific observation], and I wanted to check in. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, there are resources that may help:
Headspace (guided meditation)
Pomodoro Timer (time management)
NAMI Self-Care Guide
If you’d like to talk or explore options, feel free to reach out. I’m here to support your progress.
Best,
[Your Name]
Template 2: Referral to university resources
Subject: Checking In on Your Well-Being
Hi [Student Name],
I’ve noticed [specific concern], and I want to make sure you have support.
Your university offers resources such as:
24/7 Crisis Text Line (Text HELLO to 741741)
University counseling services
You’re encouraged to connect with these services, and you’re welcome to update me if helpful.
Take care,
[Your Name]
Template 3: Urgent concern
Subject: Important: Support Resources Available
Hi [Student Name],
I’m reaching out because I’m concerned about [specific observation]. You don’t have to navigate this alone—support is available.
You may consider contacting:
University Counseling Center [contact info]
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741
If you need help connecting to resources, I can assist.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
