Four strategies a college professor can use to help students in need persist without compromising course integrity or their own mental health

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The last several years have highlighted many student vulnerabilities educators have known about for decades. Many 21st-century college students are carrying a heavy load mentally and physically. Students’ competing responsibilities and course requirements are often in tension and could present challenges as students navigate school, work, and life.

Here are four proven strategies to help students who are feeling vulnerable in many ways and help educators teach their courses while protecting the course’s integrity and the professor’s mental space.

1. Listen and be available to talk when needed

College professors can help their students by actively listening to them and being available to talk if a student feels sad, scared, or overwhelmed. Having an understanding and positive attitude toward students can go a long way in creating a brave classroom environment. When the semester begins, professors should articulate their office hours and explain the types of content discussed during office hours. Professors should also be knowledgeable about resources like campus counseling services and mental health hotlines for students who need support. Similarly, professors should be willing to refer students to these resources when needed. By providing this information, professors can encourage students to feel more supported and comfortable when reaching out for help.

In this vein, professors should also closely monitor their own mental hygiene. Being a support personnel can result in students sharing traumatic information. The professor providing a listening ear could experience secondary trauma or vicarious victimization. As such, before adopting the practice of serving as support personnel, professors should gauge their capacity to absorb traumatic information. If they are designated, professors should also let students know they are mandated reporters before the student shares any information. Explain to the student what that role entails and, if necessary, direct the student to a confidential resource who can help them work through their challenges and identify helpful resources. Whether student or professor, everyone would benefit from reaching out to a trained professional when discussing mental health challenges.

2. Show understanding and compassion by offering reasonable accommodations for assignment deadlines when possible

Generally, college professors make assignment instructions and deadlines available before assignments are due. However, sometimes life happens, and students may experience challenges submitting assignments on time. One way to address the needs of students who share challenges and to maintain the integrity of the course is to allow a pre-set number of hours or days a student experiencing challenges can contact the professor, provide documentation, and submit the assignment. Professors who develop the course reasonable accommodation “late” policy and communicate it to students on the first day of class not only allow students to understand and ask questions about the procedures but also decrease the likelihood that a student experiencing a challenge believes the professor is arbitrarily creating rules just for them. In addition, adopting this practice reduces the possibility that other students in the course who submitted their assignments on time would feel the professor is giving special privileges to one student and not others. Professors can also create an open dialogue about their expectations and guidelines for assignments. When students know what is expected of them, it can reduce confusion and frustration for students and the professor.

3. Develop a positive relationship with students throughout the course and provide encouragement and support to students as they work through their struggles

College is difficult for many students as they encounter unfamiliar challenges and may need help to keep up with the rigorous academic demands. As such, professors are a critical resource in providing encouragement and support during this transition. Though counselors can provide professional help, professors can also take essential steps to ensure that students have the resources and emotional guidance necessary to succeed. One way of doing this is by developing a personalized and trusting relationship with students. Professors should strive to create an open and comfortable environment that allows students to ask questions without feeling embarrassed or intimidated.

Additionally, professors should provide a way for students to “break the ice” by understanding more about the professor and how and why they teach and allowing a forum for students to discuss why they decided to go to college and enroll in the class. This platform provides a meaningful trust-building opportunity while setting the foundation for a student-centered learning environment. By creating a supportive and encouraging environment, professors can help students feel more confident in their academic abilities, and better equip them to handle college challenges.?

4. Reach out regularly to check in on how the student is doing, even if it is just a quick email from time to time

College professors can help their students be successful by staying in touch. This could mean sending a quick email to check in from time to time. By doing this, the professor shows that they care and want their students to do well. Additionally, professors should give students regular feedback by grading their work timely. This allows the student to see where they stand and make improvements if needed. Both formative and summative feedback help students grasp concepts and grow. Finally, professors can provide resources for their students, such as study tips or outside help if the student is struggling. Doing these things conveys to the student that their professor is invested in their success and puts in the effort to assist them. Staying in touch and providing feedback and resources can help professors support their students so that they can be successful.

By taking these steps, college professors can support students to help them persist through their college experience with resilience and perseverance without compromising course integrity or their own mental health.?

Do you have routine practices you use to help students in need, maintain course integrity, and protect professors’ mental health? I’d love to hear about them.