Faculty/staff workshops address student mental health and racism

While the Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at UNC Charlotte provides ongoing critical care to support student mental health on campus, it also focuses on training other campus administrators outside CAPS to identify students in need.

This month, CAPS will offer two virtual workshops for faculty and staff dedicated to “Supporting Student Mental Health Amidst Multiple Pandemics.” In particular, the workshops address the coronavirus pandemic and the impact of racism, inside and outside the classroom.

“While much of the national conversation has been focused on how we support our physical health and safety, it is imperative that we also are educated on how to support our students’ mental health,” said Erica Lennon, Psy.D., assistant director for outreach with CAPS.

“The mental health effects of both the COVID-19 pandemic and the increased media attention to race-based violence, particularly anti-blackness violence, have the ability to interfere with a student’s ability to be at their best academically and in other roles on campus,” Lennon said. “As faculty and staff, we are in a position to provide support to mitigate some of this potential impact and to allow a student to continue to grow holistically, including in their academics.”

The 60-minute workshops are free and open to UNC Charlotte faculty and staff. Registration is required.

Supporting Student Mental Health Amidst Multiple Pandemics

The fall 2020 semester poses unprecedented challenges for students who will continue to function amid the global pandemic and ongoing unrest and fight for anti-racism. This 60-minute virtual workshop shares practical ways faculty and staff can support student mental health, with special emphasis on those with historically marginalized identities (e.g., Black, LGBTQ+, international). Learn ways to address racism in the classroom, promote inclusion and belonging and respond to student mental health concerns as they arise. Workshops are scheduled for:

• 1 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 20
• 11 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 26

The Center for Counseling and Psychological Services supports the holistic well-being and academic success of students and contributes to a healthy and inclusive campus climate by providing short-term individual and group counseling, crisis management, consultation, referral services, and educational and preventive initiatives for the campus community. In addition, CAPS aspires to create an affirming, accessible, and safe environment, and is dedicated to social justice through increased awareness of the effects of oppression, prejudice and discrimination.