The COVID-19 pandemic has been a tumultuous time for us all. Our students may be facing any number of challenges, such as financial stress, mental health issues, and additional demands related to caring for family members and themselves. Under these circumstances, students especially value human connection. Being supportive and flexible as an individual and in your classes is appreciated, and making yourself available to your students can help students feel connected. 

Students may be less communicative than they normally are during the semester as they balance a number of responsibilities beyond coursework. If you have concerns about a student in your class: 

  • Reach out once to the student directly. Some students simply don't have the bandwidth right now to address everything, which may include classes. 
  • If a student is unresponsive and you have concerns, contact Student Support and Case Management. They may have more information about a specific student, or can help you navigate available resources. 

For students experiencing difficulties, CU offers robust services that can assist. Counseling and Psychiatric Services and Student Support and Case Management are continuing services remotely for local students and can help out-of-state students find support in their area. There is also emergency funding available through Buffs Together for students with critical needs. 

In addition to the resources below, there are more campus support services available to students, staff, and faculty. 

Student Support and Case Management

Students can be referred to Student Support and Case Management (SSCM) when they seem to be struggling emotionally, academically, or otherwise. SSCM is also available to consult with you if you are not certain a referral is warranted. They can provide consultation with or without the name of the student. 

Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS)

CAPS offers confidential, on-campus mental health and psychiatric services to students for a variety of concerns. They also offer Let’s Talk, a free service where CU Boulder students can check in with a counselor for an informal and confidential consultation without needing to make an appointment. 

#talkmentalillness course on Coursera 

This course, developed by CU Boulder professor Dr. June Gruber, provides a unique and intimate first-hand exposure to conversations with world famous experts in mental health and illness who will discuss the causes and treatments for common and severe psychological disorders, the stigma that shrouds mental illness and how to combat it, impacts on children, teens, and their families; and challenges facing underserved communities and how to combat racism and promote equity in mental health care.  

Mental Health First Aid Training

Mental Health First Aid training helps a person with no clinical training assist someone experiencing a mental health crisis. Participants are introduced to risk factors and warning signs, engage in experiential activities and learn about evidence-supported treatment and self-help strategies.

Student Emergency Fund

The Student Emergency Fund provides direct financial assistance to students so they can pay bills if they've lost wages, secure technology for remote learning, and gain access to food and health care. 

Campus Resources for Students

Prior to the start of each class, some faculty at CU project a slide on campus resources to keep these top of mind for students. Other faculty include a list of these resources on Canvas. This PowerPoint includes information on many important services. 

Well Track

WellTrack is a free app that is available to all CU Boulder students. It is designed to help students understand their mental health and to provide them with the help that they need right now.