Supporting Student Resilience: Triage Strategies for End-of-Term Challenges

The end of the semester often brings with it mental, physical, and/or financial health challenges for students. During this session we’ll highlight seasonal stressors, relevant resources, and what to do when you are notified that an advisee is approved for a 4+ day absence. You’ll apply what you learn during two case studies; 1) a 2nd-year student had unexpected bills and can’t pay December rent, and 2) a 4th-year student isn’t receiving residency interviews, and their mental health is tanking. This session will prepare you to triage students quickly and effectively to the appropriate combination of mental, physical, and financial resources to successfully navigate the end of the term. This session is part of the COMP Faculty Advisor Curriculum, and we welcome any employee in any college who’s interested in joining us!

Learning Objectives: 

• List the WesternU resources available to support student mental, physical, & financial health.
• Describe what a student should do if they must miss mandatory curriculum.
• Explain what a faculty advisor should do when notified their advisee is approved for a 4+ day absence.
• List the catalog outcomes for students who have unexcused absences.
• Describe what to say when speaking to a student who is experiencing mental health challenges.
• Describe what to say when speaking to a student who is experiencing financial challenges.