Student Support Toolkit
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant challenges for everyone, and students may be navigating financial stress, mental health concerns, or caregiving responsibilities. During these times, human connection matters more than ever. Being supportive, flexible, and available can make a meaningful difference for your students.
What You Can Do:
- Reach Out Once: If you're concerned about a student, try connecting directly. Understand that some students may not have the capacity to respond promptly due to overwhelming responsibilities.
- Escalate Concerns if Needed: If a student is unresponsive and you’re worried, contact Student Support and Case Management. They can provide insights and guide you on resources available for the student.
- Direct Â鶹ÒùÔº to Campus Resources: Encourage students facing difficulties to seek help through CU Boulder’s robust support services.
Key Student Resources:
- Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS): Available remotely for local students and can assist out-of-state students in finding local support.
- Student Support and Case Management: Offers assistance tailored to individual student needs.
- Emergency Funding: Through Buffs Together, financial aid is available for students with critical needs.
- Academic Advising: Provides guidance on academic planning, course selection, and resources to help students stay on track.
For additional support, explore the wide range of campus services available to students, staff, and faculty. Your understanding and connection can go a long way in helping students navigate these tough times.
Student Support and Case Management
Â鶹ÒùÔº 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.