Ithaca College

Feedback from faculty at the beginning of the semester reflected appreciation for the mental health information suggested for inclusion in syllabi.  We present it again, as you prepare your syllabi for the spring semester.

Faculty members play an important role in the lives of students that goes beyond the teaching of course material.  The staff of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) recognizes faculty’s potential to influence student’s attitudes about mental health care.  We know the stigma about accessing services causes many to suffer needlessly; therefore, we invite you to partner with us to identify students at risk and reach out to them, or to report your concerns via the Students at Risk Initiative (Ithaca.edu/sacl/…).

In an effort to be more proactive in minimizing the potential negative outcome of students in distress, the enclosed statement was generated for faculty members to consider including on their syllabi. Imagine the spontaneous dialogue that ensues on the first day of class following the open-ended question: “what keeps people from seeking counseling when its benefits have been proven?” or, “what are some of the things you‘ve heard from others that reinforce the stigma about accessing mental health care?”

Reducing the stigma about accessing mental health care can lead to a culture on the IC campus where students seek professional help when it is needed. We invite you to work with us toward reducing the stigma about accessing mental health care so that students are not afraid to seek professional help by adding a statement (draft attached) to your syllabus about mental health care.

Sincerely,
Counseling and Psychological Services

Syllabi Insert:

Diminished mental health, including significant stress, mood changes, excessive worry, or problems with eating and/or sleeping can interfere with optimal academic performance. The source of symptoms might be strictly related to your course work; if so, please speak with me. However, problems with relationships, family worries, loss, or a personal struggle or crisis can also contribute to decreased academic performance.

Ithaca College provides a Counseling Center to support the academic success of students.  Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides cost-free services to help you manage personal challenges that threaten your well-being.

In the event I suspect you need additional support, expect that I will express my concerns (and the reasons for them) to you and remind you of resources (e.g., CAPS, Health Center, Chaplains, etc.) that might be helpful. It is not my intention to know the details of what might be bothering you, but simply to let you know I am concerned and that help, if needed, is available.