“Wellness is an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life. Wellness is more than being free from illness, it is a dynamic process of change and growth.” – UC Davis

“…a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”
– The World Health Organization

“a conscious, self-directed and evolving process of achieving full potential.”
– The National Wellness Institute

Everyone’s health and wellness is paramount. Studying at a university introduces stress to many students, and it is crucial to seek help when needed.

If someone requires urgent assistance or is concerned for somebody’s immediate safety, call 9-1-1.

To support students’ wellness, you can suggest that they:

Access Sudbury services

• Laurentian Counselling Services (on campus)
  • Call 705-673-6506
  • Call toll-free at 1-800-461-4030 x6506
• Crisis Intervention Services
  • 705.675.4760 (24 hour access)
  • 127 Cedar St, Sudbury

Consult and access remotely available resources

• The Good2Talk  phone number is 1-866-925-5454. All students can access free, confidential support services 24/7. You can also access Good2Talk’s 24/7 support via text by texting GOOD2TALKON to 686868
• BounceBack is a free skill-building program that is accessible to students and all residents of Ontario.
• Big White Wall  is an online peer-to-peer support community and a great tool for students.
• keep.meSAFE provides 24/7 support for Laurentian University’s international students.
• WellTrack is a free self-help interactive tool for all Laurentian University Students
• Wellness Together Canada provides free online resources, tools, apps and connects users to trained volunteers and qualified mental health professionals when needed.
• ConnexOntario helps you find mental health services in your community.
• Mind your mind Extensive lists of resources, steps and programs available across Canada. This site connects community partners and young people aged 14 to 29 to co-create interactive tools and innovative resources to build capacity and resilience.
• Consult resources on staying emotionally healthy during a pandemic, such as:
  • “How to Stay Emotionally Healthy During the Coronavirus Outbreak” by Jamie D. Aten, in Psychology Today, Mar 2020.

How and when to provide suggestions and resources

There are no rules for this but some ideas include:

• Sending periodic D2L announcements, which can be set up in advance;
• You can put resources links like the ones above in a Resources section in D2L;
• Make space in synchronous class time to check in on the wellbeing of your students;
• Connect with students if you notice they are performing poorly or behaving out of character.

Up next

The next chapter addresses the possible roles of teaching assistants in a remote course.

Please feel free to contact us at any time with questions, suggestions, and concerns by emailing us at coffeehouse@laurentian.ca