Faculty Well-Being: Preventing Burnout and Sustaining Joy
Teaching in higher education can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with unique stresses that can lead to burnout. This track explores strategies to help faculty manage their workload, prioritize self-care, and cultivate a fulfilling career.

• Identifying and Combating Faculty Burnout
• Strategies for Sustaining Passion and Purpose in Teaching
• Building Resilience: Managing Stress and Expectations
• Finding Balance: Work-Life Integration in Academia

Creating a Culture of Care: Departmental and Institutional Approaches
Creating a culture of care starts at the top but thrives in the collaborative efforts of departments and institutions. This track explores how universities can implement systemic support for mental health and well-being across the campus.

• Building Mental Health Support Networks Across Campus
• Developing Comprehensive Wellness Initiatives for Faculty and Students
• Integrating Mental Health Resources into Institutional Structures
• Leadership’s Role in Cultivating a Supportive Campus Environment

Supporting Student Mental Health in the Classroom
Faculty can play a pivotal role in supporting student mental health in their teaching environments. This track highlights practical strategies for recognizing, responding to, and supporting students’ mental health in the classroom.

• Early Identification of Students in Distress
• Creating Trauma-Sensitive and Inclusive Classrooms
• Teaching Self-Care and Stress Management Skills to Students
• Building a Student-Centered Approach to Mental Health in Higher Ed

Faculty as First Responders: Knowing When and How to Help
Faculty members are often the first to notice signs of student mental health struggles, but many don’t feel prepared to intervene. This track provides faculty with tools to act confidently, whether by offering support or making appropriate referrals.

• Recognizing Signs of Student Mental Health Distress
• Supporting Students Without Overstepping Boundaries
• Navigating Confidentiality and Mandatory Reporting Guidelines
• How to Effectively Refer Students to Mental Health Resources

The Role of Reflection and Emotional Intelligence in Teaching
Reflection and emotional intelligence are vital to fostering both faculty well-being and effective student engagement. This track delves into how these practices can enhance teaching and improve classroom dynamics.

• Developing Emotional Intelligence for Faculty Success
• Reflective Practice as a Tool for Personal and Professional Growth
• Cultivating Empathy in Teaching and Learning
• Using Reflection to Build Faculty Resilience

Special Topics in Mental Health and Wellbeing

Not every topic fits neatly into a single category—and that’s what this track is for! It captures the bold, the boundary-pushing, and the cross-cutting themes shaping mental health and well-being in academia. Whether you’re tackling policy, innovative strategies, or emerging trends, this track invites fresh ideas and dynamic conversations.

• Mental Health and Academic Performance: Breaking the Stigma
• Building Mental Health Literacy Across Campus Communities
• Exploring the Role of Technology in Supporting Mental Health
• The Impact of Social Media on Student Well-Being
• Other Innovative or Cross-Disciplinary Topics