The Division of Student Life creates transformational opportunities, inclusive environments, and meaningful connections that maximize student growth, learning, and success.
I'm Listening
Creating everyday spaces for conversation, connection, and care at Miami University.
I’m Listening is a campus-wide initiative from Student Life that helps you connect with others. Support can start with something simple—listening and being heard. Every time you show care and listen, you help build a stronger Miami community.
I’m Listening gives space for your voice, your experiences, and what you’re going through. It reminds you that you matter every day and that you also can help others feel heard. It’s another way to connect, alongside the resources already available on campus.
How It Works
Miami community members sit beside a banner that reads, “I’m Listening. Talk to me about anything.” A chair or bench is open for anyone who wants to stop and talk. You can talk about anything, school, relationships, sports, or feelings. Listeners connect you to resources when needed, but most conversations are short and simply a chance to connect.
Our Guiding Principles
- The spirit of I'm Listening is building connection through simple presence.
- Be a caring, approachable person on campus.
- Presence itself is the intervention.
- Every smile, wave, or short conversation reinforces a culture of care.
- We commit to strengthening a campus culture that values authenticity, curiosity, and kindness.
Who Can Be a Listener?
Anyone at Miami can be a listener. You start with a short, one-hour training. After
that, you can borrow an I’m Listening banner and choose when and where you listen. We ask that Listeners keep us informed of when they Listen and for how long.
Want to be a Listener? Please fill out the interest form. You can also email Dr. Steve Large, assistant vice president for health and wellness, with any questions you may have.
I'm Listening FAQs
No. I’m Listening is not counseling or therapy. It is simply a space to talk to another person on Miami’s campus who is willing to listen. Listeners are trained in supportive, conversational skills, not clinical care.
Listeners are Miami students, staff, and faculty from across the university who have completed a brief training on being present, supportive, and resource-aware. They are not acting as counselors or medical professionals.
Anything. Big things, small things, random things, academics, relationships, stress, hobbies, what you had for lunch, or whatever is on your mind. You don’t need a topic prepared.
Not at all. Many conversations are light, fun, or casual. Others are more personal. You decide what you want to talk about, and you set the pace.
Listeners are trained to be supportive and to know when something might require more help. If a student shares something that suggests they or someone else may be unsafe, the listener will connect them to appropriate campus resources that can provide immediate or professional support.
Conversations are private but since these conversations are not clinical, they are also not confidential. Listeners will not share what you talk about unless they’re worried about someone’s immediate safety or if university policy requires them to take action.
No appointment is needed to participate. Listeners will pop up around campus at different days and times. Just stop by if you feel like it.
The goal is to signal that the whole university cares about each other’s well-being, not just one office or department. It is about creating a culture where talking to someone about anything is part of everyday life.
No. Listeners are here to support, not pry. You can talk, share, or just hang out. It is a safe space where you can be heard on your own terms.
Yes! Anyone in the Miami community can be a listener. If you’re interested in becoming a Listener and are interested in completing the training, please complete the interest form. You can also email Dr. Steve Large, assistant vice president for health and wellness, with any other questions you may have.
The I’m Listening initiative is important because even small conversations help build a supportive campus community.
Partners and Collaborators
The success of the I’m Listening initiative is due to the passionate support of members of Miami’s Student Wellness Advisory Board, the Division of Student Life, and generous financial support from the Student Health and Wellness Support Fund.
Our initiative is inspired by and modeled after Arizona State University’s “I’m All Ears” program, which focuses on creating open, supportive conversations around student well-being.
Start Your Well-Being Journey
It’s important to take care of your physical, mental, and emotional health as you navigate university life. The Mental Health and Well-Being website can help you find campus resources to support your needs.
