The countdown to a new semester is on, and there is a growing energy on campus as students prepare to return. 

Along with finalizing syllabi and Canvas courses, instructors may be interested in learning how they can support student health and well-being in the classroom. Supporting student health and well-being isn’t just about addressing crises; it’s a way to help students feel connected, build resilience, and thrive.

The Division of Student Life offers several ways for instructors to bring mental health and well-being resources directly to their students. The division offers pre-built slides about campus resources, a toolkit to integrate wellness-focused content into class time, and student-led presentations on a variety of topics. These programs give students practical tools, meaningful conversations, and resources that build resilience, foster genuine connections, and encourage personal growth. 

Pre-built slides

Instructors are welcome to incorporate slides promoting Miami’s comprehensive mental health and well-being website and other mental health resources. These slides are pre-built in Google Slides and can be dropped into any presentation slides to share with students in class. 

Classroom Connections

The classroom connections program is simple. Instructors sign up to receive weekly digital wellness content to use in class throughout the term. Content ranges from breathing exercises to mindfulness practices to prompts for creating connection and dialogue. Instructors can request a pack of free stress less cards to use as prompts as well. 

These quick exercises for the classroom demonstrate visible allyship while equipping students with practical mental health practices.This initiative, offered through the student counseling service, provides an easy way to bring small but powerful moments of connection into teaching.

Faculty and staff can sign up for classroom connections at any time throughout the year.

Peer Educator Presentations

College students often turn to peers first for information and support, which is why Miami’s HAWKS Peer Health Educators play such an important role on campus and are an excellent way to reach students in the classroom. 

Since 2003, Miami’s HAWKS Peer Health Educators have been a trusted presence on campus. Before stepping into the role, each HAWK completes a national certification process and a one-credit course that prepares them to handle sensitive conversations, share helpful resources, and create connections that matter. 

In addition to planning and leading awareness efforts, tabling at events, participating in outreach programs, and programming, HAWKS also bring health and well-being conversations directly into the classroom.

Instructors can request a classroom presentation from the HAWKS on a variety of wellness-related topics. Presentation topics include mindfulness, gratitude, positive psychology, coping skills, healthy relationships, and many more. 

These sessions create a judgment-free space where students can ask questions, share experiences, and leave with practical tools they can use long after class. Presentations can be as short as 15 minutes and up to 90 minutes.

“HAWKS are passionate about supporting their peers whether in one on one conversations, in the programs we offer, and in classroom visits. They bring well-being and mental health into focus and help their peers build healthier habits, stronger connections, and easier access to resources,” said Leslie Haxby McNeill, assistant director in the office of student wellness.

Instructors can make a difference

By taking small, intentional steps to integrate mental health and well-being into class time, instructors can make a lasting difference in students’ lives. Whether it’s sharing a quick breathing exercise, displaying a resource slide, or inviting peer educators into the classroom, these moments send a powerful message: Miami cares about the whole student. The Division of Student Life makes it easy to get started, so every instructor has the tools to help students feel supported, connected, and ready to succeed.