Helping Students Thrive: Recognizing and Responding to Student Mental Health Concerns in the Classroom


Led by: Rebecca Hasbani and Michael Casali

Dates: September 14, 2026

Location: Lakeshore Room

Faculty are often among the first to notice when a student is struggling, but knowing how to respond can feel overwhelming. This interactive session will provide practical guidance on recognizing common signs of student distress, responding with confidence and compassion, and connecting students with appropriate campus resources. We’ll also share current trends we’re seeing in the Student Wellness & Counseling Center, discuss effective classroom strategies that foster student well-being, and clarify how faculty can support students while maintaining healthy boundaries. Participants will leave with practical tools and greater confidence in helping students thrive both academically and personally. 

New and Returning Faculty Development Day 2026

Wednesday, August 12, 8:00 – 8:45 am Central/9:00 am – 9:45 am Eastern, Zoom

Facilitators: Chris Scudella and Phil Koch

Description:

Learn how to add content, modules, assignments, and set up the gradebook for your Fall course! This is an ideal session for faculty new to using Canvas. The session is for those who set up their own Canvas courses. 

Helpful links for reference: 

AI Integration with BoodleBox: Practical Applications for All Comfort Levels

Wednesday, August 12, 9:00-9:45 am, Zoom

Presenters: Kari Bjerke, Chris Scudella, and Phil Koch

Description: This session will show examples of how BoodleBox can support teaching, grading, and student engagement.

Helpful links for reference: 

Online Instructor Best Practices: Instructor Presence and Meeting New Policy Expectations

Wednesday, August 12, 10:00 -10:45 am, Zoom

Presenters: Led by Natalie Upson, Kate Robertson, and Chris Scudella

Description: This session will describe and outline updates to the new online teaching policy. Examples of best practices in online teaching will be shared, including how to create an active presence as an instructor and how to best engage students.

Helpful links for reference: 

Research Resources: ORSP (primarily for full-time faculty)

Wednesday, August 12, 11:00-11:45 am, Zoom

Presenters:  Dan Frederking

Description: Learn what research/scholarship support resources are available to you as faculty, including where to find them, and who to contact if you need more help. 

Helpful links for reference: 

Designing/Refreshing Your Course and Syllabus

Wednesday, August 12, 12:00-12:45 pm, Zoom

Presenter: Kate Robertson and Allison Wolf

Description: Learn about and incorporate best practices in course design and syllabus development. Discussion includes how to improve your objectives, align course objectives with assessments, the Concordia University syllabus template latest revision, and how to connect to program outcomes and the University Cornerstones.  

Helpful links for reference: 

Accessibility Best Practices – from Canvas to Campus

Wednesday, August 12, 1:00-1:45 pm, Zoom

Presenters: Chris Schultz and Kari Bjerke

Description: This session will introduce you to the ARC (Academic Resource Center) and the many services it provides to our students.  Best practices about organizing your Canvas course for accessibility will also be discussed.

Helpful links for reference: 

Engaging Your Learners

Wednesday, August 12, 2:00-2:45 pm, Zoom

Presenter: Kate Robertson and Sarah Mayer

Description: Effective teaching fosters learning; students need to be engaged for learning to happen. This session introduces strategies to engage students in multiple instructional modes. 

Helpful links for reference: 

Canvas Quizzes, Respondus LockDown Browser with Monitor, and TurnItIn Software

Wednesday, August 12, 3:00-3:45 pm, Zoom

Presenters: Tyler Shadick and Sarah Mayer

Description: This session will show how faculty can create tests in Canvas using common question types. Then the session will cover Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor. Faculty will learn the difference between LockDown Browser and Monitor, and how to enable the appropriate settings based on where students take the test. Faculty will also learn about TurnItIn and how to use it as a plagiarism and AI detector for students’ written work.

Helpful links for reference: 

Face-to-Face Adjunct Orientation

Thursday, August 13, from 5:00-7:00 PM.

Presenters: Kate Robertson, Justin Cross, Andrew Wahl, Chris Schulz, Brian German, Erik Jorvig

Welcome new Adjunct instructors!  If you are teaching face-to-face, on-campus classes this academic year, this session is for you.  Information about campus resources, such as IT, AV, and the Academic Resource Center, will be shared.  We will also discuss our LCMS faith, some best practices for teaching, and general navigation of campus and systems.

Helpful links for reference: 

Link to Session Recording

Adjunct Instructor Resources on the CUW Portal

Canvas Training Video Library