Mental Health and Oct. 21 Day of Caring

Dear colleagues, 

I'm writing to follow up on the message sent Tuesday from senior campus leaders about Dartmouth's increased focus on strengthening our mental health resources. This is a critical priority and one that plays an essential role in creating a thriving academic community.

As you know, leaders across campus are working to improve mental health and wellness resources. Beginning Nov. 1, for example, all students with a valid Dartmouth email account will have free access to licensed mental health counseling services via phone, video, and chat, thanks to a new partnership with the student teletherapy provider Uwill. 

On Friday, Oct. 21, a campus-wide Day of Caring will feature a series of programs, speakers, and activities focused on the importance of mental health and well-being. There will be no classes on Oct. 21 and other activities will be paused so that students, faculty, and staff across the institution can participate. A working group with broad student representation is developing the day's program, which will be announced in advance. 

If you're teaching this term, please adjust your course assignments and lesson plans to accommodate the Oct. 21 Day of Caring, without shifting the burden to other weeks of the term. I also ask all managers to make accommodations that allow staff appropriate time for participation in the day's events. 
 
Many of you have shared with me that your students have expressed a sense of hopelessness as they grapple with recent devastating losses. Several of you also shared that simply offering a space for listening and unstructured conversation in your classes provided a comforting and reassuring experience for students. 

If you're looking for guidance about how to support mental health in the classroom, this "Faculty Guide to Supporting Student Mental Health" from the JED Foundation may be helpful. (Dartmouth recently began its second year in partnership with the JED Foundation, a nonprofit that helps campus communities to strengthen their efforts to address student mental health, substance misuse, and suicide prevention.) If needed, please connect students with counseling offered by Dartmouth Health Services.

Finally, I encourage you to take part in our inaugural Day of Caring. While a single day of reflection won't address our urgent need for a stronger mental health support system, it will give us the opportunity to pause as a community and express care for one another—a small step we can take together to create a culture of compassion. 

Sincerely, 

Elizabeth F. Smith
Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences