Dealing with Disruptive Students
Intended audience: Faculty, Advisors
Typical duration: 1 hour
Contact Information: Jacqui Springer (jacqui_springer@uri.edu)
Description: This workshop focuses on strategies for defusing disruptive students in the classroom and meetings. Attendees will learn what type of behavior to look for, possible causes for such behavior, and explore ways to become comfortable with addressing that behavior while maintaining control of the classroom or meeting. This workshop would be especially helpful for new faculty and staff, as well as seasoned staff and instructors who are encountering challenging student behavior.
Mental Health Awareness and Advocacy
Intended audience: Students, Faculty, Allies
Typical duration: 1 hour
Contact Information: Paige Ramsdell (pramsdell@uri.edu) and Jacqui Springer (jacqui_springer@uri.edu)
This presentation describes and discusses mental health disability demographics at URI, including the perspective of a current student managing mental illness while engaged in studies at URI. Detailed information is provided on: mental health and the college transition, mental health and stigma reduction, self care and how to support friends and family members with mental illness. The presentation ends with a discussion on how students can raise awareness for mental health and become involved in wellness initiatives here at URI, as well as how faculty allies can best encourage their students to become allies.
Mental Health Concerns in the Classroom: Identification and Intervention
Intended audience: Faculty and Staff
Duration: 60-90 minutes
Contact Information: Jacqui Springer (jacqui_springer@uri.edu)
In any given year, about one in four American adults are diagnosed with a mental disorder. The highest prevalence of serious mental illness occurs in 18-25 year olds, making it likely that you will at some time encounter a student with a mental health issue. While not every student with a mental disorder will present a challenge to teaching and learning, it can be difficult to differentiate between abnormal behavior, student misconduct, and mental illness, and equally difficult to know how to respond.
Through the use of lecture, electronic media, and problem solving this workshop with assist participants in identifying the red flags and signs of several common mental disorders and strategies to manage disruptions. There will also be opportunity for participants to ask questions and problem-solve specific situations.
Learning Outcomes: Individuals attending this workshop will
- Learn to recognize behaviors that may indicate mental health problems (e.g. severe anxiety, depression, eating difficulties and thoughts of suicide)
- Note the context that may be related to observed behaviors (e.g. time of the semester, multicultural factors, specific situation/ location)
- Identify the range of possible interventions
- Explore skills and responses that might be most helpful
- Review campus resources
Reducing the Stigma of Mental Health Disabilities (with and without LGBTQ information)
Intended audience: Faculty, Staff, Students
Typical duration: 1 hour
Contact Information: Jacqui Springer (jacqui_springer@uri.edu) and Paige Ramsdell (pramsdell@uri.edu)
This presentation addresses the issues of stigma and mental health. Prevalent mental health disabilities on college campuses, such as Eating Disorders, Veterans/PTSD, Cutting, Binge Drinking/Alcoholism, Suicide, Depression, and Anxiety are discussed. Some of the more common myths surrounding mental health disabilities are also covered and debunked. Finally, thoughts and ideas about staying healthy and encouraging wellness are addressed. Additional information can be included regarding the incidence of mental health disabilities within the LGBTQ population and the unique intersectionality of identity that this can produce.
Meaningful Collaborations: Are We Prepared to Support a Changing Student Demographic? – focus on student veterans, students with autism, and students with mental health disabilities (ALSO MENTAL HEALTH, SERVING STUDENT VETERANS)
Intended audience: Faculty, Staff
Typical duration: 1 hour
Contact Information: Jacqui Springer (jacqui_springer@uri.edu) and Paige Ramsdell (pramsdell@uri.edu)
This presentation addresses innovative ways to support students holistically. Specifically, several emerging populations are included: student veterans, students on the autism-spectrum, and students with mental health disabilities. Best practices based on current research with these populations will be discussed in relation to conducting general assessments, collaborating with student affairs professionals, and determining when to seek help.
Learning Outcomes: Participants will be able to recognize the unique needs presented by these student populations and employ collaborative strategies to support these needs. Participants will also learn to assess presenting issues impacting students across life domains and how to refer them to appropriate student affairs personnel. Finally, participants will be able to differentiate students who require additional involvement with a Behavior Intervention Team or off-campus resources.
Queerly Disabled
Intended audience: Students
Typical duration: 1 hour weekly over the course of 3 weeks
Contact Information: Lukas Chaves (lukas_chaves@uri.edu)
Queerly Disabled: A three-part series for students whose identities intersect LGBTQIA+ and Disability
Rhody Outpost/Basic Needs
Intended Audiences: Students, faculty, staff, community
Typical duration: varies (minimum 15 minutes, maximum 60 minutes)
depending on audience composition and needs
Contact information: Barbara Sweeney (barbara_sweeney@uri.edu)
This presentation highlights the prevalence and complexity of basic needs insecurity at URI, with attention to gaps in policies that make it challenging for our students to meet those needs. Opportunities to support Rhody Outpost will be presented. Students who may need to access Rhody Outpost services can speak confidentially with our coordinator.