Mental Health and Wellness Faculty Fellows

Wellness

The Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) invites applications for a year-long Faculty Fellowship program focused on student wellness in teaching and classroom contexts. This program aims to address the growing mental health concerns in higher education and equip faculty with strategies to create supportive, inclusive, and resilient learning environments.

Why Focus on Student Wellness?

In recent years, rising mental health challenges have significantly impacted student learning, engagement, and retention. Faculty are increasingly called upon to support students' emotional well-being while maintaining academic rigor. This fellowship provides a collaborative space for faculty to explore proactive solutions that balance academic success with mental health support.

Program Highlights

  • Collaborative Approach: Fellows will identify emerging mental health challenges, explore solutions, and envision strategies to adapt their teaching over the next 3–5 years.
  • Focus on Impact: Participants will design and implement projects that foster student success while promoting emotional well-being.
  • Expert Guidance: Monthly discussions with the CTL Director, staff, and campus experts will provide ongoing support and ideas to develop actionable strategies.
  • Funding Support: Fellows will receive $1,500 in a research account upon completing the program.
  • Practical Resources: Gain access to toolkits, case studies, and teaching frameworks to address student wellness in course design and classroom practices.

Program Goals

Fellows will:

  • Develop Wellness-Centered Teaching Practices: Create strategies that prioritize mental health, student engagement, and academic success.
  • Integrate Mental Health Awareness: Learn to recognize stress indicators, promote help-seeking behaviors, and incorporate mental health resources into courses.
  • Support Inclusive Learning Environments: Foster classrooms that promote belonging, collaboration, and psychological safety.
  • Enhance Long-Term Teaching Plans: Design sustainable methods for embedding student wellness into teaching for the next 3–5 years.
  • Contribute to Campus Culture: Help shape policies and resources to promote wellness and inclusivity across CU Boulder.

Who Should Apply?

This program is open to tenure-track faculty, teaching professors, and instructors who:

  • Recognize the importance of mental health and wellness in higher education.
  • Seek to improve teaching practices to support student success and well-being.
  • Value collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches to learning and mental health.

Application Process

Interested faculty should submit the following materials by October 1, 2023, via email to CTL@Colorado.edu:

  1. Statement of Interest (1 Page):
    • Describe your teaching philosophy and interest in supporting student wellness.
    • Outline your goals for participating and potential project ideas related to the program.
  2. Curriculum Vitae (CV):
    • Highlight your teaching experience, pedagogical innovations, and commitment to student well-being.
  3. Letter of Support:
    • Provide an endorsement from your department chair or director, acknowledging your participation and its value to your academic unit.

Program Timeline

  • Application Deadline: October 1, 2023
  • Acceptance Notifications: October 15, 2023
  • Program Start Date: Early November 2023 with an orientation meeting

Why Join?

This program offers faculty a unique opportunity to:

  • Address pressing mental health concerns impacting students in higher education.
  • Enhance teaching practices by integrating student wellness frameworks into course design.
  • Shape institutional approaches to fostering well-being and engagement across CU Boulder.
  • Strengthen personal teaching skills while supporting inclusive learning environments.
  • Collaborate with peers and experts to create meaningful, sustainable changes in higher education.

What’s Next?

Don’t miss this chance to be part of a cohort dedicated to advancing both student and faculty well-being. Together, we can transform classrooms into spaces of connection, resilience, and growth.

For more information, contact us at CTL@Colorado.edu.