Mental health and well-being

Wellness advice for university academics and staff to help them support student well-being, manage workloads, avoid burnout and build resilience and emotional stability

A group comforts a woman, sitting with her head bowed

Research shouldn’t cause trauma – let’s find a better way

How can we conduct research and share results without affecting the well-being of those around us? Eileen Harkess-Murphy advocates for a trauma-informed approach

Eileen Harkess-Murphy

University of the West of Scotland

A woman in a mortarboard, holding a scroll, looks off into the distance

For the future of higher education, we need to educate the whole student

In this extract from his book ‘The Learning-Centered University’, Steven Mintz lays out his vision of higher education’s future, and proposes a new way of learning

Steven Mintz

University of Texas at Austin

A woman massages her temples in front of a desktop computer

To build resilience, we need to embrace failure in the classroom and beyond

Let’s redefine failure by changing the way we teach, assess and support students and staff. Ibham Veza, Mhadi A. Ismael and Taib Iskandar Mohamad outline how

Ibham Veza, Mhadi A. Ismael , Taib Iskandar Mohamad

Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP)

Male university student in library

Get a head start in the first year of your PhD

Even a marathon begins with first steps, and so it makes sense to master motivation, set healthy habits and get writing early to reap the reward of a polished dissertation at the end of the PhD journey, writes Andreï Kostryka

Andreï V. Kostyrka

University of Luxembourg

Multiracial group of students taking a selfie in the park

Where’s Hector? How a scavenger hunt helps first-year students explore the university campus

A collaborative discovery activity has benefits that go beyond simply helping new students get to know the university grounds. It fosters belonging and fun – and even promotes physical well-being, writes Hector Viveros Tapia

Hector Viveros Tapia

Macquarie University

College students in the library

Buddy system: creating community through writing

Is a writing group or partner an effective antidote to post-pandemic isolation during doctoral education? Lena Steveker and Laura Spadon explain how to put a forum for belonging in place

Lena Steveker, Laura Spadon

University of Luxembourg

Two people holding hands

Building kindness into an institutional culture

Advice on how to ground humanity in institutional practices, structures and policies to holistically support faculty and staff

Xueli Wang

University of Wisconsin–Madison

Young Asian woman greeting friend at cafe

Informal networking and how to meet people on campus

Belonging is not just a result of being in a place – nor it is the sole preserve of students. For university faculty, it comes from chance encounters, small gestures and stepping outside your comfort zone, writes Glenn Fosbraey

Glenn Fosbraey

University of Winchester

Student with her head in her hands

Recognising and dealing with bullying on college campuses

It’s not realistic to expect all contempt to instantly vanish when you respond, but it will certainly persist if you don’t respond, writes Elizabeth K. Englander

Elizabeth K. Englander

Bridgewater State University

Young Black woman lying on bed looking at phone

Transforming mental health in South African universities: the promise of AI chatbots

Artificial intelligence can offer promise for student mental health services in Africa. AI-driven chatbots can provide a nonjudgemental, readily available, cost-effective avenue for individuals to access information, support and guidance, writes Matete Madiba

Matete Madiba

University of the Western Cape

A woman lecturer leads a classroom discussion

In a precarious academy, how can migrant academics survive – and thrive?

In this extract from their book, ‘Migrant Academics’ Narratives of Precarity and Resilience in Europe’, Olga Burlyuk and Ladan Rahbari explore the ways precarity presents itself in academia

Olga Burlyuk, Ladan Rahbari

University of Amsterdam

Woman choosing between chocolate and apple

What does it take to encourage students to use their voice?

The National Student Survey tells us students want their voices heard, but what if they don’t take up opportunities for feedback? Sam Perry looks at challenges of integrating student input (and wonders if chocolate is the answer)

Sam Perry

University of Southampton

Woman taking history from young woman

Emotionally challenging research and researcher well-being

Researchers who navigate emotionally challenging topics need support that includes well-being plans, advice on handling distress and risk assessment guidance, writes Tina Skinner. Her work has led to a series of resources for universities

Tina Skinner

University of Bath

rainbow pencils Pride concept writing

‘Creative writing can be as impactful as an academic paper’

Grassroots initiatives can promote visibility of marginalised groups, self-expression and community, writes Emily Downes. Here are her key tips from running a creative writing competition to mark LGBTQ+ History Month

Emily Downes

Teesside University

Teambuilding concept

Can well-being programmes attract world-class talent to an institution?

Aside from competitive compensation, research support and faculty development, how can a university attract the best faculty candidates? Ron Fricker outlines two programmes that meet the recruitment challenge head-on

Ron Fricker

Virginia Tech

Collective concept

The vital role of a faculty senate in higher education

In the intricate ecosystem of a university, the faculty senate allows for democratic governance and academic integrity. Here, Joseph S. Merola explains why establishing this body is not an option but an imperative

Joseph S. Merola

Virginia Tech

A woman sits at a laptop with a small toddler on the desk next to her

From prams to postgraduate degrees: how universities can support student parents

Educators play a crucial role in getting student parents the support they need. Mia Burleigh, drawing on her own experience, offers seven tips

Mia Burleigh

University of the West of Scotland

Young woman on couch with pillow looking at phone

How to choose an app that will encourage reporting of sexual violence on campus

Responsible technology can enhance university responses to gender-based violence reports. Here, Heather Flowe and Laura Stevens share what to look for and demand when choosing an app or platform

Heather D. Flowe, Laura M. Stevens

University of Birmingham

female student working on laptop

Using reflective practice to support postgraduate studies in the biosciences

Small-group workshops create space for postgraduate researchers to share ways to manage stress, impostor syndrome, feelings of isolation and student-supervisor relationships. Here’s how to set up a programme

Jo Haszczyn , Johanna Fish , Jennifer Tullet

University of Southampton, University of Kent

A speaker reads from notes on a podium

The everyday tools you can use to alleviate public speaking anxiety

Research shows that people regard death as less terrifying than public speaking. Thomas Duke offers three ways to speak with confidence

Thomas Duke

Nazarbayev University

A man and woman discuss over a laptop

Flip the script on criticism

Criticism is a part of academic life, but you can reframe your perspective to embrace feedback constructively. Tan Xiang Ren offers advice

Tan Xiang Ren

Singapore Institute of Technology

Yellow crocuses growing through snow

In the cold, unforgiving environment of higher education, embrace the promise of spring

Just as the seasons transition from cold, harsh winters to vibrant springs, educators can navigate the challenges of higher education and find moments of growth and inspiration. John Sinclair shows how

John Sinclair

Colorado State University Global

A treasure map, compass and binoculars are laid out on a table

Set sail on the choppy waters of grant proposals with the 3 Gs approach

If securing research funding is like a budding pirate king navigating choppy waters in search of untold treasures, how can we build the resilience to keep journeying on? Peter Tay shows how

Peter Tay

Singapore Institute of Technology

A woman makes a speech, talking into a microphone and using a laser pointer

Banish nerves and tap into the excitement of public speaking with these five tips

Public speaking is a key part of academic life. But how to overcome your nerves and actually enjoy it? Ayten Erçoban Evren offers advice

Ayten Erçoban Evren

Near East University

Happy student volunteers

How to create extracurricular activities students will want to attend

Participation and enthusiasm are the goals of those hard-working volunteers, staff and faculty who organise campus activities and events. Here are 12 tips to boost university student engagement

Martyna Iwanicka

University of Warsaw

A hand holds a paper cut out of a human brain

Let’s break down the barriers blocking neurodivergent people from higher education

How can we help neurodivergent students participate and thrive? Sourav Mukhopadhyay offers advice on making your classroom an inclusive environment for them

Sourav Mukhopadhyay

Nazarbayev University

How can we make the university experience more inclusive for neurodivergent students?

With an estimated one-fifth of the global population thought to be neurodivergent, more students than ever will need help to thrive at university. Gail Steptoe-Warren discusses how to make higher education more neurodivergent-friendly

Gail Steptoe-Warren

Arden University

A theatre stage

Anxious about public speaking? Try these tips from the theatre

Hone your performance skills with these techniques from stage actors. Linsey Todd and James Layton encourage us to smell the greasepaint

Linsey Todd, James Layton

University of the West of Scotland

Welcome back to the office

How to manage parental leave for university staff

Parental leave presents challenges for the parent and the workplace, writes Judith Lock. Here are some dos and don’ts for before, during and after the leave period that aim to smooth the return to work and fix academia’s leaky pipeline

Judith Lock

University of Southampton

Man using a standing desk to work

The power of pacing

Pacing is an energy-management technique that can help people with visible and non-visible disabilities to do more in their everyday lives, including in busy university jobs. Here, Meredith Wilkinson and Imogen Varle offer their top tips for putting it into practice

Meredith Wilkinson, Imogen Varle

De Montfort University

An illustration of several people talking via online channels

Let’s talk: how to connect with your students in a blended learning environment

Teaching is about connection, and blended learning offers educators the chance to create a dialogue with students. Kyrin Liong and Victor Wang show how

Kyrin Liong, Victor Wang

Singapore Institute of Technology

A head made up of jigsaw puzzle pieces

On the neurodivergent campus, language matters

The neurodiversity movement has made great strides, but out-of-date, ableist language is still prevalent, even in academia. Carrie Ballantyne advises us to think about the words we use

Carrie Ballantyne

University of the West of Scotland

A group of researchers discusses a prototype

How to balance teaching and research

As an early-career academic, how can you juggle teaching and researching while also prioritising self-care? Callum Russell shares his reflections on striking a balance

Callum Russell

University of the West of Scotland

Female student support staff member taking notes as a student speaks to her

Addressing staff/faculty-student sexual misconduct in higher education, part two: response

Let’s stop putting all the responsibility and risk on survivors to report this issue and move towards proactive institutional responses, writes Anna Bull

Anna Bull

University of York

Three young female college students

Empowering ambition: student affairs’ role in supporting women students

Student affairs departments, often the heartbeat of campus life and well-being, can significantly influence the personal and professional development of women university students. Here, Frances Keene looks at proven ways to nurture and support female students

Frances Keene

Virginia Tech

Female autistic student with noise-cancelling earphones writing in a notepad

A road map to diagnosis and support for autistic women in higher education

From the journey to diagnosis to the laws that protect employees with autism, this resource sheds light on how to navigate the academic world with this disorder

Imogen Varle

De Montfort University

Counsellor taking notes while speaking to a student

Tackling the campus mental health crisis has to be a team sport

Tackling the campus mental health crisis requires a collaborative approach with healthcare providers, student support professionals and educators working together, writes Ruth Bauer White

Ruth Bauer White

InsideTrack

Resilience concept

How to face adversity and change in higher education with resilience

In times of stress and uncertainty, university leaders must model calmness, clarity and confidence in their ability to respond to and recover from challenges, writes Sonia Alvarez-Robinson. Here, she offers practical strategies based on her own experience

Sonia Alvarez-Robinson

Georgia Tech’s Center for 21st Century Universities

US notes and coins

Making higher education accessible for students with unmet financial need

Rising costs of college leave many students struggling to afford higher education. And we know that enhancing the affordability of going to university is critical for realising students’ potential and elevating lives and livelihoods for generations to come, writes Matt Holt

Matt Holt

Virginia Tech

A male and female figure stand atop piles of coins, with the male figure's pile higher

Why have higher education’s female leaders had to wait so long for equal pay?

The higher education sector’s gender pay gap stands at 14.8 per cent, three percentage points higher than the UK as a whole. Janet Jones asks why and what we can do about it

Janet Jones

University of Westminster

Father with his child at a laptop working

Four ways to achieve a better work-life balance in academia

Switching off can be a considerable challenge for those working in higher education, even though it is essential for a work-life balance and well-being

Rushana Khusainova

University of Bristol

Young woman with her palm facing the camera

Addressing sexual misconduct in higher education, part one: prevention

Sexual harassment and violence perpetrated by academic faculty or staff towards students and early career researchers is a complex issue that requires a proactive institutional response, writes Anna Bull

Anna Bull

University of York

Young woman with US cash and mobile phone, financial difficulty

How to support students when financial aid falls short

When students lack money for books, transport or even food, universities have ways to help them manage and stay on track with their studies. Jerry Price looks at strategies for assisting students in financial need

Jerry Price

Chapman University

volunteers packing food supplies

A food pantry can help support your campus through the cost-of-living crisis

Food insecurity and hunger affect students’ mental and physical well-being as well as their academic performance. Karina Escobar, Fatima deCarvalho and Lauren Dinour offer advice on establishing a successful community food pantry

Lauren Dinour, Fatima deCarvalho, Karina Escobar

Montclair State University

box of groceries

Nourishing bodies and minds: the vital role of a student food pantry

The rising costs of education and living expenses leave many students struggling to stretch their funds to cover basic necessities. In this landscape, the university’s student food bank can offer a lifeline, writes Isabelle Largen

Isabelle Largen

Virginia Tech

Empathetic leadership

How to support your staff during personal crises

A little-discussed aspect of leadership is how to support faculty and staff during times of trouble. Here, Helen Norris offers advice for making space and effective communication

Helen Norris

Chapman University

A team of white water rafters battle the rapids

Build yourself a life raft by establishing a strong mentor relationship

Mentorship can offer a place of stability amid the choppy waters of a new role. Ibiyemi Omeihe explains how to find your new guide

Ibiyemi Omeihe

University of the West of Scotland

Young black woman rubs temples at laptop, frustration

Strategies for cultivating academic resilience

In a career that will make you question everything, challenge and failure are tools for moving forward, writes Andrew Stapleton. Here, he offers techniques to build resilience after setbacks

Andrew Stapleton

Independent academic

Three scientists in white coats converse in a laboratory

How to turn an average collaboration into a dream team

In this extract from ‘Scientific Collaboration’, Jeanne M. Fair advises scientists to hone the skill of collaboration for better research

Jeanne M. Fair

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Euros in wallet

Creating safe spaces for students to talk about financial difficulties

Poor financial health can lead to mental health difficulties and isolation for students. Here, Caroline Deylaud Koukabi and Joanna West offer tips for giving students inclusive spaces to discuss concerns amid the cost-of-living crisis

Caroline Deylaud Koukabi, Joanna West

University of Luxembourg