In this final episode of our three-part series, we turn theory into practice with concrete strategies faculty can implement immediately to support student mental health. My guests wrap up this episode as they share actionable techniques for recognizing warning signs and creating supportive classroom environments. This episode also provides guidance for identifying students in distress.

This final portion of our conversation tackles the delicate balance between maintaining educational standards and providing mental health accommodation, offering practical solutions like universal design approaches that benefit all students.

Part 3, key topics include:

• Observable warning signs of student mental health distress
• Balancing academic rigor with mental health accommodation
• Universal design strategies that support all students
• Creative approaches to regular student wellness check-ins
• Future visions for integrating technology with human-centered care

Faculty contact information:
University of Delaware
Rebecca Wilson, MSW, LCSW: rlwilson@udel.edu
Human Services & Human Relations Admin Programs Coordinator | Instructor, Dept. Human Development and Family Sciences

University of Delaware
Dr. Kate Riera, PhD: kriera@udel.edu
Assistant Professor, Human Services| Dept. Human Development and Family Sciences

In this second installment of our three-part series, we explore the complex world of AI-powered mental health support and its implications for students. We continue the conversation with Becky and Kate as they examine the growing trend of students turning to AI chatbots for mental health assistance.

This episode tackles critical questions about the 24/7 availability of AI mental health tools versus the irreplaceable value of human therapeutic relationships. Our guests explore concerning scenarios around crisis intervention, discussing what happens when a student expresses suicidal ideation to a chatbot that cannot call emergency services or provide human follow-up care.

Part 2, key topics include:

• The therapeutic relationship as the cornerstone of effective mental health treatment
• Safety concerns and the need for human oversight in AI mental health tools
• How AI dependency could exacerbate social isolation and decision-making challenges
• Essential guardrails including informed consent, data privacy, and HIPAA compliance
• Ethical considerations and liability issues for institutions

Faculty contact information:
University of Delaware
Rebecca Wilson, MSW, LCSW: rlwilson@udel.edu
Human Services & Human Relations Admin Programs Coordinator | Instructor, Dept. Human Development and Family Sciences

University of Delaware
Dr. Kate Riera, PhD: kriera@udel.edu
Assistant Professor, Human Services| Dept. Human Development and Family Sciences

In this three-part series, host Lauren Kelley joins mental health experts to examine the evolving landscape of student mental health support in higher education, with a particular focus on the emerging role of AI-powered tools. The conversation begins by exploring how campus mental health conversations have transformed, addressing faculty misconceptions and establishing appropriate boundaries for educator involvement in student wellbeing. The experts provide concrete, actionable strategies faculty can implement immediately to recognize warning signs, create supportive classroom environments, and balance academic standards with mental health accommodations.

In this opening episode, explore the dramatic shift in campus mental health needs and faculty awareness with host Lauren Kelley as she welcomes Becky Wilson, MSW, LCSW, Coordinator of Undergraduate Human Services at the University of Delaware, and Dr. Kate Riera, Assistant Professor in the Dept. Human Development and Family Sciences.

Part 1, key topics include:

• The evolution of mental health conversations on campus
• Breaking down stigma and the role of social media
• Common faculty misconceptions about student mental health

Whether you're a faculty member, administrator, or student services professional, this episode provides essential context for understanding today's mental health landscape in higher education.

Faculty contact information:
University of Delaware
Rebecca Wilson, MSW, LCSW: rlwilson@udel.edu
Human Services & Human Relations Admin Programs Coordinator | Instructor, Dept. Human Development and Family Sciences

University of Delaware
Dr. Kate Riera, PhD: kriera@udel.edu
Assistant Professor, Human Services | Dept. Human Development and Family Sciences