ON Cultivating Student Engagement in Higher Ed

S6E3: The Human Factor: AI, Mental Health, and Higher Ed: Practical Tools for Supporting Students in Distress, Part 3

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 distressBalancing academic rigor with mental health accommodationUniversal design strategies that support all studentsCreative approaches to regular student wellness check-insFuture visions for integrating technology with human-centered careFaculty contact information:University of DelawareRebecca Wilson, MSW, LCSW: rlwilson@udel.eduHuman Services & Human Relations Admin Programs Coordinator | Instructor, Dept. Human Development and Family SciencesUniversity of DelawareDr. Kate Riera, PhD:  kriera@udel.eduAssistant Professor, Human Services| Dept. Human Development and Family Sciences

S6E3: The Human Factor: AI, Mental Health, and Higher Ed: The Chatbot Dilemma: Technology Meets Mental Health, Part 2

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 treatmentSafety concerns and the need for human oversight in AI mental health toolsHow AI dependency could exacerbate social isolation and decision-making challengesEssential guardrails including informed consent, data privacy, and HIPAA complianceEthical considerations and liability issues for institutionsFaculty contact information:University of DelawareRebecca Wilson, MSW, LCSW: rlwilson@udel.eduHuman Services & Human Relations Admin Programs Coordinator | Instructor, Dept. Human Development and Family SciencesUniversity of DelawareDr. Kate Riera, PhD:  kriera@udel.eduAssistant Professor, Human Services| Dept. Human Development and Family Sciences

S6E3: The Human Factor: AI, Mental Health, and Higher Ed: Breaking Down the Stigma: Mental Health on Campus Today, Part 1

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 campusBreaking down stigma and the role of social mediaCommon faculty misconceptions about student mental healthWhether 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 DelawareRebecca Wilson, MSW, LCSW: rlwilson@udel.eduHuman Services & Human Relations Admin Programs Coordinator | Instructor, Dept. Human Development and Family SciencesUniversity of DelawareDr. Kate Riera, PhD:  kriera@udel.eduAssistant Professor, Human Services | Dept. Human Development and Family Sciences

S6E2: Teaching Humanities with AI: Ensuring Human-Centered Learning, Part 2

The second part of the episode focuses on the practical applications and implications of AI in the humanities. The professors discuss specific classroom activities and assignments that incorporate AI, such as using AI tools for writing, creating images, and enhancing language learning. They explore the ethical challenges and biases associated with AI, and how these issues are addressed in their teaching. The conversation also covers the importance of preparing students for the workforce by developing critical thinking, ethical use of AI, and other essential skills. The episode concludes with reflections on the future role of AI in the humanities and advice for other educators who are hesitant to integrate AI into their teaching.Faculty contact information:Dr. Ju-A Hwang: jahwang@udel.eduDr. Meghan McInnis-Dominguez: mmd@udel.edu, YouTube Channel | AI for the HumanitiesDr. Alison Terndrup: terndrup@udel.eduPersephone Braham: braham@udel.edu

S6E2: Teaching Humanities with AI: Ensuring Human-Centered Learning, Part 1

In the first part of the episode, 4 humanities professors, Alison, Persepone, Ju-A, and Meghan introduce themselves and share their initial reactions to using AI in their teaching practices. They discuss their initial fears, challenges, and motivations for experimenting with AI, highlighting the mixed emotions of excitement and hesitation. The conversation delves into how they navigated AI literacy, ethical considerations, and the development of AI policies in their classrooms. The professors share personal anecdotes about their journey from skepticism to curiosity and action, emphasizing the importance of balancing AI's capabilities with the essential human aspects of teaching, learning, and creativity.