Integrating Wellness Into the Classroom

College student mental health is on the rise. While it is assumed that mental health is an individual problem, the social-ecological model (McLeroy, Bibeau, Steckler, & Glanz, 1988) proposes that there is a complex interplay between the individual, interpersonal, community, system, and societal factors that therefore impact individual\u27s experience. In line with this model, the classroom is a community and systemic factor that affects the individual, which allows the classroom to be a prime place to focus interventions. By making small changes to the classroom structure and design, professors have the opportunity to help support student mental health. This presentation will focus on how professors can integrate wellness into the system of the classroom, through creating a syllabus with a well-being lens, promoting social connections and healthy sleep, engaging students in more meaningful ways, and using intentional kindness