The Student Care Network, in partnership with the Office of Faculty Development and AdvancED, is excited to announce the continuation of the VU CARES Fellowship program—an enriching opportunity for faculty members dedicated to enhancing undergraduate student well-being and fostering a supportive campus environment.
Participants will receive a $1,000 stipend (subject to tax).
Key Topics Covered: The VU CARES Fellowship will address crucial topics in student well-being, including:
- Helping Students in Distress: Practical strategies for recognizing signs of distress and providing the right support.
- Creating a Sense of Belonging: Techniques for fostering a supportive, welcoming classroom atmosphere where every student feels valued
- Behavior Intervention Strategies: Approaches to managing challenging behaviors and supporting students in navigating personal and academic challenges
- Suicide Prevention Certification: Participants will become certified in suicide prevention, gaining essential skills to engage with students experiencing suicidal thoughts and intervene effectively
Our inaugural cohort of fellows demonstrated meaningful learning gains, with more than 95 percent reporting increased confidence in suicide risk identification, student referral processes, de-escalation strategies and creating supportive classroom environments. Nearly all participants (97 percent) said they would recommend the program to a colleague. If you know a colleague who would benefit from this opportunity or if you’d like to nominate yourself, we encourage you to submit nominations between March 2 and March 18.
Each of three cohorts will be limited to 30 teaching faculty, with preference given to those who teach undergraduate students; however, faculty with appointments in graduate or professional schools that teach undergraduate courses may be considered. Faculty must be full-time (tenure stream or continuing track) to be eligible to receive the stipend.
By becoming a VU CARES Fellow, you’ll join a growing community of faculty members who are committed to supporting students’ mental health and fostering a culture of care across our institution. We hope you’ll take advantage of this transformative opportunity.
