The implementation of mandatory faculty training modules regarding mental health is still under consideration by the Office of the Provost. According to Lucas Gallo, former SGA President and proponent of the training modules, it was promised that these modules would be made mandatory by President Farvardin at the beginning of the Fall 2018 semester.
The modules were created to initiate a much needed conversation on the awareness and support of mental health around campus. In a Letter to the Editor last semester, Gallo spoke specifically towards the loss “of a beloved member of our community.” The four centralized topics were identifying and responding to mental health issues, creating inclusive classrooms, supporting learning and development, and meeting Canvas use requirements.
The initiative originated in the Spring of 2018 under Lucas’ cabinet. The concept of mandatory mental health training was presented to President Farvardin’s cabinet on April 3, 2018. After a positive reception, a second meeting was scheduled for later in the month with the Office of the Provost. There, the Provost supported the idea of faculty members only receiving their annual raise after completing the training.
With the mutual agreement amongst all parties for mandating the trainings, the plan was set forth to release the modules sequentially over the 2018-2019 academic year.
Finally, in March 2019, Provost Pierre notified the entire Stevens community of the implementation of the modules on a voluntary basis.
Provost Christophe Pierre responded in a letter, saying that “after having time to think further and consult with our professional colleagues, we have decided to offer these trainings as a continuous resource rather than a mandatory training.” The understanding was that mandating the modules as a one-time thing would make it feel far too much like a task, rather than an educational resource. The Provost also explained that if they felt there was a need for the modules going forward, they would reconsider.
Gallo shortly thereafter urged the administration to release information regarding the number of faculty members who have completed the training.
Several weeks later, the student body, upset by the decision of the administration to step back on their word, pushed a proclamation urging for the modules to be mandated.
When The Stute reached out regarding an update on the status of modules this past week, Provost Christophe Pierre responded, saying that, “we do not have accurate completion rate data available at this time.”
Despite this, he also mentioned that they are exploring “different modes of delivery for the trainings, and our goal is for the information to be available through as many channels as possible to reach the broadest audience.” One such method includes in-person training regarding student mental health and counseling, being presented by Dr. Eric Rose, the Director of Counseling and Psychological Services, at the Faculty Meeting next week.
Also worth noting is the newly formed President’s Task Force on Mental Health, which was designed with the purpose of finding ways to reduce the stigma associated with mental health and hopefully encourage students to reach out for support.
The Office of the Provost is waiting to “see how well the different modes of training are received and which are the most effective” before they re-evaluate their decision to mandate the training modules.
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