Support for Mental Health Awareness and Trauma Informed Teaching and Learning

Fall
2021
Resolution Number
03.03
 
Contact
Assigned to
Transfer, Articulation, and Student Services Committee
Legislative and Advocacy Committee
Category
Diversity and Equity
Status
Assigned

Whereas, The Academic Senate for California Community Colleges has adopted resolution 06.04 in spring of 2016, which urged “local senates to advocate for the improvement of and access to mental health services at their local campuses” and “support consistent resourcing and funding to enable the expansion of and improve access to mental health services for community college students;”
Whereas, The global pandemic starting in 2020 and continuing into 2021 has exacerbated and increased the need for mental health awareness, support, and education;

Whereas, Both students and educators may experience stress and trauma [1], as a result of the pandemic and other traumatic experiences [2] and teachers may experience the effects of vicarious trauma; and

Whereas, Both students and educators may be survivors of various Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) and as a result may be more likely to experience depressive symptoms [3], ADHD symptoms, tobacco use, alcohol use, marijuana use, consumption of less than four cups of fruits or vegetables a day, sleep issues, and obesity;

Resolved, That the Academic Senate for the California Community Colleges work with discipline experts to develop resources identifying effective practices for Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) awareness including screening, resources and referral sources by Fall 2022;

Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges develop resources identifying effective practices for mental health awareness and trauma-informed teaching and learning and present the strategies to local academic senates by Fall 2022; and

Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges continue legislative advocacy for the funding of mental health services, support, and professional development on trauma-informed teaching and learning.

Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges advocate for mental health resources and services including funding, professional development, and support for community college faculty.

MSC


1. https://www.edsurge.com/news/2020-04-07-teachers-are-anxious-and-overwhelmed-they-need-sel-now-more-than-ever
2. https://nebhe.org/journal/trauma-in-the-time-of-coronavirus-and-beyond-a-nejhe-qa-with-karen-gross/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5948167/