Intro: Mental health challenges among students in higher education is on the rise, including neurodivergence, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and other mental health challenges. This session will provide practical strategies for creating a supportive learning environment through resource sharing and proactive approaches to student well-being. By the end of the session, attendees will be better able to adapt teaching methods to foster inclusion and resilience and support student success while maintaining professional boundaries.   Objectives:

• Identify common mental health challenges among higher education students and explain their impact on academic performance and professional development.
• Apply teaching strategies and proactive approaches to create a supportive learning environment that promotes resilience and student success.
• Develop practical methods to maintain professional boundaries while providing mental health support and referring students to appropriate resources when needs exceed scope of practice.

Relevant Conditions:

• Introducing practical techniques educators can immediately use—such as proactive resource sharing, classroom structure adjustments, supportive communication approaches, and boundaries for instructor roles.
• Addressing real conditions in today’s classrooms, where a growing proportion of students present with mental health or neurodivergent needs that impact participation, motivation, and resilience.
• Providing evidence‑informed strategies that complement pedagogy courses, instructional design content, and student development curriculum.