Professor Amy Chadwick at Ohio University canceled her classes after observing how deeply her students were taking the result of the recent election. She communicated to them by email, which in itself was an act of care for feelings and emotions.
The high voter turnout and competitiveness of the just-ended elections had left many students worried and distressed. Realizing that, for example, Professor Chadwick took time off to let her students deal with the tension and uncertainty that surrounded them. She explained to them in the email, “I wanted to create an environment in which students could process their emotions without the added stress of academic obligations.”.
It has, however, received mixed responses among the student and faculty communities alike. Some welcomed the move, which they felt showed an astute understanding and sensitivity to the feelings of the students. “Knowing that our professor cares enough about our mental health was, like, such a relief,” said one student. “It gave us the time we needed to regroup and come back stronger.”
However, not everyone agreed with the move. Some felt that this was overdoing things, that regular schedules of classes must be maintained for the sake of academic continuity. “I do understand where it is coming from, but I think keeping our routines might be better,” commented another student. “Life goes on, and we need to learn to balance our feelings with discharging our duties.”
Events at Ohio University underpin the wider conversation about how educational facilities can support students during difficult times. This raises questions pertaining to the roles of professors in discussing times that may be frustrating for their students and how external events can impact on academic life. Debate continues as to how best to balance academic responsibilities against a need to address emotional wellbeing.
Professor Chadwick’s decision outlines the significance of mental health in education. It also shows how academia is getting more representative of consideration not just of the lecture theater but the emotional and psychological state of students that form part of them. Discussions about how best to support students during difficult times are ongoing, with universities at the forefront of navigating these complex issues.
