The 15-minute rule that allows students to leave class without academic penalty after waiting for a missing-in-action professor may soon become obsolete.
The Student Wellness Center has developed a program called "Don't Cancel That Class" as an alternative to class cancellations.
The service is new this semester and was made possible by a three-year government suicide-prevention grant. The Student Wellness Center implemented this program, but it is not exclusive to the University at Buffalo.
"Other schools use this; it's not unique to UB," said Dr. Sharon Mitchell, director of counseling services. "We wanted to use it as a part of suicide prevention."
According to Mitchell, the workshops are a way to reach out to students who may not know about all the services that UB has to offer when it comes to mental and physical health. She hopes that these programs help give students the ability to recognize the signs of depression in others and in themselves. The aim is to then equip students with tools to respond constructively.
"I would attend if it was something interesting," said Amanda Cross, a junior business administration major.
These workshops are a response to the American College Health Assessment that was administered last year. It examined the factors that hindered students' ability to focus on academics. Mitchell revealed that stress was one of the top influences.
The four programs offered, which are taught by members of the wellness team are: suicide prevention training, stress management, STI (sexually transmitted infection) education and an alcohol awareness program. These programs were chosen to address some of the common student concerns.
"Students need to be educated on how to manage stress, (have) safe fun and safer sexual practices. They are designed to promote wellness," Mitchell said.
According to Mitchell, although the workshop topics are not directly related to the subject being taught in a particular class, there is incentive for student participation. They are designed to be interactive, which is more engaging.
"I probably wouldn't go," said Kelly Beedon, a senior psychology major. "I've heard it all before, and I wouldn't waste my time learning things that I already know."
According to Michelle Zampogna, a suicide-prevention graduate assistant, professors request the subject of the workshop. However, there have been instances when the Wellness Team was entrusted to choose a suitable workshop for the class.
"The members of the Student Wellness Team are health care providers, mental health providers and health educators," Mitchell said.
Several professors and departments have inquired about using the "Don't Cancel That Class" program, including UB 101 professors, the counselor education department and the center for rehabilitation.
"The Student Wellness Center has had 11 requests so far," Mitchell said.
According to Mitchell, the incentive for providing faculty and students with an alternative to canceling class comes from wanting to use time more efficiently. However, this is not the only motivation. The program intends to use the available time to ensure student health.
"Mental and physical health have to be in order to be a good student," Mitchell said. "Student groups can contact the office for these workshops. They can be utilized outside of the classroom."
The program is still in its infancy and it has not yet not been determined whether there will be an expansion of the programs offered.
According to Zampogna, the success of this program depends on getting faculty and students involved.
"Students should be aware that if their teacher is away, they should still attend class and be enthusiastic to learn things they might not otherwise learn," Zampogna said.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
