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Mental Health at McMaster

Prioritizing Optimal Health & Well-being at McMaster

Professor Hippo-on-Campus: Student Mental Health Education Program for Educators and Navigators

 Professor Hippo-on-CampusWelcome! 

Why Professor Hippo-on-Campus?
Demand for student mental health support and services is increasing on post-secondary campuses in North America. Campuses must develop systems and processes to ensure students receive the attention, support and care that they need to thrive academically and personally. Building support and safety networks requires campus-wide engagement and culture shifts. At McMaster, we are committed to this endeavour.
Faculty and instructors (educators) and those who interact with, support and supervise McMaster students in many other ways (navigators) are integral to this process. They should not be expected to be mental health experts or counselors, but they are often ideally situated to recognize and respond to stressed and distressed students and to start important conversations and prevent unnecessary stress and distress. They must feel prepared and comfortable to address student needs in ways that are consistent with and appropriate to their roles.
The Professor Hippo-on-Campus program has been designed and tested to help accomplish these goals in an accessible and engaging format. You will learn a lot about what’s available and what to do to support student mental health. Let’s start talking about the hippo in the room – mental health!

Overview

What Will I Learn?

You will learn, along with Professor Hippo, about…

  1. Why Professor Hippo?
  2. Stress, Resilience and Coping
  3. Emotions, Mental Health and Mental Illness
  4. Creating a Mental-Health Positive and Inclusive Learning Environment
  5. Communicating with Stressed and Distressed Learners
  6. Recognizing and Responding to Students in Distress or Difficulty
  7. Accommodations: Context and Process
  8. Mental Health Matters for Educators and Navigators

Estimated Time for Completion

The Professor Hippo-on-Campus e-learning modules will take approximately 3 hours to complete. Each module is about 10-30 minutes in length. The modules are best done gradually (e.g., 1-2 modules per day). Each module has a “resume” feature so if you do not finish a module at one time you will be prompted to continue where you left off when you come back to the module.

Who will want to take this program?

  • Educators (those teaching and supervising students academically)
    • Sessional instructors
    • Faculty
    • Teaching Assistants
    • Research Assistants
    • Postdoctoral Fellows
    • Clinician Educators
    • Residents
    • Fellows
  • Navigators (those interacting with, supporting and supervising students in other ways)
    • Administrators
    • Full-time staff
    • Part-time staff
    • Contract staff
  • All Employees of McMaster (those who have access to Mosaic can register)

Will I Receive A Certification?

Participants who complete all of the following steps to certification will receive a “Certificate of Attendance” for completing the Professor Hippo-on-Campus program.

Steps to Completion and Certification Timeline
1. Complete the Pre-survey BEFORE viewing the modules on Avenue to Learn. Sign up for the Pre-Survey. Once you have registered, you will receive a link via email to complete the 10-20 minute survey. You have 2 weeks (after registration) to complete the survey.
2. Sign up for the course on Mosaic. It can take up to 24 hours to show up as a course on your Avenue to Learn. Sign up anytime.
3. Once the Pre-survey is complete and you are registered in Mosaic, you can start accessing the 8 modules on Avenue to Learn. You must complete the final quiz (takes 1 minute) in Avenue to Learn when you have finished the modules. You have 3 months/12 weeks to complete the modules after completing the Pre-survey.
4. Complete the Post-survey after quiz and module completion. The link to this survey will be sent to your email by the program within a week of quiz completion. You have 4 weeks to fill out the Post-survey after completing the quiz.

What are the benefits of becoming certified?

In addition to all of the practical skills and knowledge you will acquire…

  • You receive a Certificate of Attendance for completing the full program and can say you a a “certified” Professor Hippo-on-Campus participant.
  • You will receive a printable sign or sticker which lets others know you care about student mental health.
  • You will be eligible for future educational or training opportunities offered by Professor Hippo-on-Campus at McMaster
  • We will contact you about future educational or training opportunities offered by Professor Hippo-on-Campus at McMaster
  • You will retain ongoing open access to the most up-to-date set of modules and all of the attached resources on Avenue to Learn, which you can access anytime.
  • You can have your name shared with McMaster leadership and the McMaster community (optional) to let them know you are a student mental health supporter.

How Can I Register?

  1. Log in to Mosaic.
  2. Open the “Regulatory Training” section.
  3. Click “Search by Course Name”
  4. Enter “Professor Hippo”
  5. Click “View Available Sessions”
  6. In the column called “Session,” click on the available session number.
  7. You will be prompted with the online class details. Ignore date and time listing as this course is online. Click “Continue”.
  8. This will generate a “Submit Training Request.” Click “Submit”
  9. It will take approximately 24 hours for your course to appear in Avenue to Learn.
  10. Don’t forget – you must complete the pre- and post-surveys in addition to the modules in order to be certified and recognized as completing the program.

Questions?

Contact profhipp@mcmaster.ca if you have questions about this program.

Professor Hippo Resources

COPING WITH COVID-19 RESOURCES

Student Wellness Centre

Services booked by phone 10 AM -2 PM daily with virtual appointments available
Website: https://wellness.mcmaster.ca/service-update-swc-remains-open/

Student Accessibility Services

Virtual appointments available – Contact SWC above for appointments
Updated policies/practices
Website: https://sas.mcmaster.ca/covid19/

Student Support and Case Management

E-mail preferable for first contact by Faculty/staff during COVID-19
Website: https://sscm.mcmaster.ca

Responding to Students in Difficulty and Distress

This document provides a variety of supports for educators and navigators to help them deal with students in stress or distress.
Document link: https://wellness.mcmaster.ca/app/uploads/2019/11/Responding-to-Student-in-DistressNov2019-final.pdf

Additional Key Resources for McMaster Students

If you are experiencing a crisis after business hours please connect with:

  • Good2Talk: 1-866-925-5454 (free professional and confidential support for all students in Ontario)
  • RealCampus: Text 647-494-8383 or Call 1-877-390-7325 (for Undergraduate Students, online, phone, or in-person support through counselling or consultation. To learn more: realcampus.ca/mcmaster)
  • EmpowerMe: 1 (844) 741-6389 (for Graduate Students, online or phone life coaching)
  • McMaster Security Services: 905-522-4135 (or 911 for off-campus emergencies)

Other McMaster Resources Related to COVID-19

 

FREE ONLINE MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES/SUPPORTS

These resources have been curated or provided by the Government of Ontario.

 

OTHER FREE ONLINE MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

These resources have been reviewed but not necessarily recommended or endorsed by McMaster University.

Hamilton

Ontario

Canada

International

Media/Grey Literature Papers:

Quarantine and Social Isolation:

Grief as a theme in dealing with the direct and indirect effects of COVID-19:

Vulnerable Populations:

Effects and Approaches University Students:

Effects and Approaches – University Faculty/Staff:

Pandemic as traumatic event:

Parenting and kids:

Academic Journals/Papers:

 

TEACHING AND LEARNING RESOURCES (M

c

MASTER)

Working and Studying from Home:

Other Information:

  • E-mail Signature (Adapted from resources provided by Allison Drew-Hassling, Student Affairs):
    Could be used in current e-mails or communications; may require updating.

    COVID-19 Note: If you are experiencing symptoms of a cough and/or fever or someone close to you has travelled abroad in the past 14 days, or you have interacted with someone with COVID-19, call Telehealth (1-866-797-0000) or Hamilton Public Health Department at 905-546-2424 ext.7970 for further direction and testing. To avoid the spread of infection, do not go to a clinic or hospital before calling first and be ready to self-isolate if necessary.

6 Self-Care Tips:

  1. It is an uncertain and challenging time for everyone.
  2. Take it day-by-day and do the best you can to care for yourself and others in your life.
  3. Regular socializing, exercise, sleep, and nutrition routines are important and helpful to manage stress.
  4. Watch your substance use – it’s easy to fall into old or new habits which can be hard to break later
  5. Consider limiting your daily screen time and ensure your news sources are reliable. Spending too much time on screens, social media and news can get you down.
  6. Connect and check-in with friends, colleagues, or family members via phone or online

Latest information and updates about COVID-19 (coronavirus) from McMaster University.
https://covid19.mcmaster.ca

Other Helpful Links:
https://wellness.mcmaster.ca/managing-your-anxiety-surrounding-covid-19-preparation-and-prevention-without-panic/
https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/diseases-and-conditions/infectious-diseases/respiratory-diseases/novel-coronavirus/public-resources

While this situation of COVID-19 keeps unfolding, remember that we are all in this together and we are here for you!
If you are experiencing a crisis after business hours please connect with:

  • Good2Talk: 1-866-925-5454 (free professional and confidential support for all students in Ontario)
  • RealCampus: Text 647-494-8383 or Call 1-877-390-7325 (for Undergraduate Students, online, phone, or in-person support through counselling or consultation.
    To learn more: realcampus.ca/mcmaster)
  • EmpowerMe: 1 (844) 741-6389 (for Graduate Students, online or phone life coaching)
    McMaster Security Services: 905-522-4135 (or 911 for off-campus emergencies)

HAMILTON HOMELESSNESS RESOURCES DURING COVID

Curated from CareMongering-HamOnt: Hamilton Community Response to COVID-19 Facebook page.

Services Available for Those Experiencing Homelessness During COVID-19 closures:

Drop in Programs:

  • Wesley Urban Ministries
    • Drop in-remains open.
    • Will limit amount of people coming indoors.
    • Pre-screening in place.
    • Please call before sending someone over.
    • Monday-Saturday 8:30a.m.–1:30p.m. Sunday: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. Ph: 905-528-5640
  • Willow’s-Place
    • Remains open.
    • Women Only Space.
    • Limiting amount of people.
    • Pre-screening in place.
    • Please call and call before sending women over.
    • Ph. 905-528-5100 x1200 Monday-Sunday 9am-8:30pm

Food Banks:

Most food banks are suspending services. Some are offering food hampers. Call for information:

  • Mission Services
    • 196 Wentworth- Ph. 905-528-4211
    • Premade hampers based on family size.
    • No appointment needed.
    • Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9am-12 and 1pm-3 Tuesday, Thursday 9am-12pm
  • Salvation Army Family Services
    • 80 Bay St North Ph.905-540-1888
  • Good Shepherd Centre
    • Venture Centre – 155 Cannon St. E. Ph.905-972-9485
  • Living Rock for Youth-Hampers
    • Tuesday and Thursday (side door) 1:00pm-4:00pm Ages (25 and under) Ph. 905-528-7625

Community Meals (take away dinners):

  • Good Shepherd Men’s Centre
    • 135 Mary Street (take away from 3:30-4:15) Ph:905-528-9109
  • Living Rock
    • 30 Wilson (take away)
    • Breakfast 9am-10am
    • Evening Program: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (4pm-5pm)
    • *hampers available, Weekend: 1-4 hampers and meals (side door)
    • Ph. 905-528-7625
  • Salvation Army Soup Van
    • Various Locations:
      • 94 York Blvd- Lunches served 11:45-12:30 in back parking lot
    • Soup Van locations:
    • Evening schedule: 8:00-8:45 Bayfront at Strachan and McNab, 9:00pm-9:45pm Barton at Birch.
      One more location to be determined soon!
  • Out of the Cold – cancelled for remaining of this season

Emergency Shelters for Single Homeless Women

Women’s Shelters:

  • Good Shepherd Mary’s Place – Ph. 905-540-8000
  • St. Joseph’s Healthcare Womankind – Ph.905-545-9100
  • Mountain View Program – Ph. 905-318-2666

Men’s Shelters:

  • Salvation Army Booth Centre – 94 York Blvd. Ph.905-527-1444
  • Good Shepherd Men’s Centre -135 Mary St N. Ph.905-528-9109
  • Mission Services – 325 James St. N. Ph. 905-528-7635
  • Good Shepherd Family Shelter – 143 Wentworth South Ph. 905-528-9442

Overnight Drop-In for Women-YWCA

  • Carole Anne’s Place is open from 10PM to 8AM.
    • Phones are answered between 10:00pm-Noon Ph. 905-517-9326 Limited Capacity

Harm Reduction Services:

  • The VAN/Harm Reduction Program
    • Various locations in City of Hamilton Ph.905-317-9966 7pm-11pm 7 days per week
  • Keeping Six
    • Tuesdays 3:00pm-5pm Downtown area
    • Sandwiches and needle exchange available
  • CTS site at Urban Core
    • Mon-Fri 10:00am-11:00pm, Sat and Sun 4:00pm-11:00 pm Ph: 905-522-3233