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Mental Health at McMaster

McMaster Okanagan Office of Health & Well-being

Professor Hippo-on-Campus Mental Health Education Program

Professor Hippo-on-Campus

Welcome! 

What is Professor Hippo-on-Campus?

The core Professor Hippo-on-Campus program consists of 8 modules that teach staff and faculty at McMaster about student mental health and how to support students in a way that suits their role, whether it be as an academic advisor or as a professor. The program will also teach how to use the Responding to Students in Distress and Difficulty (RSDD) protocol.

Watch the video below to learn more. 

 

This program is free and available to all McMaster Employees.

 

Overview

Expandable List

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

The Professor Hippo-on-Campus e-learning modules run for approximately 3 hours total. 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.

  • Educators (those teaching and supervising students academically)
    • Sessional instructors
    • Faculty
    • 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)
  • Teaching Assistants (TAs) can take the core program, but there is a separate 1-hour module. Click here to learn more.

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.

This training will ask you to:

  • Reflect on what you know about mental health,
  • Gain confidence in supporting students or others in your life,
  • Apply the Responding to Students in Distress and Difficulty protocol
  • Direct students to the appropriate resources on campus or in the community,
  • Take pro-active measures in building a mental health-inclusive classroom.
  • Consider how you can work with others to address the “hippo in the room” (i.e. decrease stigma around mental health.)

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.

Need more help? Click here for our User Guide.

Questions?

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

A grateful thank you to our partners and supporters.

Workshops

Faculty and instructors (educators) and those who interact with, support and supervise McMaster students in many other ways (navigators) on campus are integral to building mental health support for students. While you are not be expected to be mental health experts or counselors, faculty and staff are often ideally situated to recognize and respond to stressed and distressed students, to start important conversations, and to limit unnecessary stress and distress. To do this you must feel prepared and comfortable to address student mental health needs in ways that are consistent with and appropriate to your roles and training.

The Professor Hippo-on-Campus program has been designed and tested at McMaster to help accomplish these goals in an accessible, engaging and efficient format.

To benefit from this workshop, you will need to complete the Professor Hippo online program (8 modules) FIRST, which takes about 3 hours on A2L and is best done gradually over days to weeks. You will then be certified in Professor Hippo! This workshop builds on and applies that content, which will not be reviewed in depth in the workshop, to allow for more interaction and case discussion.

You can register for the online program on Mosaic after completing our pre-survey. See instructions here: https://mentalhealth.mcmaster.ca/professor-hippo/ 

Workshop facilitated by Dr. Catharine Munn, Creator & Lead, Professor Hippo-on-Campus Program, and Advisor to the Provost (Special Projects, Mental Health)

For further information or questions please contact janeca@mcmaster.ca or profhipp@mcmaster.ca

Register for Upcoming Workshops

All individual faculty workshops will be booked through each Faculty Dean or Designate. Please contact your Faculty Dean or Designate if you’re interested in participating. 

Faculty of Humanities: October 26, 2023 from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM

 

 

November 17, 2023 from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Location: In-person, MDCL-3002

Visit the following link to register: Professor Hippo TMG Workshop Registration Link
February 27, 2024 from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Location: In-person, MDCL-3002 

 

October 25, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Location: In-person, Mills Library, Connections Centre, L-113

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/professor-hippo-on-campus-workshop-student-facing-staff-tickets-708807190387?aff=oddtdtcreator

These workshops are designed to be completed after taking the Professor Hippo-on-Campus Graduate Student course, which will be available on Avenue 2 Learn.

Note: All workshops will be held online. A calendar invite will be sent after registration. *Registration links coming soon*

October, 2023
  • October 27 (9:30 AM to 12:00 PM)
November, 2023
  • November 9 (9:30 AM to 12:00 PM)
  • November 22 (10:30 AM to 1:00 PM)
  • November 23 (9:30 AM to 12:00 PM)
December, 2023
  • December 1 (9:30 AM to 12:00 PM)
January, 2024 
  • January 18 (1:00 PM to 3:30 PM)
February, 2024
  • February 8 (9:30 AM to 12:00 PM)
  • February 21 (1:00 PM to 3:30 PM)
March, 2024 
  • March 22 (9:30 AM to 12:00 PM)
April, 2024 
  • April 4 (1:00 PM to 3:30 PM)
May, 2024 
  • May 1 (9:30 AM to 12:00 PM)
  • May 2 (9:30 AM to 12:00 PM)
Friday, January 19, 2024 from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Location: In-person, MDCL-3002

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/professor-hippo-on-campus-workshop-open-faculty-tickets-708812666767?aff=oddtdtcreator

 

There are no sessions currently scheduled. Please continue to monitor for updates.

Please note that additional dates will be added throughout the academic year for other groups. If you are interested in attending a workshop, but are not certain which one to attend, please email us at profhipp@mcmaster.ca.

Mental Health Training for TAs

In ONE hour module:

  • Learn more about mental health and accommodations to help you and your students in your role as TA!

  • Recognize and communicate with students in distress

  • Be a part of the Professor Hippo community, which consists of staff, faculty, and other TAs

Interested? 

Please select “Mental Health in the Classroom” through the mandatory TA training offered by MacPherson on Avenue to Learn.

If have any questions, reach out to us! profhipp@mcmaster.ca

 

Are you interested in attending a future synchronous workshop where you will learn to apply the knowledge from this module? Email us for more information.

Professor Hippo logos

Professor Hippo Resources

The resources listed below are intended for staff and faculty to share with students, or use to support students.

McMaster Mental Health Resources

Student Wellness Centre Learn More

The Student Wellness Centre is the place on campus to address your wellness needs. We provide a range of counselling options, medical services and wellness programs so that you can get the most out of your McMaster experience, academically and personally!

Student Accessibility Services logo

Student Accessibility Services (SAS) Learn More

SAS provide compassionate, individualized accessibility services for students with disabilities. This includes academic accommodations, programming and additional support services. Our goal is to help students with disabilities meet their goals through full participation, independence, empowerment and equality.

Student Support and Case Management Office Learn More

Student Support and Case Management promotes student rights and responsibilities through the administration of the Student Code of Conduct, Residence Code of Conduct and the Athletic Code of Conduct. By addressing behavioural expectations for student civility and personal conduct we contribute to the University’s efforts to create and enhance the ethical environment of the campus community. We strive for the implementation of a fair and efficient Student Conduct Process with an emphasis on informal resolution and educational and restorative outcomes.

More resources for students:

In first year? Contact your Community Advisor (CA, in residence) or Archway Mentor (off-campus) via Microsoft Teams. Mentors and CAs can help you navigate various McMaster services and supports, helping to ensure that you get the support you need.

Do you know who your Academic Advisor is?

  • Every student automatically has access to academic advising. Academic advisors can help you answer questions including: questions about your program, course requirements, and dropping or adding a course? Want to talk with someone about your Academics?

Looking for academic support?

Need some help with how to use McMaster libraries for your research projects?

  • Contact Ariel Stables-Kennedy, the First Year Experience Librarian, for help navigating the McMaster libraries: stablesj@mcmaster.ca

Interested in talking to another student, confidentially? Talk to your CA or Archway Mentor!

Want to talk to someone confidentially on the phone?

  • Good2Talk is a helpline for Ontario post-secondary students and is available 24/7/365 for confidential phone support and texting service with a counsellor. Call 1-866-925-5454 or text GOOD2TALKON to 686868
  • McMaster Student Assistance Plan: Text or Call 1-888-377-0002 (for Undergraduate McMaster Students, online, phone, or in-person support through counselling or consultation. To learn more:https://msumcmaster.ca/info/health-dental-insurance/student-assistance-plan/)

Looking for in-person or virtual support or counselling?

McMaster Student Assistance Plan: Text or Call 1-888-377-0002 (for Undergraduate McMaster Students, online, phone, or in-person support through counselling or consultation. To learn more: https://msumcmaster.ca/info/health-dental-insurance/student-assistance-plan/)

  • McMaster Student Wellness Centre (SWC) provides a range of counselling options, medical services and wellness education resources to support students in their academic success and positive experience at McMaster. Call (905) 525-9140 ext. 27700

https://www.wellness.mcmaster.ca

  • Your own family doctor

Is this an emergency?

Have you experienced sexual violence?

  • Sexual Violence Response Coordinator can meet with a student(s) and be of assistance in connecting them to further resources. Call (905) 525-9140 e 20909 | https://www.svrp.mcmaster.ca
  • In an emergency? If you have experienced sexual assault or domestic violence and require medical care immediately, visit the Emergency Departments at the Hamilton General Hospital or Juravinski Hospital. Ask for the sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE): https://www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca/areas-of-care/emergency-care/sexual-assault-domestic-violence/
  • You can also attend McMaster Student Wellness Centre for non-emergency medical care or counselling related to sexual assault. Call (905) 525-9140 ext. 27700

https://www.wellness.mcmaster.ca

Any other questions?

  • Contact your Community Advisor (CA) or Archway Mentor via Microsoft Teams. Mentors and CAs can help you navigate various McMaster services and supports, helping to ensure that you get the support you need.

Professor Hippo Self-Care Resources

Workplace Wellness at McMaster – https://hr.mcmaster.ca/employees/health_safety_well-being/my-well-being/

Directory to resources for workplace wellness at McMaster, provided by the Human Resources Department.

Mental Health Resources and Training for Faculty in Distress – https://hr.mcmaster.ca/employees/health_safety_well-being/my-health/mental-health-resources-and-training/#tab-content-faculty-staff-in-distress

Explanation on how to support McMaster faculty and staff in distress.

Healthy Workplace Committee – https://hr.mcmaster.ca/employees/health_safety_well-being/my-well-being/healthy-workplace/

McMaster volunteer committee on improving health and well-being to McMaster employees.

Employee and Family Assistance Program – https://hr.mcmaster.ca/employees/health_safety_well-being/my-well-being/employee-and-family-assistance-program/

Health Benefits program that offers access to mental health and addictions services for McMaster employees, in partnership with Homewood Health.

Compensation, Benefits, and Retirement Plans at McMaster – https://hr.mcmaster.ca/employees/total-rewards/

Overview of benefits for all those employed at McMaster.

Total Rewards for Clinical Faculty – https://hr.mcmaster.ca/employees/total-rewards/clinical-faculty/

Explanation of benefits for clinical faculty at McMaster.

Total Rewards for Faculty and Senior Academic Librarians (MUFA) – https://hr.mcmaster.ca/employees/total-rewards/mufa/

Explanation of benefits for professors, associate professors, assistant professors, lecturers, and senior academic librarians at McMaster.

Employee Accessibility Network – https://equity.mcmaster.ca/events/announcing-a-new-accessibility-network-for-mcmaster-employees-with-disabilities-accessibility-mcmaster.ca

Meetings hosted by the Equity and Inclusion office at McMaster for employees with disabilities. Please email access@mcmaster.ca for more information.

Background of Professor Hippo-on-Campus

Background

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!