Caring

I had professors who cared about me as a person

Professors have the power to shape students’ academic journeys and overall well-being through small yet meaningful actions. When students feel seen and supported by their professors, it changes how they engage with learning—and with college as a whole. Graduates who felt their professors cared about them as people were 1.7 times more likely to thrive in all aspects of wellbeing after graduation.

Acknowledging challenges beyond academics, providing flexibility, and connecting students with resources not only eases their burdens but also reinforces that they are valued as individuals. These moments of care and mentorship create a sense of belonging, increase motivation, build resilience and help students persist through difficulties, ultimately shaping their college experience in ways that extend far beyond a single course. The strategies in this section focus on small, intentional practices that build connection, trust, and a sense of belonging inside and outside the classroom.

Strategy Details Resources/examples
Meet students at the door
  • Arrive a few minutes early
  • Stand at the open door as students enter
  • Engage in small talk
  • Set the tone for the class
Learn students’ names
  • Encourage students to create name tents to place on their desks
  • Encourage students to explore their name origins and meanings · Read short stories or essays about names
  • Ask students to journal about their names and compose a “Name Story.” Have students share their stories with the class and complete one yourself
  • Use student photos to practice names. Ask students to share a photo on the learning management system (LMS) discussion board (some allow students to upload photos or connect their student ID photos)
 Name Tents

Short stories about names:

Name Story

Name story guide
Learn details about each student Ask students to fill out an index card with personal information and use them for documenting attendance or other student interactions. Ask for their:

  • Name
  • Nickname
  • Pronouns
  • Major
  • Hometown
  • Long term goal
  • Something they want the teacher to know (student athlete, parenting student, receives accommodations, etc.)

Other strategies include:

  • Use Google or MS Forms to create survey links for students.
  • Instead of the index cards, survey students at the beginning of the semester for personal details.
  • Assign a 6 Word Memoir
  • Have students complete an Identity Wheel or try any of these Identity activities
  • Make learning about each other a game
Someone Who Bingo sheets

Icebreaker inspiration

Icebreak inspiration

Six word memoir storytelling guide
Ask attendance questions Begin each class with an attendance question. Rather than answerign with “here” or “present,” students answer the question for the day. See some examples below:

  • What is your favorite candy?
  • What are you afraid of?
  • Who is on your playlist?
  • What are you watching/binging right now?
  • Tell me something good. What’s the best thing that happened this week?
  • Find a meme that describes how you are feeling today.
 Icebreaker inspiration video

Icebreaker inspiration video

 
Communicate
  • Communicate effectively
  • Consider individual student needs
    • Use Open Access and Inclusive Access for more accessible textbooks and course materials
    • Contact students with accommodations to check in about any additional measures you can take as the instructor to meet their needs
  • Assign readings from diverse viewpoints
    • Include representation from different identities in course materials
  • Check in with students
    • Use exit tickets
      • Ask students to share what they learned today
    • Assign reflective writing or journaling
    • Use interactive slides (QR Code, Slidego, Jamboard)
  • Cultivate spaces for risk-taking and growth
    • Use group discussion or activities
 Guidance on effective office/student hours

Identity and privelege activities

Social identity wheel

Strategy Details Resources/examples

Use technology to virtually communicate with students
  • Use LMS messaging function to congratulate students who achieve an A after assignment (or other platform messaging systems).
  • Message students who are struggling to offer support or connect to resources
  • Submit midterm progress reports
  • Use GroupMe communications to connect students in a class

Distribute check-in survey links throughout the semester

  • Use Google or MS Forms to ask students how they are feeling about the class, what they need, and what they are proud of
 GroupMe

Provide feedback on assignments

 Use LMS features to offer constructive comments and suggestions on writing assignments and exams  

Hold individual student conferences

 Meet one-on-one in person or over Zoom

The Power of Student Conferencing

Best Practices for Student Centered Conferences

Make the most of office hours

Lunch and learn opportunities

Offer an informal setting where students can meet and chat

 

 
Show interest in student events and activities
  • Attend games or performances, or how their extracurricular activities are going
  • Ask about campus organizations or events
  
Be visible on campus
  • Eat lunch in the cafeteria
  • Take your work to the library
  • Attend campus events like the homecoming parade or a multicultural activity
  
Refer students to campus resources
  • Tutoring
  • SI Sessions
  • Counseling Center
  

Contributors

Maddy Coy, University of Florida

Michele Myers, Wake Forest University

Melissa Nivens, Midwestern State University

Linda Nguyen, University of Florida