University of Kentucky Adds Well-Being Tab to Canvas Platform

  • By Kate Lucariello
  • 02/06/24

The University of Kentucky (UK) has added a "well-being" tab to its Canvas learning management platform that addresses all aspects of student wellness. The tab presents a "Get Help" section for emergencies, questions-and-answers, and advice. Students will also be able to access Talkspace and TRACS crisis support.

The new addition was a joint effort by the Student Government Association (SGA) and the Office for Student Success (OSS).

Talkspace is an independent secure and confidential online video and text chat service that gives access to licensed mental health therapists offering several different kinds of therapy. Insurance may cover the cost, or there is a small copay.

TRACS, standing for Triage, Referral, Assistance, and Crisis Support, is a UK-based service available to students both in person and online. It provides referrals to housing, rent, utilities, and food resources and also mental health services for several needs.

In addition to these services, the well-being tab also connects students to information about "recreation centers, financial literacy programs, supportive communities, and networking opportunities," the university said.

"We picked a handful of resources that we felt could point students in any direction they needed to go — for any type of help," Jason Marcus, SGA vice president, said. "We are hopeful that we can continue to promote the multitude of resources that UK offers to students to help them succeed."

"SGA has been instrumental in developing this initiative, from bringing the idea to campus to overseeing implementation," Kirsten Turner, vice president for Student Success, added. "The Canvas well-being tab provides students with even greater access to the array of services available on our campus to support their success on a holistic level in keeping with the mission of SGA and Student Success."

More information on UK's student services is available on the Student Success page.

To read more about the well-being tab, visit the UKnow release page.

About the Author

Kate Lucariello is a former newspaper editor, EAST Lab high school teacher and college English teacher.

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