University of Kentucky Adds Well-Being Tab to Canvas Platform

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.

Featured

  • glowing digital shield with a checkmark in the center, surrounded by interconnected lines and nodes on a dark blue background with subtle circuit patterns

    Navigating CMMC 2.0: New Cybersecurity Standards Impact Higher Education

    In October 2024, the Department of Defense published a new update to its Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification enforcing new cybersecurity standards on universities and colleges. With Phase 1 beginning this year, here's what the new requirements mean for higher ed.  

  • glowing futuristic laptop with a holographic screen displaying digital text

    New Turnitin Product Brings AI-Powered Tools to Students with Instructor Guardrails

    Academic integrity solution provider Turnitin has introduced Turnitin Clarity, a paid add-on for Turnitin Feedback Studio that provides a composition workspace for students with educator-guided AI assistance, AI-generated writing feedback, visibility into integrity insights, and more.

  • Stylized illustration showing cybersecurity elements like shields, padlocks, and secure cloud icons on a neutral, minimalist digital background

    Microsoft Announces Security Advancements

    Microsoft has announced major security advancements across its product portfolio and practices. The work is part of its Secure Future Initiative (SFI), a multiyear cybersecurity transformation the company calls the largest engineering project in company history.

  • Two digital hands made of interconnected lines and nodes shaking hands firmly against a minimal technological background

    IBM to Enhance Watsonx Portfolio Through DataStax Acquisition

    IBM has announced it will acquire AI and data solutions provider DataStax, in a move aimed at enhancing its watsonx portfolio and advancing generative artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities for enterprises.