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

  • robot typing on a computer

    Microsoft Announces 'Computer Use' Automation in Copilot Studio

    Microsoft has introduced a new AI-powered feature called "computer use" for its Copilot Studio platform that allows agents to directly interact with Web sites and desktop applications using simulated mouse clicks, menu selections and text inputs.

  • university building with classical columns and a triangular roof displayed on a computer screen, surrounded by minimalist tech elements like circuit lines and abstract digital shapes

    Pima Community College Launches New Portal for a Unified Digital Campus Experience

    Arizona's Pima Community College is elevating the digital campus experience for students, faculty, and staff with a new portal built on the Pathify digital engagement platform.

  • From the Kuali Days 2025 Conference: A CEO's View of Planning for AI

    How can a company serving higher education navigate the changes AI brings to ed tech? What will customers expect? CT talks with Kuali CEO Joel Dehlin, who shared his company's AI strategies with attendees at Kuali Days 2025 in Anaheim.

  • illustration of a football stadium with helmet on the left and laptop with ed tech icons on the right

    The 2025 NFL Draft and Ed Tech Selection: A Strategic Parallel

    In the fast-evolving landscape of collegiate football, the NFL, and higher education, one might not immediately draw connections between the 2025 NFL Draft and the selection of proper educational technology for a college campus. However, upon closer examination, both processes share striking similarities: a rigorous assessment of needs, long-term strategic impact, talent or tool evaluation, financial considerations, and adaptability to a dynamic future.