Dear colleagues,
The inequalities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and racially motivated acts of injustice and oppression have created challenges and exacerbated the burdens for students of color in higher education, who are disproportionately likely to come from low-income communities and/or immigrant backgrounds, and have inadequate access to healthcare. The University of Michigan and The Steve Fund partnered over the past year to expand research and scholarship, and develop resources and professional development opportunities for higher education staff, faculty, and mental health providers to support the well-being and mental health of students of color.
Many students of color routinely report negative experiences in social and academic contexts on their campuses, and the recent increased stressors and trauma due to COVID-19 and racial violence represent both an educational and mental health concern. We share this video toolkit at a critical time when students of color are likely facing unprecedented levels of pressure, tension and distress. We hope you will join us in continuing to learn about and support the mental health and well-being of students of color in higher education. Together, we can play an important role in helping them get through this crisis and plan proactively for the aftermath in order to assist students of color in achieving their academic and career goals.
Tabbye Chavous, PhD
Professor of Education and Psychology
Associate Vice President for Research
Director, National Center for Institutional Diversity
University of Michigan
Annelle Primm, MD
Senior Medical Advisor
The Steve Fund
This video toolkit was developed by The Steve Fund and the National Center for Institutional Diversity, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the Center for Academic Innovation at the University of Michigan.