Student Flourishing Teaching Workshop

University of Wisconsin-Madison (in person)

June 24-27, 2024

Designed for faculty and instructional staff.

Capacity is limited.

Photo Credit: ArtRachen01

Program Background and Purpose

In response to the crisis in college student mental health, faculty from UW-Madison, Penn State and University of Virginia came together in 2015 to develop The Art and Science of Human Flourishing (ASHF), a 3 credit, semester-long, academic and skills-based course that seeks to support university students in their mental health and overall flourishing. At UW-Madison, the course is team-taught every fall and is currently only open to first-year students. Since the pilot offering in 2017, more than 1200 students have taken the course at UW-Madison.

Join our Student Flourishing Teaching Workshop to learn more about this innovative course, the effects it is having on students, and how other universities have adapted the course on their own campuses. Participants will hear from UW-Madison’s ASHF teaching and research teams as well as from students who have taken the course. In addition participants will have access to all course materials in advance of (and after) the workshop.

Registration Deadline: Friday, June 7, 2024 (or sooner if we reach capacity)

Who Should Attend?

The workshop is designed for college and university faculty and instructional staff who want to learn more about The Art & Science of Human Flourishing at UW-Madison, potentially teach a version of the course on their own campus or integrate elements of the course into their own courses. Deans, Chairs, and Directors who may oversee teaching are also welcome to attend. A limited number of spaces are also reserved for interested graduate students.

What to Expect

 

  • Overview of the scientific framework behind the course and its impact on students 

  • Review of the course structure, main themes, and course content

  • Integration of the Healthy Minds Program app

  • Examples of how other institutions have adapted the course

  • Student panel discussion 

  • Small group breakouts for further reflection, discussion, and idea generation 

  • Sessions that explore ways to bring an equity lens to student well-being

  • Pre- and post-workshop access to all course materials in Canvas

  • Opportunities to connect with others who are engaged in this work

  • Short contemplative practices throughout the workshop

  • Optional (free!) meditation workshop on Monday, June 24th to engage in group practice and explore elements of guiding group meditation practices

  • Participants should not expect to leave the workshop fully ready to teach the course

 

Participant Takeaways

  • Course syllabus

  • Access to all course materials in Canvas 

  • Participant contact list (with permission)

  • Contact with a community of people who are committed to this work!

Testimonials

“I cannot begin to express how impressed I was with this workshop. You were able to leave the workshop with tangible strategies and teaching tools to implement aspects of this program into your own curriculum.” -Katie Pavek, UW-Madison School of Nursing

“The ’Art and Science of Human Flourishing’ course is an extraordinary gift for everyone in higher education. It has been transformative not only for my students, but also for me as an educator.” -Kate Mondloch, University of Oregon

In a survey of 2023 participants,

  • 100% of respondents said they would recommend the Student Flourishing Teaching Workshop to a friend or colleague.

  • 100% of respondents said the meditation workshop met or exceeded their expectations.

2023 Student Flourishing Teaching Workshop participants.