Old Dominion University (ODU) has introduced an exciting initiative designed to tackle class cancellations stemming from scheduling conflicts.
Instead of dismissing classes, professors facing conflicts can now enrich the learning experience by inviting guest speakers to address essential wellness topics for students.
This program aims to keep classes engaging and informative, focusing on critical areas such as substance use, stress management, nutrition, safe sex, and sleep hygiene.
Innovative Approach to Class Cancellations
The Recreation and Wellness Health Promotion team at ODU has reached out to faculty, encouraging them to consider this innovative approach when they’re away for conferences, vacations, or simply in need of a break from their usual teaching routines.
This initiative not only seeks to reduce disruptions in education but also emphasizes the importance of discussing health topics that often don’t receive sufficient attention in traditional coursework.
Steven Gunzelman, a passionate health educator, has spearheaded the “Don’t Cancel That Class!” program.
He points out that this isn’t just for professors with unavoidable scheduling conflicts; it’s also for those who recognize the value of extending health education to their students.
Gunzelman underscores the significance of incorporating health and wellness into the academic experience, as these skills are vital for students’ success in both their studies and their lives beyond graduation.
Curated Wellness Topics
This program is a testament to ODU’s holistic approach to student wellness, promoting collaboration across various departments to share the responsibility for student well-being.
Professors can choose from a selection of five curated topics for guest speakers to cover, including:
- AOD & Me: Navigating Substance Safety
- Burn Bright, Not Out: Effective Stress Management Strategies
- Food for Thought: A Crash Course in Nutrition
- Play It Safe: Essential Safe Sex Practices
- Zzz’s for a Better You: Mastering Sleep Hygiene
These topics were selected based on health data from the American College Health Association’s National College Health Assessment, which reveals key concerns affecting students today, such as stress, anxiety, and sleep deprivation.
Additionally, a recent survey by Inside Higher Ed highlights that a large number of students identify stress as a significant barrier to their academic focus, with many expressing a desire to improve their sleep habits.
For professors interested in collaborating with a guest speaker, the process is straightforward: they simply complete a request form.
The program has already seen excitement, with an engineering professor being the first to schedule a session centered on stress management—a topic Gunzelman is confident will resonate with many students.
Future Prospects and Implementation
Although the current capacity for the “Don’t Cancel That Class” program is somewhat limited, the team is committed to accommodating as many requests as possible.
There’s even hope to broaden the range of topics in response to feedback from students.
Gathering insights about the program’s impact on students’ health behaviors will be key to assessing its effectiveness.
Gunzelman also encourages professors to find ways to involve students during these sessions, whether through surprise interactions, planned activities, or even as part of their evaluation criteria for the course.
Several educational institutions are exploring similar innovative strategies to minimize class cancellations.
For example, the University of Minnesota, Morris, offers workshops that blend academic skills with professional development, emphasizing the link between overall wellness and academic excellence.
As colleges and universities continue to seek creative solutions to class disruptions, such initiatives have the potential to cultivate a more supportive educational environment.
Institutions like the University of Louisville also recommend rescheduling classes, using synchronous online formats, or assigning independent learning tasks to ensure educational continuity.
Does your institution have any unique strategies to prevent class cancellations?
Source: Insidehighered