New Horizons in Online Student Mental Health Support: Research Findings and Support Options

In this webinar, we will share significant research findings regarding faculty, staff, and administrators perspectives on mental health support for online students. Our goal is to foster a better understanding of key issues and needs pertaining to mental health support for students engaged in online learning environments. To that end, we will focus on strategies that faculty have found most effective, providing a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities in this space. This webinar is a practical overview of a report published by the OLC in July of 2024.

This session offers a valuable platform to discover new trends in student mental health research, share ideas, and contribute to the ongoing conversation on fostering a supportive and inclusive online learning environment. Join us as we work together to prioritize the mental health and well-being of our online student communities.

Intended Audience: 

  • Institutional leaders
  • Student support staff
  • Instructional support staff

Key Takeaways:

  • Share research findings related to faculty perspectives on mental health support for online and blended students
  • Develop better understanding of key issues and needs related to online student mental health support and strategies for better supporting students through on-demand options (like Uwill)
Speaker Bio
Kristen Gay, Ph.D.

Director of Research – OLC

As the Director of Research, Kristen guides the strategic vision for the Research Institute and OLC Press and operationalizes research opportunities for the OLC. She cultivates partnerships with educators, sponsors, and practitioners to drive innovative research pertaining to digital, blended, and online learning. Kristen has taught for over ten years at the collegiate level, with expertise in learning support (face-to-face, hybrid, and online), writing studies, writing centers, and adult literacy. Her research has appeared in peer-reviewed journals and edited collections focused on online writing instruction, accessibility, and healthcare communication. Kristen holds a Ph.D. in Rhetorics, Communication, and Information Design from Clemson University, an M.A. in Rhetoric and Composition from the University of South Florida, and a B.A. in English (Professional and Technical Writing) from the University of South Florida.
Dylan Barth, Ph.D.

Vice President of Innovation and Programs – OLC

Dylan Barth is the Vice President of Innovation and Programs at the Online Learning Consortium (OLC). In this role, he provides strategic vision and oversight for professional development, research and publications, quality initiatives, and consulting at the OLC. He has 25+ years’ experience teaching in higher education and 15+ years working in faculty and instructional development. Dylan holds a Ph.D. in English from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with an emphasis on masculinities in contemporary post-apocalyptic fiction.
Amaura Kemmerer

Director of Clinical Affairs – Uwill

Amaura Kemmerer, LICSW, serves as Director, Clinical Affairs for Uwill, the nation’s fastest-growing mental health solution serving more than 2 million students at 300+ institutions in all 50 states and 40 countries. Amaura leads Uwill’s engagement efforts, providing consultation and support to campuses to maximize student interaction with the platform. She joined Uwill from the Christie Campus Health acquisition where she served as the Executive Vice President of Client Engagement. Previously, she spent fifteen years at Northeastern University overseeing college student wellness and prevention education. Her expertise in the landscape of mental health on college campuses brings valuable insight to Uwill campuses across the globe. Amaura is a national speaker and trainer on topics including research-based strategies to reduce high-risk college student substance use.