Wellness and Student Support

Connecting Wellbeing, Learning and Engagement

At Cal State Monterey Bay, student success is strengthened when learning connects to wellness, equity and community. Our Holistic Wellness and Integrative Learning Paradigm reflects a simple belief: students thrive when they are supported as whole people.

CSUMB educators — including faculty, staff, students and community partners — work together to integrate academic learning with personal growth, career development and civic engagement.

The Framework

The paradigm brings together five interconnected dimensions:

Wellness

Supporting physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, environmental and financial wellbeing so individuals can learn and lead effectively.

Equity

Recognizing and addressing the impacts of identity, power and privilege to expand access and opportunity.

Community and Belonging

Fostering meaningful connections and supportive relationships that strengthen resilience and collaboration.

Learning

Building knowledge and skills across academic, co-curricular and community experiences through intentional integration.

Engagement

Connecting education to purposeful professional and civic contributions.

An Integrated Approach to Student Success

These dimensions are not separate — they reinforce one another. When wellness, equity, belonging, learning and engagement are intentionally connected, students deepen their understanding, strengthen their identities and prepare for meaningful impact beyond the classroom.

This integrated approach reflects Cal State Monterey Bay’s commitment to accessible, inclusive and transformative education.

Supporting Wellness and Learning

At Cal State Monterey Bay, mindfulness is part of our commitment to holistic wellness and integrative learning. Mindfulness practices strengthen wellbeing, deepen connection and enhance focus — supporting both personal growth and academic success.

Opportunities are available for students, faculty and staff. No prior experience is required.

Meditation and Learning Opportunities

Regular drop-in sessions provide guided and silent meditation, reflection and practical stress-reduction techniques in a welcoming environment.

Structured mindfulness courses and learning communities offer deeper engagement through small-group practice, discussion and strategies for integrating mindfulness into teaching, learning and daily life. Immersive experiences may also be available for those seeking extended practice.

Mindfulness in Our Community

Mindfulness supports Cal State Monterey Bay’s integrated approach to wellness, equity, belonging, learning and engagement. By cultivating awareness and balance, members of our campus community strengthen their capacity to thrive — in the classroom and beyond.

Helping Students Thrive in and Beyond the Classroom

Cal State Monterey Bay offers integrated services that support students’ academic success, wellbeing and sense of belonging. Faculty and staff play a key role in connecting students with the right resources at the right time.

Academic Success

Students receive guidance through Academic Advising, the Student Success Center and the Cooperative Learning Center. Career development, undergraduate research and experiential learning opportunities help students connect their education to future goals.

Wellness and Care

Health and wellbeing services include medical care, counseling and coordinated support for students experiencing challenges. Care teams and behavioral intervention resources promote a safe and supportive campus environment.

Accessibility and Belonging

Accessibility services ensure full participation for students with disabilities. The Office of Community and Belonging and the Otter Cross Cultural Center foster inclusive excellence, equity and connection across campus.

Engagement and Leadership

Student government, leadership programs and residential life create opportunities for involvement, advocacy and community building.

A Community of Support

Cal State Monterey Bay’s student-centered approach ensures that every Otter has access to the guidance, care and opportunities needed to succeed academically and grow as engaged community members.

Recognizing, Responding and Supporting Student Wellbeing

Student stress, anxiety and other challenges can sometimes appear as disruptive or distressed behavior in and outside the classroom. When faculty respond with clarity, compassion and appropriate referrals, students are more likely to regain stability, re-engage in learning and access the support they need.

This page provides guidance to help faculty identify behaviors of concern, respond effectively and connect students with campus resources.

Understanding the Difference

Disruptive Behavior

Disruptive behavior interferes with the learning environment. Examples may include persistent interruptions, inappropriate comments, refusal to follow classroom expectations or escalating verbal conflict.

Distressed Behavior

Distressed behavior reflects emotional or psychological difficulty that may affect academic performance or wellbeing. Signs can include excessive absences, declining performance, visible anxiety, significant mood changes, expressions of hopelessness or risky behavior.

Some behaviors may overlap. When in doubt, it is appropriate to seek consultation.

How to Respond

Faculty responses should be guided by the severity and impact of the behavior.

Mild Concerns

For behaviors that are irritating but not threatening, consider addressing the concern privately. Clearly restate classroom expectations and invite conversation. Often, respectful dialogue resolves the issue.

Reflect on classroom climate as well. If multiple students appear disengaged or restless, adjustments in structure or engagement strategies may help.

Ongoing or Moderate Concerns

If behavior continues or escalates, address it calmly and directly. Explain how the behavior affects the learning environment and outline expectations moving forward. Document significant incidents and consult with your department chair or appropriate campus offices for guidance.

Severe or Immediate Threats

If a student poses an imminent threat to themselves or others, contact campus police immediately.

If a student refuses to comply with reasonable directives or engages in threatening behavior, end the interaction and seek support from appropriate campus authorities.

Safety is always the priority.

Referring Students for Support

Faculty are not expected to be counselors. When concerns involve mental health, safety or conduct issues, refer students to appropriate campus resources, including:

• Personal Growth and Counseling Center
• Campus Health Center
• Care Team
• Behavioral Intervention Team
• Student Conduct
• Title IX and discrimination, harassment and retaliation prevention offices
• Student Disability and Accessibility Center
• Center for Advising and Student Success
• Student Veteran Services

If you are unsure where to refer a student, any of these offices can help guide next steps.

Prevention: Creating a Supportive Classroom

Students are more likely to succeed when they feel safe, valued and respected. Faculty can reduce stress and prevent disruption by:

• Clearly communicating behavioral expectations in the syllabus
• Modeling civil dialogue and respectful disagreement
• Establishing consistent classroom routines
• Encouraging inclusive participation
• Addressing concerns early and privately when possible

A supportive learning environment strengthens academic engagement and promotes wellbeing for all students.

Mental Health and Student Success

Academic achievement is closely connected to emotional readiness and mental health. Institutions cannot fulfill their educational mission without attending to student wellbeing. By recognizing signs of distress, responding appropriately and connecting students with resources, faculty help create conditions where students can learn, grow and lead.

A Shared Responsibility

Supporting students in distress is a shared commitment across Cal State Monterey Bay. When we respond thoughtfully and collaborate across campus resources, we promote safety, belonging and student success.