What's the "be aware" Program?
"be aware" is a self-paced, online program about supporting mental health at Penn. Whether you're helping a friend who is feeling depressed, checking in on a student who is struggling, or noticing that you need someone to talk to, this program provides tips and tools to be aware of the signs, know what steps to take, and to build a community of people who take care of themselves and each other.
At Penn, we all have a role to play in supporting each other. From students navigating academic pressure and social life to faculty and staff connecting with students who might be struggling, "be aware" offers practical guidance to support you.
What You'll Learn:
The program includes 3 modules that will help students, faculty, and staff:
- Recognize signs of stress, distress, and crisis
- Learn skills to care for yourself and others
- Connect with support resources at Penn
Who It’s For:
If you’re part of the Penn community, this course is for you! Whether you’re brand new to mental health conversations or just want a refresher, all Penn students, faculty, and staff are invited to enroll.
When and Where You Can Take It:
Anytime, anywhere. It’s completely self-paced and available online whenever it works for you.
How to Enroll:
If you have already have a Canvas at Penn account, you can access the program here.
If you have not used Canvas at Penn before and need to create an account, please email Canvas Support at canvas@pobox.upenn.edu. Accounts are typically made within 1 business day. If you need assistance, please email Tali Rychik, Post-MSW Fellow, at rychik@upenn.edu.
Additional Programs and Resources
The "be aware" program is a complement to Wellness at Penn’s "i care" training and "i share" video. “be aware” can serve as an introduction and/or refresher to the “i care” training.
- For more advanced skill-building, sign up for "i care" training to learn skills and resources to intervene with student stress, distress, and crisis.
- Watch the "i share" video to hear Penn students discuss the power of sharing and how they got support.
- Learn more at Caring For Yourself and Others: Stress, Distress, Crisis.
Visit our Student Health and Counseling page for more information and resources. If you have an urgent concern about yourself or someone else, visit our Get Help Now page.