If a professor has to miss class, that doesn’t mean students have to as well.

The Coastal Carolina University LiveWell Office helps create a unique learning environment for students by hosting programs like Don’t Cancel Class. Don’t Cancel Class was started about 10 years by Counseling Services. It has grown over the years and is currently coordinated by the LiveWell Office. This program ensures that if a professor has to miss class for any reason, the class does not need to be canceled. Instead of canceling class, the professor can schedule a speaker or lecturer to come into class and teach one of the many different programs that LiveWell and other campus partners offer.

“Topics are updated every semester, and while the LiveWell Office coordinates the initiative, we have several campus partners who also provide presentations, including Intercultural and Inclusion Services, Counseling Services, Public Safety, Career Services, Women’s and Gender Studies, Financial Aid and the Center for Global Engagement,” said Lee Carter, director of the LiveWell Office.

There are several presentations offered through Don’t Cancel Class. Programs on cultural awareness, diversity and inclusion which address issues of power, prejudice and discrimination in society are offered by the Office of Intercultural and Inclusion Student Services. The LiveWell Office presents several programs on health and wellness including Healthy Eating on Campus, which teaches students about the different food options on campus and how to make healthier eating choices; Living Well at CCU, a program that was created to help students that are dealing with stress and gives different strategies to manage their stress levels; and Conquering Conflict, an interactive session that addresses the way students deal with different conflict in their interpersonal relationships among others.

Counseling Services offers an Introduction to Counseling Services lecture and Personal Skill Development program which introduces common personal issues that college students have. Counseling Services also presents several programs on mental health from their Best U at CCU list.

Other presentations offered through the Don’t Cancel Class program include Gender and Popular Culture; Making Sense of Financial Aid; S.A.F.E. Response to Violence; Student Engagement Focus Groups; Dialogue Groups; an introduction to Career Services, resume building, and interviewing skills workshops; and “Abroad 101”, which offers information on studying abroad.

The LiveWell Office continues to run the Don’t Cancel Class initiative because they want to have a hand in educating students at CCU in things that are beneficial to their college experience. They believe students should develop not only intellectually, but emotionally and behaviorally as well.

“The Don’t Cancel Class initiative is important because it provides an opportunity for students who may not choose to attend a program about wellness outside of class with the ability to receive important information,” said Carter. “Several studies have found positive outcomes related to the use of curriculum infusion.”

It is recommended that professors do not tell their students that they will be missing class that day so students do not skip the class. The LiveWell Office and other presenters will take attendance if the professor requests.

“If faculty know they will be missing a class, they can call or email the LiveWell Office to request a presentation,” said Carter. “Though it is preferred that they contact us in advance, we make every effort to cover all requests.”

For a full listing of presentations offered through the Don’t Cancel Class program, visit coastal.edu/livewell/servicesprovided/educationandpresentations. For more information on this program or to schedule a presentation, contact the LiveWell Office at 843-349-4031 or livewell@coastal.edu.