Healthy Relationships | Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences:

Boston University and ten other institutions have adopted an evidence-based curriculum designed to teach social skills for building healthy professional, academic, and intimate relationships. The program, which includes a 1-credit course and a 6-week workshop series, aims to help students move beyond survival in higher education by fostering wellness, communication skills, and restorative learning opportunities for those involved in Title IX processes.

Did You Know? The Healthy Relationships curriculum has been implemented across a diverse range of settings, including a high school, a therapeutic program, a family program, and a criminal justice program, in addition to its use at the collegiate level.

Why Healthy Relationships Courses Are Expanding

The curriculum was developed to address institutional needs for student retention and the creation of impactful collegiate experiences. According to program documentation, the initiative also responds to Title IV criteria, which mandates that higher education institutions provide support for all individuals involved in Title IX processes, including complainants, respondents, and witnesses.

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By focusing on preventative interpersonal skills and restorative justice, the course seeks to fill gaps in existing campus support structures. Former students have reported that the program provides a safe environment to learn stress management and adopt a growth mindset rather than a fixed one.

Course Offerings and Structure

At Boston University, students can enroll in the FY103: Self-Efficacy Seminar through the student portal. This 1-credit course focuses on examining relationship values and socio-cultural factors that influence workplace and interpersonal interactions. Participants practice active listening, empathy, and problem-solving techniques.

Blum Center Program: Helping Teens Build Healthy Relationships and Recognize Signs of Unhealthy Ones

For students navigating disciplinary sanctions, the program offers a 6-week workshop series. These sessions cover topics such as consent, boundaries, sexuality, and online relationship dynamics. The series costs $500, though the Center notes that financial assistance may be available based on need. The upcoming spring session is scheduled from February 26th through April 2nd.

Expert Insight: The integration of restorative practices into academic disciplinary frameworks marks a shift toward whole-person learning. By addressing the shame and fear often reported by Title IX respondents, these programs may reduce the adversarial nature of campus conduct processes while emphasizing long-term behavioral development.

What Happens Next for the Curriculum

As the curriculum continues to be implemented across various institutional settings, it is likely that more universities will evaluate the use of restorative learning to meet Title IV requirements. Organizations interested in adopting the program or requesting individual workshops may contact Chelsea at [email protected] or (857) 225-0230 to discuss potential partnerships.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the target audience for these courses?
The curriculum is designed for individuals in higher education, including students seeking to build better social skills, as well as those involved in Title IX processes as respondents.

What topics are covered in the 6-week workshop series?
The series covers signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships, consent, boundaries, sexuality, online profiles, and self-efficacy.

Is financial aid available for the workshops?
Yes, financial assistance may be available through the Center based on need, as the program does not work with insurance companies.

How can educational institutions better support student mental health and interpersonal development?