The Compassionate Pedagogy initiative began in Spring 2025 with a Drake Institute-sponsored Community of Practice that explored the concept of Compassionate Pedagogy and developed a definition specifically for Ohio State instructors:
Compassionate Pedagogy centers the student and their learning while emphasizing empathy, understanding, and kindness. It creates a supportive classroom culture where students feel valued, respected, and empowered to succeed both academically and personally. Compassionate pedagogy maintains high expectations, upholds academic rigor, and simultaneously supports students’ individual needs and well-being, helping them thrive.
Over the 2025-2026 academic year, the initiative continued through the facilitation of two book clubs and a workshop offered by the Drake Institute.
Join the Conversation
There is a clear need for ongoing conversation. In 2025, Inside Higher Ed shared that only one-third of college students reported positive mental health. Amid student uncertainty, loneliness and depression, many instructors are seeking ways to respond with understanding and support. Compassionate Pedagogy is a student-centered approach to teaching that aligns with university's commitment to a culture of care.
This fall, the Drake Institute is offering an in-person event: the Compassionate Pedagogy Community Conversation. Held on October 12 from 3 - 5 p.m. in 141 Sullivant Hall, the discussion will be facilitated by Dr. Darcy Granello, Professor of Counseling Education, and Dr. Vicki Pitstick, Instructional Consultant at the Drake Institute.