After teaching courses on mental health, Pitt professors Grant Martsolf, Ryan McDermott and David Sanchez set out to create an intersectional course promoting happiness for students' lives. “Happiness and Human Flourishing” debuts next spring.

Monica Ruiz said people are often unwilling to give funding to help the Latino community — which can include undocumented immigrants. “I say it’s easier to find funding for a box of puppies who...