Supporting Students Certification Program
The Department of Wellness—in collaboration with University Counseling Services, the Office of Student Support and the Center for Family Resilience—is constructing a certification program aimed to provide faculty and staff with the tools and training to aid and support students through a variety of potential mental health concerns or crisis situations.
More Information
This certificate program is open to all OSU faculty and staff (exempt and non-exempt). Participants must attend all 4 in-person sessions in order to receive the certificate and $150 stipend. Before and after attending all 4 sessions, participants will complete a pre- and post-assessment to track learning. Upon completing the final evaluation piece, participants will receive a certification and stipend from the developing departments.
This program will take place in person over the lunch hour from 12:00 – 1:00 and participants will receive a free lunch. Registration is required.
- Session 1: September 30
ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences), PACE (Protective and Compensatory Experiences) and NEAR (Neurobiology, Epigentics, Adverse Childhood Experiences)
Session 1 will lay the groundwork for supporting students while also adapting to students' lived experiences. NEAR Science (neurobiology, epigenetics, adverse childhood experiences, and resilience) provides a holistic understanding of how trauma and resilience impact health outcomes and barriers students may face in response.
- Session 2: October 14
Mental Health & Crisis Intervention
Session 2 will provide tools and skills for staff to feel better equipped to support students through potential mental health and crisis intervention scenarios. Additionally, this session will provide a space for practical application and discussion about difficulties that faculty/staff population may face when supporting a student experiencing a mental health concern or crisis.
- Session 3: October 28
Responding to Students in Need: Ways to Support and When to Report
Session 3 will build on session 2, moving participants into establishing effective ways to respond to and refer students experiencing need, including filing reports of concern to help ensure further assessment and support of students.
- Session 4: November 11
Self-Care and Resources for the Supporting Staff
Session 4 will focus on how faculty and staff can also be mindful of their personal well-being while they support students through stressful situations. This session will allow participants to explore the resources available to them and reflect on how they may use them when needed.