Pre-Conference SessionsThe pre-conference sessions will be held on Wednesday, June 11th, from 8:30AM-12PM, with 3 hours of presentation with (2) 15 minute breaks. The pre-conference workshops are an additional fee of $75, it is not included in the conference registration fee. Each session will offer 3 CE hours. Against All Odds: Thriving as Outreachers Presenter(s): Qiana Watson - Cornell University Juliana Garcia - Cornell University Darreon Greer - Ohio State University Megan Fernandes - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Abstract: In recent years, university counseling services across the United States have faced increasing challenges due to the rise of anti-diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) legislation. These political shifts have created an environment of uncertainty for mental health professionals tasked with supporting diverse student populations. This workshop will focus on providing strategic guidance and practical tools to help university counseling outreach teams navigate these political landscapes while continuing to foster inclusive and supportive environments for all students. Participants will explore effective advocacy techniques, develop strategies for ensuring the well-being of marginalized student groups, and discuss ways to adapt counseling practices that remain aligned with DEIB values, despite external pressures. Through collaborative discussion and case studies, this workshop aims to empower counselors and outreach professionals with the knowledge and resilience needed to continue their vital work amidst political adversity. Learning Objectives:
Pre-Conference Mini Series:Empowering Communities: Innovative Approaches to Suicide Prevention on Campus Creating impactful, comprehensive, suicide interventions and events requires a foundation of collaboration, connection, and community among university staff, students, and stakeholders. This mini-series will delve into the behind-the-scenes process of organizing initiatives, engaging students, faculty, and campus organizations to promote mental health awareness, increasing suicide prevention efforts on campus, implementing student leadership development opportunities and supporting those impacted by suicide. Conference participants will explore strategies for building and sustaining strong partnerships across campus departments and community groups, ensuring the event’s success and growth over time. Attendees will leave equipped with practical tools to plan and scale similar initiatives, gaining insights into fostering collaboration, engaging diverse stakeholders, and creating traditions that resonate with their campus communities. Whether starting from scratch or expanding on existing programs, this mini-series offers actionable guidance to empower attendees to create lasting impact through collective efforts and intentional outreach planning. Segment 1Fostering Campus-Community Partnerships in Suicide Presenter(s): Laura Lewis, MA, LPCC-S, The Ohio State University Abstract: In 2006, our campus received grant funding to create a campus suicide prevention program which led to the development of a comprehensive model that is partnership-based and embedded in a public health approach. In 2018, The Ohio State University Suicide Prevention Program also developed the “Pillars of a Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Program” which outlines strategies that form a broad comprehensive campus approach to decreasing mental health stigma. In this session the presenter will outline the history and development of OSUSPP. Participants will learn practical strategies for developing a partnership-based comprehensive suicide prevention program and explore possible ideas to implement on their campus. Learning Objectives:
Segment 2Field of Memories: Transforming Campus Culture through Suicide Prevention Presenter(s): Jeffrey Nelson, LMHC, Iowa State University Michelle Roling, LMHC, CEDS-C, Iowa State University Vanessa Stein, LCSW, University of Central Florida Abstract: The Field of Memories-Be Aware Show You Care Flag Exhibit, held during September's Suicide Prevention and Awareness Week, is a powerful visual display representing the 1,100 suicides that occur on U.S. college campuses each year. Attendees are encouraged to participate by personalizing a flag with messages of hope, reducing stigma, honoring lives lost to suicide, or encouraging individuals struggling with depression. The discussion will cover event logistics, resource allocation, and overcoming common challenges, all while fostering a shared sense of purpose. Learning Objectives:
Segment 3Utilizing a Peer-to-Peer Suicide Prevention Model for Campus Suicide Prevention Presenter(s): Amaya Rakes, MA, LPC, The Ohio State University Laura Lewis, MA, LPCC-S, The Ohio State University Abstract: Suicide is the second leading cause of death for college students. Campuses often have focused on providing suicide prevention programming to increase the utilization of campus resources, however, students are actually more likely to reach out to their friends first when in distress. Studies on peer-led suicide prevention have found that students who are knowledgeable about suicide are more likely to intervene and have an increased sense of self-efficacy as an agent of change. In this session participants will learn one model for implementing a peer-led model of suicide prevention gatekeeper training which provides emotional support to those in need, promotes psychological well-being, and improves the usage of community resources to create a campus culture of care. Learning Objectives:
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