Resiliency Workshops to Prepare for the Fall

As the fall semester begins, it is important that we continue to support our students, faculty, and staff in fostering resilience and well-being. The federal Office for Victims of Crime, Training and Technical Assistance Center (OVC TTAC) and National Mass Violence Center, two organizations comprised of experts in response and recovery, will host Psychological First Aid training and multiple resiliency workshops for faculty and staff to review available resources before the start of the semester.

Psychological First Aid Training

Psychological First Aid (PFA) training is a four-hour course that will provide clinicians, health care providers, first responders, victim advocates, Counseling and Psychological Services staff, and other professionals with an overview of the basic concepts of PFA, an early intervention approach to support individuals in the aftermath of a traumatic incident. PFA aims to assist in reducing distress, building safety and comfort, fostering coping skills, and connecting people with resources. Participants will have an opportunity to observe role-play examples and practice skills.

Resiliency Workshops

The resiliency workshops discuss the typical range of responses to mass violence on a college campus, what can be expected throughout the ongoing recovery process, and how to support those impacted, including yourself. This is also an opportunity for you to share what the most pressing needs are for you and your colleagues, where you are finding support, and where support is still needed. Interested employees only need to attend one workshop that best fits their schedule.

Who should attend?

Psychological First Aid Training is recommended for Counseling and Psychological Services, Victim Advocate Program, University Health Services, FSU Police Department, and other staff who may work directly with individuals after a traumatic incident.

Resiliency Workshops are open to any faculty or staff member. While these sessions will focus on those with a student-facing role, anyone is welcome to attend. The sessions on Tuesday, August 19, are available for Division of Student Affairs (DSA) staff only.

What will be covered?

The Psychological First Aid training will cover:

• How and when to provide PFA
• Early intervention principles
• Core actions of PFA
• How to adapt PFA in diverse settings and populations
• Self-care before, during, and after providing PFA

The workshop will cover:

• Foundations of trauma
• Dynamics of and reactions to mass violence (what to expect in the coming school year)
• The path of recovery for individuals and communities
• Encouraging resilience
• Caring for ourselves and others

Where and when?

How to register:

Those interested in attending the Psychological First Aid Training can register here, or copy and paste the following URL into a web browser: https://veoci.com/v/p/200685/workflow/rgsdbeq4pz84. Once your registration has been approved, you will receive an Outlook calendar invite.

Those interested in attending a Resiliency Workshop can register through OMNI with the below information.

Division of Student Affairs employees can register using the following course name and number:
-    Course Name: DSA Resiliency Workshop
-    Course Number: DSARW1
-    Registration Link: fla.st/AJP4QHGS
-    Please refer to the Registration Guide

Faculty and Non-DSA employees can register using the following course name and number:
-    Course Name: FacNonDSA Resiliency Workshop
-    Course Number: FASRW2
-    Registration Link: fla.st/AJP4QHGS
-    Please refer to the Registration Guide

Please note that there are only 15 minutes between workshops and limited room in the lobby area. Attendees are asked to arrive no more than 10 minutes prior to their chosen session and consider carpooling with coworkers, as parking may be limited if driving to the workshop site.

These workshops are designed to provide information about recovery from mass violence but are not a substitute for personalized support. If you or someone you know needs individual support, please reach out to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or seek help from resources listed on response.fsu.edu.