Between 85-89% of college students have experienced some form of trauma in their lifetime, significantly impacting their academic performance, mental health, and overall well-being. The compounding effects of the pandemic and ongoing identity-based violence (i.e., race, religion, sexuality) have heightened these challenges, creating new trauma-related obstacles within higher education.
During the past six years, faculty of the Mandel School’s Center on Trauma and Adversity have been building and implementing a trauma-informed approach within the classroom. They have grounded their trauma-informed pedagogy in research on the neuroscience of trauma and healing and have developed practical tools to create a supportive environment geared towards optimal learning for students.
The Trauma-Informed Higher Education Certification program is designed to equip faculty with the knowledge and skills necessary to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students, particularly those affected by trauma. Through this comprehensive program, participants will gain a deep understanding of trauma and its impact on college students, learn practical techniques for implementing trauma-informed care in the classroom, and explore the importance of secondary trauma and self-care, cultural sensitivity, and effective collaboration. By the end of the training, faculty will be empowered to implement trauma-informed strategies in their classroom, advocate for and lead trauma-informed initiatives at the department and university levels, fostering a campus culture that promotes the well-being and academic success of every student.
Certification Learning Objectives
- Understand trauma and its impact on college students.
- Apply techniques for implementing trauma-informed care in the classroom.
- Understand how trauma-informed principles apply to higher education institutions.
- Recognize and address secondary trauma among faculty and learn self-care strategies.
- Understand how trauma-informed department and university-level initiatives can foster a campus culture that promotes the well-being and academic success of every student.
- Enhance cultural sensitivity and responsiveness in teaching and support services.
- Learn strategies for building and sustaining trauma-informed practices within academic departments and administrative units.
- Foster collaboration and mutuality among faculty, staff, and students.
Purpose of the Program
The Trauma-Informed Higher Education Certification Program is designed to equip faculty and educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to create safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments. By fostering a deeper understanding of trauma and its impact on student success, the program helps educators develop trauma-informed teaching practices that enhance student engagement, well-being, and academic outcomes.
Why This Program is Impactful and Unique
The prevalence of trauma among college students is high, with nearly 85-89% having experienced some form of trauma in their lives. The added challenges of the pandemic and identity-based violence have further compounded the obstacles many students face, affecting their mental health, engagement, and ability to learn. This program stands out because it addresses these critical issues head-on, providing educators with trauma-informed strategies grounded in research on the neuroscience of trauma and healing.
The program is not just about theoretical knowledge—it's practical and action-oriented. Participants leave with actionable tools that they can implement immediately in their classrooms, fostering environments where students feel emotionally and psychologically safe. By focusing on both individual classroom practices and broader departmental and institutional initiatives, the program encourages a campus-wide culture of trauma-informed care that can lead to long-term improvements in student retention and success.
Program Overview
This comprehensive certification program includes:
- Foundational Understanding of Trauma: Participants will learn about trauma’s prevalence, types, and effects, particularly in the context of higher education. The program emphasizes the neuroscience of trauma and how it impacts learning and behavior in college students.
- Trauma-Informed Teaching Strategies: The program covers six core principles of trauma-informed care—Safety, Trustworthiness & Transparency, Peer Support, Collaboration & Mutuality, Empowerment, Voice & Choice, and Cultural, Historical, & Gender Issues—and teaches participants how to apply them in their classrooms.
- Mindfulness and Self-Care: Educators learn the importance of mindfulness in promoting emotional regulation for both themselves and their students, as well as strategies for recognizing and addressing secondary trauma and burnout.
- Cultural Sensitivity and Responsiveness: The program enhances educators’ ability to incorporate culturally responsive teaching methods, ensuring that all students, regardless of their backgrounds, feel seen, respected, and supported.
- Institutional-Level Change: Beyond the classroom, participants explore how trauma-informed principles can be applied to departments and entire institutions, encouraging policies and practices that create a more supportive campus environment.
- Implementation and Support: Participants are encouraged to develop and implement trauma-informed strategies during the following semester, with ongoing support, collaboration, and resource-sharing through group discussions and follow-up sessions.
By the end of the program, educators are empowered to make meaningful changes in their teaching practices, advocate for trauma-informed initiatives, and contribute to a campus culture that promotes the well-being and academic success of every student.
Educators
Sign up to stay updated on the launch of the Trauma-Informed Higher Education Certification Program. By joining our interest list, you’ll receive exclusive updates, early access to program details, and the opportunity to be among the first to register when enrollment opens.
Institutions of Higher Education
We understand that creating a truly trauma-informed campus culture requires a collective effort. In addition to individual faculty certification, our team is available to work directly with universities, departments, and entire academic units to provide customized, whole-department training sessions. These trainings are tailored to meet the specific needs of your institution and ensure that every faculty and staff member is equipped with the tools needed to support trauma-affected students.
What We Offer
- Tailored Training Sessions: Customized workshops that address the unique needs of your department, with a focus on applying trauma-informed principles in your context.
- Comprehensive Support: From initial needs assessments to follow-up consultations, we provide support every step of the way to ensure successful implementation of trauma-informed practices.
- Collaborative Learning: Engage your entire department in interactive sessions that foster mutual support and a shared commitment to student well-being.
Let’s work together to create a safer, more inclusive environment for all students. Contact Dr. Megan Holmes to learn more about how we can collaborate on bringing trauma-informed practices to your entire institution.