Presentations and workshops are conducted at Student Counseling Services as well as other locations on campus, including the Student Center and within the residence halls.
Our psychologists, interns, and externs are eager to work with students and staff on programming related to mental health. If you would like to request a presentation or collaboration on a special event, call Student Counseling Services at 516-463-CARE (2273) or email at studentcounselingservices@hofstra.edu. Please contact us as early as possible (preferably two weeks before your event).
Examples of past collaborations with student counseling include:
- Presentations: Student counseling staff can present on a variety of topics, including mindfulness, stress management, eating and body image concerns, healthy relationships, and substance use concerns. Presentations on additional topics can be developed on request with adequate notice.
- Speaking on a panel
- Facilitating a discussion on a mental health topic
- Tabling events
- Counselor representation at programming: At times, student counseling staff may be able to attend programming that covers sensitive topics and serve as support for attendees.
- Consultations: Collaborate with student counseling staff about a mental health related event to discuss ideas, resources, and answer questions.
Themes that have been the focus of such workshops and presentations have included:
Stress Management
Stress is something that we all experience throughout our lives whether it be starting college, managing social affairs, getting a first job, or juggling the many demands of a complex schedule. Student Counseling Services offers workshops for students to help them learn ways to manage stress, including groups in Mindfulness Meditation.
Bystander Intervention
Step UP! is a pro-social behavior and bystander intervention program that educates students to be proactive in helping others. Teaching people about the determinants of pro-social behavior makes them more aware of why they sometimes don’t help. As a result, they are more likely to help in the future.
The goals of Step UP! are to:
- raise awareness of helping behaviors
- increase motivation to help
- develop skills and confidence when responding to problems or concerns
- ensure the safety and well-being of self and others
Additionally, Hofstra University is taking part in the national campaign It’s On Us, a cultural movement aimed at fundamentally shifting the way we think about sexual assault. Please visit It’s On Us.
For more information, contact Hofstra’s Student Counseling Services at 516-463-6745.
Depression and Anxiety
Learning ways to manage depression and anxiety while at college is a challenge for many students. Workshops in this area help to provide a greater understanding of risks and symptoms as well as ways to identify and manage mood. Annually in late September, Student Counseling Services also offers free and confidential screenings in the Student Center as part of National Depression Screening Day.
Drug and Alcohol Awareness
Student Counseling Services offers a recovery group to help students affected by substance use concerns. Through this group, students learn techniques to build and maintain motivation, cope with urges, and live a balanced life through recovery.
Additionally, presentations are offered throughout the University community to help students recognize problematic substance use behavior and identify options for change. Each year, Student Counseling Services participates in National Alcohol Screening Day in the Student Center, offering students the opportunity to receive confidential screenings for alcohol and other substance use concerns.
Healthy Eating and Body Image
Workshops in this area help students to explore and understand eating and body image concerns. Interactive presentations focus on what to look for if you are concerned about your own or others’ eating choices, ways to develop effective coping strategies, and making healthy choices. In late February, counselors from Student Counseling Services are available in the Student Center as part of Eating Disorders Awareness Week, offering confidential screenings, answering questions, and providing information for students about eating and body image concerns.
Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness
Student Counseling Services conducts presentations to help the University community understand the devastating impact of sexual assault on campus. Workshops allow participants to learn about laws and federal reporting regulations, consent, prevention, and intervention strategies. Presentations also help participants understand the emotional impact for the survivor of sexual assault and ways to help a friend or loved one cope with the trauma.
Healthy Relationships
Students in college experience a wide variety of new relationships with roommates, romantic partners, and friends. Workshops and presentations in this area provide students with a greater understanding of the components of healthy and successful relationships, as well as the warning signs of unhealthy relationships.
Sensitivity to Diversity
Student Counseling Services welcomes opportunities to partner with student groups and campus programs in efforts to learn about and celebrate diversity in our community. Collaboration with International Student Affairs and the Office of Intercultural Engagement and Inclusion have provided workshops and groups on various aspects of diversity including adjusting to living in the USA, friendships and dating in America, and LGBTQIA+ support workshops. Presentations can be adapted to fit the evolving needs of our student body.