TO: Campus Community
FR: Emily F. Cutrer, Interim President and Karen Moranski, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dear Campus Community,
In light of the recent budget cuts announcement and its significant impact on our Seawolf Community, we will be hosting general trauma-informed sessions for the entire campus community, along with specific sessions for those directly affected. The Center for Teaching & Educational Technology has partnered with Dr. Karen Gross to provide support to the campus community during this time. Some may remember her from previously offered sessions on trauma-informed teaching that were very well received following COVID. She will begin offering programming immediately, with additional online and in-person sessions scheduled throughout the spring semester, from March through June.
The schedule for the initial engagement with Dr. Gross is as follows:
-
Monday, February 3
- 12-1:30 p.m.: Workshop: “Recognizing and Responding to Trauma” (General Campus Session, Open To All), Stevenson 1400 (and on Zoom: https://SonomaState.zoom.us/j/
83108970092) - 2:30-4 p.m.: Support Session for All Students, Stevenson 1400, (and on Zoom: https://SonomaState.zoom.us/j/
81470013433)
- 12-1:30 p.m.: Workshop: “Recognizing and Responding to Trauma” (General Campus Session, Open To All), Stevenson 1400 (and on Zoom: https://SonomaState.zoom.us/j/
-
Tuesday, February 4
- 9-10:30 a.m.: Support Session for Directly Affected Faculty; Stevenson 1301 (and on Zoom: https://SonomaState.zoom.us/j/
87501997211) - 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Support Session for Directly Affected Staff and Managers; Stevenson 1301 (and on Zoom: https://SonomaState.zoom.us/j/
86913597309)
- 9-10:30 a.m.: Support Session for Directly Affected Faculty; Stevenson 1301 (and on Zoom: https://SonomaState.zoom.us/j/
Following is a description of the programming to be offered by Dr. Gross:
SSU is experiencing profound changes due to budget cuts, faculty and staff dismissals, and program eliminations, impacting not only those directly affected but also the entire campus community. While classes continue and essential student services remain in place, the emotional and psychological toll is significant. Acknowledging these challenges as a form of trauma, this workshop series – led by an expert in crisis management and trauma’s impact on learning – will provide practical strategies to support faculty, students, and staff. Together, we will explore ways to sustain effective teaching, foster student engagement, and maintain staff well-being during this time.
We also want to remind you of other support resources available to our campus community. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is available for students at (707) 664-2153, and a Confidential Advocate can be reached at (707) 664-2698. Staff and faculty can access confidential support through the Employee Assistance Program, LifeMatters by Empathia, at 1-800-367-7474 or online via MyLifeMatters (password: "sonoma").