Stress Management (Length: 50 minutes)

Stress Management is an engaging, skills-based presentation that helps participants understand how stress impacts the body and mind, and how to complete the body’s natural stress cycle. Through practical techniques and discussion, attendees will identify personalized coping strategies to manage stress and prevent burnout. Participants will learn: 

• How stress affects emotional, physical, and behavioral health 

• Practical strategies to deactivate the stress response (e.g., mindfulness, relaxation, self-care) 

• The difference between healthy and unhealthy stress 

• Campus resources for ongoing stress management and well-being 

 

Mindfulness 101 (Length: 50 minutes)

Mindfulness 101 is an interactive presentation designed to help students, faculty, and staff explore the practice of mindfulness and its impact on overall well-being. Participants will experience guided techniques that promote focus, calm, and emotional balance, while learning how to integrate mindfulness into daily life. 

Participants will learn: 

• How mindfulness reduces stress and supports emotional regulation 

• Practical strategies like mindful breathing and progressive muscle relaxation 

• Ways to apply mindfulness to studying, relationships, and daily routines 

• Campus resources to continue building mindfulness skills (e.g., C.A.L.M. Oasis, TAO, Compassionate Carolina) 

 

Understanding Mental Health  (Length: 30- and 60-minute options)

Understanding Mental Health helps students, faculty, and staff build awareness of mental health, recognize signs of distress, and feel confident having supportive conversations. This interactive presentation explores how connection and empathy can make a difference, while highlighting campus resources available to those in need. 

Participants will learn: 

• Common signs and symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression 

• How to start a supportive conversation using empathy and active listening 

• When and how to refer peers or students to professional support 

• Campus and crisis resources available for mental health support 

 

CAPS 101 (Length: 30-45 min)

Curious about what Counseling & Psychology Services (CAPS) offers and how to get started? CAPS 101 is an engaging, informational presentation designed to introduce students, faculty, and staff to the full range of mental health services and resources available through the Center for Health and Well-Being. 

Participants will learn: 

• How to access confidential counseling, crisis, and referral services 

• What types of concerns fall within CAPS’ scope of care 

• Available options like group therapy, wellness coaching, Therapy Assisted Online (TAO), and Uwill virtual therapy 

• How CAPS promotes a campus culture of care through outreach, prevention, and education 

 

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) (Length: 8 hours - single day or two 4-hour sessions) 

This interactive certification course is designed for students, faculty, and staff to learn how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges. Participants will build skills to provide initial support to someone in crisis and connect them to appropriate care. Sessions are offered in person, with class sizes limited to 5–25 participants. 

 

QPR Suicide Prevention Training  (Length: 1.5 hours)

This training is open to students, faculty, and staff and teaches three simple steps—Question, Persuade, and Refer—to help save a life from suicide. Participants will learn how to recognize warning signs of suicide, engage in supportive conversation, and refer individuals to professional resources. Sessions are available both in-person (5–35 participants) and virtually (5–25 participants). 

How to Fail: A Resilience Building Workshop  (Length: 50/75 minutes)

Resilience is defined as the ability to recover quickly from difficulties and to persevere in the face of adversity. The "How to Fail: A Building Resilience Workshop" is an interactive presentation that will teach students about building resilience and how resilient behaviors can lead to a successful college experience. This presentation is perfect for students who would like to learn how to set and manage expectations, practice self-compassion, and develop effective tools to manage their stress. 

Learning Outcomes: As a result of this presentation, students will be able to...

1. Identify three resilience-building behaviors that they can adopt.
2. Name three strategies to use in the face of adversity and difficult circumstances.
3. Learn how resilience can enhance their emotional well-being, coping skills, positive help-seeking behavior and improve their chances of academic success. 

 

How to Quiet a Racing Mind (Length: 50 minutes)

Feel like your brain has too many tabs open? Mindfulness can help quiet the chatter. It teaches us to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we are doing. It allows us to not be overly reactive or overwhelmed by what is going on around us, as well as improve sleep habits, and increase focus. Research also suggests that mindfulness can be an effective tool that leads to academic success. This presentation will give students a chance to learn about mindfulness and how they can adopt and customize the practice to fit into their lives. 

Learning Outcomes: As a result of this presentation, students will be able to...

1. Describe the difference between mindfulness and meditation.
2. Practice at least two mindfulness techniques, including ideas to complete daily tasks more mindfully.
3. Identify thinking traps they may fall into and how to get themselves out using mindfulness. 

 

Cool, Calm, & Cocky (Length: 50 minutes)

This presentation helps students understand anxiety and how to manage it effectively. We’ll explore what anxiety is, why it’s natural, and when it becomes a problem. We’ll discuss common stressors like academic pressures, financial concerns, and social challenges. Students will learn and practice coping strategies, including mindfulness, breathing techniques, and cognitive exercises. Discussion of real-life scenarios will help them apply these strategies in the moment. Finally, we’ll introduce campus resources like CAPS and how to support peers. By the end, students will have tools to manage anxiety and flourish at the University of South Carolina. 

Participants will learn how to:

1. Identify the signs of anxiety and prolonged stress and recognize the impact stress has on academic, social, and physical functioning.
2. Practice effective coping strategies for managing anxiety in a college setting.
3. Identify on-campus mental health services provided by Counseling and Psychology Services, including outreach engagements, and how to access them. 

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Length: 8 hours (single day or two 4-hour sessions)

This interactive certification course is designed for students, faculty, and staff to learn how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges. Participants will build skills to provide initial support to someone in crisis and connect them to appropriate care. Sessions are offered in person, with class sizes limited to 5–25 participants.

QPR Suicide Prevention Training Length: 1.5 hours

This training is open to students, faculty, and staff and teaches three simple steps—Question, Persuade, and Refer—to help save a life from suicide. Participants will learn how to recognize warning signs of suicide, engage in supportive conversation, and refer individuals to professional resources. Sessions are available both in-person (5–35 participants) and virtually (5–25 participants).

• Feels Like Home is a workshop designed to foster and increase the sense of belongingness on campus. Students will engage in activities that will enhance their ability to connect with others and recognize thinking traps that hinder relationships. Participants will partake in meaningful activities, enjoy light refreshments, and have the opportunity to meet a special guest! All students are welcome to come and experience this sense of home and community. 
• Defining Success as a Graduate Student: College can make it easy to measure success by grades, achievements, or how busy you are—but what if success could mean something more? This interactive workshop helps students explore the difference between achievement-based identity and values-based living. Participants will reflect on what success means to them, identify the personal values that guide their goals, and practice growth mindset strategies that build resilience. Together, we’ll discuss how to create balance, meaning, and well-being throughout your college journey.