Campus Connect: A Suicide Prevention Training

Campus Connect is an 90-minute experiential suicide prevention training designed specifically for college community members. The program enhances participants’ knowledge, awareness and skills related to college student suicide, with a strong emphasis on developing empathic listening, effective communication and the ability to compassionately and directly ask about suicidal thoughts. By increasing awareness of their own emotional reactions, participants learn to respond more effectively to people in distress and foster meaningful connections that support timely connections to appropriate professional resources.

Open to students, Campus Connect sessions include:

• A review of college student suicide statistics and facts.
• Discussion of suicide warning signs.
• Guidance on how to ask someone about suicidal thoughts and how to make effective referrals to mental health professionals.
• Exploration of the impact of marginalization on mental health.
• A review of effective communication and relationship-building strategies.
• Discussion of common emotional responses experienced by both students in crisis and those offering support.
• A guided group role-play to practice skills in a supportive environment.

Overall, Campus Connect aims to empower campus community members to engage confidently and compassionately with peers in distress, helping to create a more supportive and connected campus culture. Sign up on the Health Promotion 'Cuse Activities page today!