Education & Outreach

•  The Red Folder course on the Penn State Learning Resource Network (LRN) has been updated with new material!

This is an open invitation intended for all members of the community, including students, faculty, staff, and caregivers. Complete this free course that addresses how to recognize and respond to students in distress, as well as referral resources across the campus communities. 

Students may experience different levels of distress across various areas of their lives. The type and amount of distress they are experiencing will require different actions and resources. The Red Folder initiative is a guide to help faculty, staff, student leaders, and others who interact with students to recognize, respond effectively to, and refer Penn State students in distress.

Highlights of course access on the LRN include:

• An interactive, engaging, self-paced course 
• Course completion time of 30 minutes (compared to the previous 60-minute webinar)
• Easy access for users to refer back to course content as needed upon course completion
• Ability for managers to assign The Red Folder module to employees and, if desired, track progress/completion
• 24/7 availability to conveniently meet your department's onboarding or training needs throughout the academic year

To access the course:

1. Follow the link to The Red Folder LRN course (note: you may need to first log in to the LRN by selecting "Log in to LRN")

or

1. Log in to the Learning Resource Network (LRN) with your Penn State account: https://lrn.psu.edu/
2. In the search bar enter the search term: "The Red Folder"
3. Select "The Red Folder" online class

As a reminder, The Red Folder course is only one element of The Red Folder toolkit, which includes:

• The Red Folder website: houses the most up-to-date campus resources and information
• The Red Folder physical print folders: used for quick reference; can be requested on The Red Folder website
• The Red Folder course: a comprehensive orientation to effectively using The Red Folder

Watch the updated CAPS video about demystifying CAPS resources, and helping you be a supportive presence for students. Before making a request for a presentation about CAPS services, this video can be shared with your class or group, and then CAPS would be pleased to answer any remaining questions. Reviewing CAPS Wellness and Clinical Services before watching the webinar is recommended.

• View the CAPS services and frequently asked questions video

Graduate Student Welcome/Welcome Back Resource Fair

• August 28  |  11 a.m. - 3 p.m.  |  Heritage & Alumni Halls (HUB)

Calling all grad students! Whether you're new to campus or you're returning for the new semester, join us and other campus partners to see what resources, supports, and offerings are available to enrich your wellbeing and experience this year.

Student Involvement Fair

• September 3  |  1-5:00 p.m.  |  HUB Lawn

Learn about joining the new Eye on Mental Health student focus group to get involved and have your voice heard about mental health programming at Penn State.

LGBTQ+ Welcome Reception

• September 4  |  4-6 p.m.  |  HUB

Hosted by the Center for Sexual & Gender Diversity, this is an opportunity for new and returning students to connect and kick off a new academic year. In addition to food and music, a variety of campus and community organizations and resources are given the opportunity to engage with students, faculty, and staff.

Mind Gym: Effective Self-Talk

• September 16  |  6-7 p.m.  |  216 Thomas Building

Mind Gym is a Life Hacks workshop series that will impart critical sport psychology skills to athletes of all levels, performers in the arts, folks with an active lifestyle, and those wanting strategies to help their mentality work for them instead of against them. 

Today's topic focuses on effective self-talk.

Talk Saves Lives

• September 17  |  7-8 p.m.  |  Zoom

A brief introduction to suicide prevention on behalf of Penn State CAPS, hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter.

Suicide can be prevented. This presentation will cover what we know about this leading cause of death, the most up-to-date research on prevention, and what we can all do to fight suicide. Participants will learn the common risk factors for
suicide, how to spot the warning signs in others, and how to keep ourselves, our loved ones and those in our community safe.

Learn more at AFSP Talk Saves Lives.

Life Hacks LIVE!: Belonging & Building Connections

• September 18  |  4-5:00 p.m.  |  Zoom

Life Hacks with CAPS are lively gatherings focused on learning how to develop and enhance your connections with others. These sessions are available to all students and are facilitated by CAPS Clinical Services Provider, Jason Yoder, LCSW.

Today's topic is Belonging & Building Connections. Create and move toward interpersonal goals to feel a sense of purpose and belonging, while also developing meaningful and authentic connections.

*Faculty & Instructors: Considering having a program to orient your students to mental health services and address college student wellbeing? Your students can attend a session that works best for their schedules! Students unable to attend live can return to this page for updates should additional dates be added. In the meantime, these students can review Life Hack Kits and Virtual Library videos that address the common concerns noted above, as well as the CAPS Services and Common FAQ webinar recording at the top of this page.

Sociopolitical Stress Webinar

• October 1  |  4-5:00 p.m.  |  Zoom

Join representatives from across Penn State for a webinar about coping with sociopolitical stress as a college student. Visiting CAPS' resources for sociopolitical stress is highly recommended to supplement this webinar.

Life Hacks LIVE!: Being Your Best Selfie

• October 9  |  4-5 p.m.  |  Zoom

Life Hacks with CAPS are lively gatherings focused on learning how to develop and enhance your connections with others. These sessions are available to all students and are facilitated by CAPS Clinical Services Provider, Jason Yoder, LCSW.

Today's topic is Being Your Best Selfie. Find your fulfillment, live by your values, and personalize what self-care means to you.

*Faculty & Instructors: Considering having a program to orient your students to mental health services and address college student wellbeing? Your students can attend a session that works best for their schedules! Students unable to attend live can return to this page for updates should additional dates be added. In the meantime, these students can review Life Hack Kits and Virtual Library videos that address the common concerns noted above, as well as the CAPS Services and Common FAQ webinar recording at the top of this page.

Out of the Darkness Walk, Centre County

• October 13  |  12:00 p.m. |  Tudek Park, State College PA

Join CAPS and others from around Centre County to participate in the annual Centre County Out of the Darkness Walk. In Out of the Darkness Walks are those affected by suicide (and those who support them) raise awareness and much-needed funds, strongly sending the message that suicide can be prevented, and that no one is alone.

Parents & Families Weekend

• October 18  |  1-3:30 p.m. |  HUB: we'll be at the table by the fish tank, across from Sbarro and Panda Express!

A weekend for students, families, and caregivers. Come by our table at the Student Health Center to learn about CAPS services, as well as local resources that may best support students in their college transition.

Reviewing CAPS Wellness and Clinical Services is strongly recommended.

Mind Gym: Developing & Maintaining Confidence

• October 21  |  6-7 p.m.  |  216 Thomas Building

Mind Gym is a Life Hacks workshop series that will impart critical sport psychology skills to athletes of all levels, performers in the arts, folks with an active lifestyle, and those wanting strategies to help their mentality work for them instead of against them. 

Today's topic focuses on developing and maintaining confidence.

Life Hacks LIVE!: Develop your Narrative

• November 13  |  4-5 p.m.  |  Zoom

Life Hacks with CAPS are lively gatherings focused on learning how to develop and enhance your connections with others. These sessions are available to all students and are facilitated by CAPS Clinical Services Provider, Jason Yoder, LCSW.

Today's topic is Develop Your Narrative. Learn the art of sing your unique voice by applying narrative therapy techniques to guide ongoing self-exploration and growth. 

*Faculty & Instructors: Considering having a program to orient your students to mental health services and address college student wellbeing? Your students can attend a session that works best for their schedules! Students unable to attend live can return to this page for updates should additional dates be added. In the meantime, these students can review Life Hack Kits and Virtual Library videos that address the common concerns noted above, as well as the CAPS Services and Common FAQ webinar recording at the top of this page.

Mind Gym: Visual Mastery

• November 18  |  6-7 p.m.  |  216 Thomas Building

Mind Gym is a Life Hacks workshop series that will impart critical sport psychology skills to athletes of all levels, performers in the arts, folks with an active lifestyle, and those wanting strategies to help their mentality work for them instead of against them. 

Today's topic focuses on  visual mastery.

Find CAPS clinicians at the HUB leading this year's Pop-Up Station series between 11:30-2:30pm.

Pop-Up Inspiration Stations aim to enrich, enliven, and rejuvenate with giveaways and activities based on best practices and research about maintaining and improving emotional wellbeing. 

Inspiration Stations

September 4

September 19

October 2

November 6

December 4

Find CAPS clinicians at the HUB leading this year's Pop-Up Station series between 11:30-2:30pm.

Matters of Substance tables empower your health, wellbeing, and safety across common college scenarios.

Matters of Substance

September 3

October 29

December 3

Life Hacks LIVE!: Connecting & Belonging- Strategies for Starting a Meaningful New Semester

• January 29 |  4-5:00 p.m.  |  Zoom

Open to students across all campuses, Life Hacks: Live! are lively gatherings focused on learning how to develop and enhance your connections with others. These sessions are available to all students and are facilitated by CAPS Clinical Services Provider, Jason Yoder, LCSW.

Today's topic is Connecting & Belonging- Strategies for Starting a Meaningful New Semester. Whether new to campus or returning and seeking connection, revisit and revive your strategies for connecting and finding belonging in your community.

Mind Gym: Navigating Team Communication and Enhancing Dynamics

• February 10  |  6-7 p.m.  |  HUB Flex Theater

Mind Gym is a Life Hacks workshop series that will impart critical sport psychology skills to athletes of all levels, performers in the arts, folks with an active lifestyle, and those wanting strategies to help their mentality work for them instead of against them. 

Today's topic focuses on communication and group dynamics.

Life Hacks LIVE!: Belonging & Building Connections

• February 19 |  4-5:00 p.m.  |  Zoom

Open to students across all campuses, Life Hacks: Live! are lively gatherings focused on learning how to develop and enhance your connections with others. These sessions are available to all students and are facilitated by CAPS Clinical Services Provider, Jason Yoder, LCSW.

Today's topic is Belonging & Building Connections. Create and move toward interpersonal goals to feel a sense of purpose and belonging, while also developing meaningful and authentic connections.

Health at Every Size: Real Talk

• February 25  | 12-1:00 p.m.  |  Zoom

Open to students across all campuses, join CAPS for an open discussion and Q&A session with CAPS clinicians and UHS physicians about body image, weight stigma, health and every size, and more.

Talk Saves Lives

• February 25  |  7-8 p.m.  |  Zoom

A brief introduction to suicide prevention on behalf of Penn State CAPS, hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter. Open to students across all campuses.

Suicide can be prevented. This presentation will cover what we know about this leading cause of death, the most up-to-date research on prevention, and what we can all do to fight suicide. Participants will learn the common risk factors for
suicide, how to spot the warning signs in others, and how to keep ourselves, our loved ones and those in our community safe.

Learn more at AFSP Talk Saves Lives.

Mind Gym: Optimizing Stress for Successful Performance

• March 10  |  6-7 p.m.  |  HUB Flex Theater

Mind Gym is a Life Hacks workshop series that will impart critical sport psychology skills to athletes of all levels, performers in the arts, folks with an active lifestyle, and those wanting strategies to help their mentality work for them instead of against them. 

Today's topic focuses on optimizing stress.

Life Hacks LIVE!: Being Your Best Selfie

• March 19  |  4-5 p.m.  |  Zoom

Open to students across all campuses, Life Hacks: Live! are lively gatherings focused on learning how to develop and enhance your connections with others. These sessions are available to all students and are facilitated by CAPS Clinical Services Provider, Jason Yoder, LCSW.

Today's topic is Being Your Best Selfie. Find your fulfillment, live by your values, and personalize what self-care means to you.

The Real Odds: The Impacts of Sports Betting and Wellbeing

• April 3  |  7-8 p.m.  |  Zoom (Register here in advance)

A recent Penn State press release explains more about the impacts of sports betting and how this can be a quiet yet quick onramp to concerns with physical and mental health, financial stress, and overall wellbeing.

Join professionals from CAPS, Health Promotion & Wellness, and the Sokolov-Miller Family Financial and Life Skills Center for a panel discussion about how sports betting influences wellbeing. Open to students, family, and friends at all campuses.
 

In Tune: A Concert of Connection

• April 10  |  7-9 p.m.  | HUB Flex Theater

Join groups of student performing artists in a celebration of the power of art that connects us to ourselves and others. This is a fully fun, no-competition event for student performers to reconnect to passions for their art. 

Interested in performing at the event? We're seeking student performers of all types: from poetry to piano, breakdancing to beatboxing, speed painting to stand up comedy, we want YOU to showcase your work and have a blast doing it! Submissions are due by March 23.

Mind Gym: Individual Zone of Optimal Functioning

• April 14  |  6-7 p.m.  | HUB Flex Theater

Mind Gym is a Life Hacks workshop series that will impart critical sport psychology skills to athletes of all levels, performers in the arts, folks with an active lifestyle, and those wanting strategies to help their mentality work for them instead of against them. 

Today's topic focuses on mindfulness and the zone of optimal functioning.

Life Hacks LIVE!: Develop Your Narrative

• April 23  |  4-5 p.m.  |  Zoom

Open to students across all campuses, Life Hacks: Live! are lively gatherings focused on learning how to develop and enhance your connections with others. These sessions are available to all students and are facilitated by CAPS Clinical Services Provider, Jason Yoder, LCSW.

Today's topic is Developing Your Narrative. Learn the art of using your unique voice by applying techniques derived from narrative therapy to guide ongoing self-exploration and growth. 

HUB Takeover for Campus Pride Month

• April 2, 2025  |  10 a.m. - 3 p.m.  |  HUB 1st Floor Main Lounge (Pollock Entrance)

April is Penn State's Campus Pride Month! Find us at the HUB during this exquisite celebration of community and identity. 

Caring Canines

• May 6  |  11 a.m. - 2 p.m.  | Student Health Center Lawn  (Rain date, May 7)

Come play with us! Join our cuddly crew to snuggle, play, and unwind from finals with some of the sweetest fluffy pups you've ever met, all in one place. 

*Faculty & Instructors: Considering having a program to orient your students to mental health services and address college student wellbeing? Your students can attend a session that works best for their schedules! Students unable to attend live can return to this page for updates should additional dates be added. In the meantime, these students can review Life Hack Kits and Virtual Library videos that address the common concerns noted above, as well as the CAPS Services and Common FAQ webinar recording at the top of this page.

Find CAPS clinicians at the HUB leading this year's Pop-Up Station series between 11:30-2:30pm.

Pop-Up Inspiration Stations aim to enrich, enliven, and rejuvenate with giveaways and activities based on best practices and research about maintaining and improving emotional wellbeing. 

Inspiration Stations

February 5

March 5

Find CAPS clinicians at the HUB leading this year's Pop-Up Station series between 11:30-2:30pm.

Matters of Substance tables empower your health, wellbeing, and safety across common college scenarios.

Matters of Substance

February 4

February 25

April 15

New Student Orientation

• Throughout Summer Months

CAPS and other Student Affairs offices are eager to help you prepare for your first year with Penn State! Find us at the HUB throughout New Student Orientation.

State College Pride

• June 7, 2025 | Downtown State College

CAPS is a proud sponsor of the Centre LGBTQA Network's State College Pride. Visit our resource table after the parade to say hello! The post-parade party begins at 4:30 p.m. on Allen Street!

Ringer Run 5K

• June 2024  | Virtual (in person location: Chester Springs, PA)

CAPS is honored to be affiliated with the annual Ringer Run. Participate at your pace, virtually or in-person!

Proceeds raised by Ringer Run Benefit contribute to local and regional suicide prevention and mental health awareness programs. In 2016 the Joseph J. Ringhoffer Memorial Fund was created to support CAPS. 

• If you are requesting urgent support for a group of students affected by a significant event on campus or in the community, please contact Dr. Stephanie Stama (slf245@psu.edu).

Community collaboration and effective education is a priority. If another resource can best fit your needs, CAPS will help refer and connect you. All requests must come via the Outreach Request Form in order to be processed. Do not send direct requests to CAPS staff.

During peak clinical times, CAPS staff may be unable to fulfill requests. Availability for evening and weekend programming is limited. Events will not be scheduled during the last week of classes and finals week.

How to make an outreach request:

Before requesting an event...

1. Review options: Review the options at the top of this page to see if a pre-existing program or video viewing would suit the needs of your group, including self-paced videos on the following topics:
   1. CAPS Services and Common FAQ video
   2. The Red Folder Toolkit
   3. CAPS Virtual Library
   4. Life Hacks 
   5. Programming from Penn State Student Wellness Units, the Center for Social Change and Belonging, and Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response (OSACR).
   6. Note that CAPS does not provide clinical interventions for participants/audience members during outreach and consultation for reasons of confidentiality and other considerations.
2. Identify a topic: Common topics to select from include the following:
   1. Mood management | Strategies for managing concerns related to symptoms of anxiety, depression, etc.
   2. Nurture your nature | Exploring the psychological benefits of nature, experience of awe, and being outdoors.
   3. Harm reduction & balance | Non-judgmental approaches to managing unhealthy use of substances, gambling, phones/screen time, pornography, social media, and other behavioral health concerns.
   4. Life rhythms | Introducing balance to life through self-care, routines/rituals, and alignment with values.
   5. Understanding self and others | Pathways toward developing a sense of community, connection, and belonging; thinking critically about relationship dynamics and interactions; and examining elements of relationships and communication.
   6. Coping with change | Approaching adjustment, transition, flexibility, adaptability, and resilience. You may identify if a more specific theme best meets your needs:
      1. Acculturation
      2. New to college/campus
      3. World events
      4. Imposter phenomenon
      5. Unexpected or unwanted change
   7. Red Folder follow-ups | For groups who have completed The Red Folder Learning Resource Network (LRN) Curriculum and are seeking specific follow up information.
3. Identify your date range: 
   1. Submit your request at least three weeks prior to the event. 
   2. During peak clinical times CAPS may be unable to fulfill requests.
   3. CAPS generally pauses engagement in outreach events 2 weeks before the end of the semester.
4. Identify a host: If you (the requesting party) are unable to be present at the time of the event/presentation, plan to have a proxy in attendance. The representative elected should be in a leadership role and not an intended audience member. For example, if the president of an organization is unable to be present, another board member would be a reasonable proxy.
5. Confirm expected attendance: Please confirm the number of audience members that will be present prior to the event. If you are unable to guarantee attendance, we are happy to discuss a number of other options that may be feasible alternatives to better meet the needs of this group, including Life Hack Kits, the CAPS Virtual Library, and upcoming events where CAPS will be present.
6. Submit a request: If your event meets all of the above criteria, please complete our Outreach Request Form. Do not send direct requests to staff persons at CAPS. All requests must be received via the Outreach Request Form in order to be processed. 

CAPS accepts interview requests from established media outlets in an effort to inform the community about mental health. All requests must come via the Outreach Request Form in order to be processed. Do not send direct requests to CAPS staff.

During peak clinical times, CAPS staff may be unable to fulfill requests. Interviews will not be scheduled during the last week of classes and finals week.

How to make an interview request:

Before requesting an interview...

• Step 1: Review options: Review the Outreach and Education Resources listed below to see if your questions can most effectively or efficiently be answered by another entity.
• Step 2: Identify your deadline: Requests must be made with at least one week advance notice.
• Step 3: Be informed: Become familiar with the CAPS website and pre-recorded webinars for information about our services, including:
  • CAPS Services and Common FAQ webinar
  • Red Folder/Helping Students in Distress webinar (also review the Red Folder Toolkit)
  • CAPS Wellness and Clinical Services 
• Step 4: Familiarize with best practices for reporting on suicide and mental health:
  • The Carter Center Journalism Resource Guide on Behavioral Health
  • Reporting on Suicide Prevention (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention)
  • Why Suicide Reporting Guidelines Matter (National Alliance of Mental Illness)
• Step 5: Know what to expect:
  • Interviews are conducted with a CAPS staff member knowledgeable in the subject requested
  • Depending on staff availability within your deadline, responses may only be available via email
  • If another resource can best fit your needs, CAPS will help refer and connect you
  • It is common practice for CAPS staff to request, prior to publishing, to review their quotes, areas where they are named and summarized, and areas where CAPS is named to help your story be as accurate as possible
  • Once published, please send the link to the article or broadcast to the staff you interviewed
• Step 6: Prepare to outline the following information in the Outreach Request Form. This information is necessary for processing your request:
  1. The name of the media outlet or broadcast program where the story will be published/broadcast
  2. How you plan to take notes.
     • If an interview is approved for recording, we ask that recordings not be transcribed or otherwise submitted through an Artificial Intelligence (AI) generator, chatbot/language model, or other AI system. 
     • If Zoom-based recordings are approved, CAPS will record and provide the reporter with access to the recording.
  3. The premise, aim, and purpose of the story you are reporting on
  4. The topic(s) the interview will be addressing
  5. Other individuals you have spoken with or intend to speak with for this story
  6. Questions you will be asking 
     • We understand that impromptu, follow up questions will arise. A general sense of some example questions will help us best address your questions and identify staff members with specialty in the topic to interview, if available.
• Step 7: Complete the Outreach Request Form

Looking to interview a mental health professional for a class assignment?

We invite you to attend an upcoming event to have your questions answered (see the Fall, Spring, and Summer schedules at the top of this page for details on events where CAPS staff are present). There are also a variety of sources on campus and in the local community who can help and are listed on the Outreach & Education Resources list below.