Education & Outreach

 The Red Folder course can now be found on the Penn State Learning Resource Network (LRN)!

This is an open invitation intended for all members of the community, including students, faculty, staff, and caregivers. Join a presentation panel of CAPS staff addressing 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

A panel of CAPS staff explain our services, demystifying CAPS resources, and helping you be a supportive presence for students. 

Reviewing CAPS Wellness and Clinical Services before watching the webinar is recommended.

View a recording of the 2022 webinar.

 This is strongly encouraged for onboarding new Penn State employees and campus leaders.

The Red Folder course can now be found on the Penn State Learning Resource Network (LRN)!

This is an open invitation intended for all members of the community, including students, faculty, staff, and caregivers. Join a presentation panel of CAPS staff addressing 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

August 23, 2023   |  12-2:00 p.m.  |  Alumni and Heritage 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.

August 24, 2023  |   2-5:00 p.m. |  East Halls Quad (between Findlay Commons and Martin Hall)

Join us alongside other campus partners at the Residence Life East Halls Resource Carnival to educate first-year students about campus resources during the first week of classes.

August 28, 2023  |  4:30-6:00 p.m.  |  Alumni Hall (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.

September 6  |  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.

September 12, 2023  |  3-5:00 p.m.  |  HUB Lawn

The Equity & Inclusion Carnival, hosted by Student Orientation and Transition Programs, celebrates and affirms the diversity of the Penn State student body, while providing an opportunity to connect students to campus resources, student organizations, and their like-minded peers. In addition to informative engagement stations hosted by university departments, the carnival will feature entertainment, activities, food, music, and student performances.

September 13  |  4-5:00 p.m.  |  Zoom (link coming soon!)

Life Hacks with CAPS are lively gatherings focused on learning how to develop and enhance your connections with others. All grad student sessions are facilitated by CAPS Postdoctoral Fellow, Eric Smith, M.Ed.

Today's topic is Managing Graduate School Stress. This presentation will focus on tips and tricks for managing the unique stressors that come with being a graduate student.

*Faculty & Instructors: Considering having a program to orient your grad students to mental health services and address grad 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.

September 18  |  7-8:00 p.m.  |  Zoom (https://zoom.us/j/98343731987)

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.

September 19  |  11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.  |  Student Health Center Lawn

(rain date September 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

Caring Canines is back!  Join CAPS and some of our favorite cuddly pups to relax, de-stress, and unwind. Just sweet, soft dog snuggles. That's it. That's the program. Just show up and enjoy!

September 27  |  4-5:00 p.m.  |  Zoom (link coming soon!)

Life Hacks with CAPS are lively gatherings focused on learning how to develop and enhance your connections with others. All grad student sessions are facilitated by CAPS Postdoctoral Fellow, Eric Smith, M.Ed.

Today's topic is Confronting Impostor Phenomenon. Learn techniques for coping with self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy that are commonly experienced during graduate school.

*Faculty & Instructors: Considering having a program to orient your grad students to mental health services and address grad 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.

September 30, 2023  |  1-3:00 p.m. |  Student Health Center

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.

October 4  |  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 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.

October 11  |  4-5:00 p.m.  |  Zoom (link coming soon!)

Life Hacks with CAPS are lively gatherings focused on learning how to develop and enhance your connections with others. All grad student sessions are facilitated by CAPS Postdoctoral Fellow, Eric Smith, M.Ed.

Today's topic is Work-Life Balance. Balancing work and other life roles can be extremely challenging during graduate school. Discuss strategies for maintaining a sustainable work-life balance as a student. 

*Faculty & Instructors: Considering having a program to orient your grad students to mental health services and address grad 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.

October 18  |  7-8:00 p.m.  |  Zoom (https://zoom.us/j/99032956109)

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.

November 8  |  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 Develop Your Narrative. Learn about 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.

January 2024

The Equity & Inclusion Carnival will celebrate and affirm the diversity of the Penn State student body, while providing an opportunity to connect students to campus resources, student organizations, and their like-minded peers. In addition to informative engagement stations hosted by university departments, the carnival will feature entertainment and inflatable activities, food, music, and student performances.

Spring dates TBD

Join via Zoom (no pre-registration required)

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.

April 2024 |  HUB 1st Floor (Pollock Entrance)

April is Penn State's Campus Pride Month! Find us at the HUB during this exquisite celebration of community and identity. Find the CAPS table on Wednesday, April 5 from 10am-2pm!

Spring dates TBD

Mindfulness, self-compassion, and wellness abound at this self-care fair! Hands-on activities will leave you feeling grounded and present.

Spring dates TBD

Join via Zoom (no pre-registration required)

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.

April 2024 date TBD | 11:00 a.m. (walk starts at noon) | Sidney Friedman Park 

CAPS is a proud sponsor of the Centre County Out of the Darkness Walk, hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, raising awareness and support for suicide prevention and research. The Out of the Darkness Community Walk is a journey of remembrance, hope, and support. It unites our communities and provides an opportunity to acknowledge the ways in which suicide and mental health conditions have affected our lives and the lives of those we love and care about.

You can annually find our provider resource table at this event of community, celebration, and remembrance. See you there!

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. Events will not be scheduled during the last week of classes and finals week.

How to make an outreach request:

Before requesting an event...

• Step 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:
  • CAPS Services and Common FAQ webinar
  • Red Folder/Helping Students in Distress webinar (also review the Red Folder Toolkit)
  • CAPS Virtual Library
  • Life Hacks 
• Step 2: Identify your date range:
  • Submit your request at least three weeks prior to the event. 
  • During peak clinical times CAPS may be unable to fulfill requests.
  • CAPS generally pauses engagement in outreach events 2 weeks before the end of the semester.
• Step 3: 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.
• Step 4: 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.
• Step 5: 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 on the "Other Information" section of 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. The premise, aim, and purpose of the story you are reporting on
  3. Other individuals with whom you have spoken for this story
  4. Other individuals you intend to speak with for this story
  5. Questions you will be asking (we understand that follow up questions will arise)
• Step 7: Complete the Outreach Request Form
  • Remember to clearly outline the above 5 items on the "Other Information" section for the requested to be processed.

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.