Education & Outreach

 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

Stay tuned for date and time updates!

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.

Stay tuned for date and time updates!

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.

Stay tuned for date and time updates!

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.

Stay tuned for date and time updates!

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.

Stay tuned for date and time updates!

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.

Stay tuned for date and time updates!

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.

Stay tuned for date and time updates!

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!

October 19  |  Time TBD |  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.

Stay tuned for date and time updates!

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.

Stay tuned for date and time updates!

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.

Stay tuned for date and time updates!

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.

October 13 | typically 11:00 a.m. (walk starts at noon) | Tudek Park 

CAPS is a proud sponsor of the Centre County Out of the Darkness Walk, hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention of Centre County, supporting suicide prevention and awareness. 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!

January 10  | 3-4:00 p.m. | 301 Bank of America Building

Welcome, new & incoming students! Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) is thrilled to have you here! Join CAPS clinicians to learn about how CAPS supports student mental health, wellbeing, and ongoing emotional care. Bonus: by attending you get a peek at one of our CAPS locations to reduce some of the unknowns.

Find more information on the Welcome Week Event Calendar

January 11  | 3-4:00 p.m. | 301 Bank of America Building

Welcome, new & incoming students! Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) is thrilled to have you here! Join CAPS clinicians to learn about how CAPS supports student mental health, wellbeing, and ongoing emotional care. Bonus: by attending you get a peek at one of our CAPS locations to reduce some of the unknowns.

Find more information on the Welcome Week Event Calendar

January 31  | 4-5:00 p.m. | Zoom

Create and move toward interpersonal goals to feel a sense of purpose and belonging, while also developing meaningful and authentic connections.

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

Postponed

Stop in anytime for an afternoon of barbershop talk. Cuts and Conversations aims to provide accessible health education and resources to students while also creating a culturally supportive environment that has been central to communities of color for generations. We’re collaborating with local barbershops to promote flourishing in men of color and providing information and connection to services in the broader community around topics of flourishing, healthcare, personal growth, and wellness.

February 28  | 12-2:00 p.m. |  HUB Tables, 1st Floor

Stop by the HUB first floor entrance to enjoy our Affirmation Station!

February 28  | 4-5:00 p.m. | Zoom

Find your fulfillment, live by your values, and personalize what self-care means to you. 

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

February 28  | 6-7:30 p.m. |  HUB, Freeman Auditorium

A presentation that blends present research surrounding eating disorders with Ryan’s personal recovery story.

Book signing to follow. Learn more about Ryan's story.

Late February |  Zoom | Stay tuned for final date and time details.

Join specialists in gender diverse care, nutrition, eating disorder recovery, and body image work to engage in a lively panel discussion about gender transition and taking care of your body.

March 19 |  7-8:00 p.m. | Zoom

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.

March 27  | 4-5:00 p.m. | Zoom

Learn about applying narrative therapy techniques to guide ongoing self-exploration and growth.

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

April 3 |  10 a.m. - 3 p.m. |  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!

Join us for the official launch of the Nurture in Nature trails at Penn State, a collaboration between CAPS and our campus partners!

Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Student Farm at Penn State  
Friday, April 5 from 4-5:00 p.m.
Come to the Student Farm to explore what the farm has to offer, engage in mindful connection with nature, and take home a free succulent! One guided walk of the Nurture in Nature (NiN) experience is scheduled to begin around 4:15 p.m.

Stone Valley Recreation Area & Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center
Saturday, April 20 from 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Come check out the NiN trails at Stone Valley Recreational Center & Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center during their Wellness Day. Among other activities being offered that day (e.g., yoga classes, tree planning, hiking, canoeing, guided meditations), guided walks of the NiN trails will be taking place periodically throughout the day.
Transportation shuttles will be available! Register now to secure your spot on the campus shuttle (select the arrow next to each shuttle to view timeslots). Check-in for the shuttles is 10 minutes prior to departure in the IM building at the Sales desk.
 

April 17 | 11 a.m.-2:00 p.m.  |  HUB Room 134

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

April 30  |  11 a.m. - 2 p.m.  |  Student Health Center Lawn

(rain date May 1  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!