OCCDHE Spring Directors’ Conference 2008

La Casa de Maria
Santa Barbara, CA
April 16 – 18, 2008

“Post Virginia Tech Era – Colleges and University Campuses Preparedness for the Potential of a Traumatic Catastrophic Event: Are We Ready?”

WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON, APRIL 16, 2008

2:00 – 3:00 OCCDHE Steering Committee
3:15 – 5:45 System Caucus Meetings (2.5 CEUs)

    • California State University – Casa Regina
    • Independent Colleges & Universities – La Casita #1
    • University of California – La Casita #2
6:00 – 6:30 Dinner at La Casa de Maria
7:00 – 8:30 System Caucus Meetings (continued) (2.5 CEUs)
8:30 All Directors’ Social and Welcome

THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2008

8:00 – 8:30 Breakfast at La Casa
8:00 – 9:00 Breakfast Meeting for the Multicultural Action Committee
(all are welcome to attend)
9:00 – 12:00 Trials by Fire: A Model of Readiness for the Potential of a Traumatic Event on Campus (3 CEUs)
Gail Palkans, Ph.D.
California State Fullerton
Emil Rodolfa, Ph.D.
University of California at Davis
Liz Gong-Guy, Ph.D.
University of California Los Angeles
Reina Juarez, Ph.D.
University of California San Diego
12:00 – 1:00 Lunch at La Casa
1:00 – 2:30 OCCDHE Professional Development and Training Committee
1:00 – 2:30 OCCDHE Law and Ethics Committee
1:00 – 2:30 OCCDHE 2008 Fall Directors’ Conference Planning Committee
Bert Epstein, Ph.D., Chair
2:30 – 5:45 Various Interest Group Meetings
Evening Dinner in Santa Barbara (no host)

FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 2008

8:00 – 8:45 Breakfast at La Casa
9:00 – 10:00 System Caucus Meetings (1 CEU)
10:00 – 10:15 Break
10:15 – 11:45 OCCDHE All Directors’ Meeting (1.5 CEUs)
12:00 – 12:30 Lunch at La Casa – Reflections, Appreciations, and Goodbyes
12:30 Check out

sculpture

Course Description:
OCCDHE Spring Directors’ Conference

La Casa de Maria
Santa Barbara, CA
April 16-18, 2008

“May the eagle soar to ever greater heights and envelope humankind into the profoundness of our higher destiny.” -Francis Jansen

Virginia Tech Era – College and University Campuses Preparedness for the Potential of a Traumatic Catastrophic Event: Are we Ready?

Abstract
The Virginia Tech experience vicariously impacted anyone who became aware of their tragic loses. It has not only reconfigurated but continues to shape the landscape of Higher Education in more than one way. It is currently driving laws, statutes, policies, procedures, and the way we respond to incidents on campuses across the United States. This two day long program will offer a forum to learn new models, share strategies and resources, discuss strengths and vulnerabilities, and assess our state of readiness as Counseling Centers to respond quickly and efficiently to a catastrophic and traumatic incident with the proportions of the Virginia Tech experience at our University and College Campuses. Focus of this program will be on how the various systems in California- UC, Cal State, and Private Colleges and Universities are addressing: a) the pressing need to respond to critical incidents in unison across the various departments that encompass our centers of higher learning, b) our ability to deploy services in a systematic and effective manner, and c) revisiting our Mutual Aid Agreement to have the necessary coverage when extenuating circumstances absorve our resources.

Program Syllabus

This Program will cover the following topics:

  1. Policies and protocols for prevention and an early detection system – Inter-connection with other units and academic departments within the University to safeguard the wellbeing of students
  2. What to do after the first 24 hrs. when a catastrophic event has taken place on our campuses.
  3. Counseling Center in a Box, what do we need?
  4. Effective ways to do outreach and consultation for collaborative and coordinated interventions, including volunteer mental health professionals

Learning Objectives

Participants will become familiar with:

  1. Preventive crisis response strategies and protocols to address breaches of the Code of Conduct and Psychological Disabilities.
  2. A model to respond after the first 24 hours of a catastrophe on campus.
  3. How to take care of our community and ourselves by having at hand a kit with all the essentials of a Counseling Center in a back pack.
  4. How to host, utilize, and manage mental health professionals volunteering through the mutual aid pact.