Dr. Thomas E. Rojo Aubrey

author of The Science of College Success, The Science of Trauma Therapy

Building Resilience: A Six-Pillar Approach to Student Well-Being

This session explores how teaching academic resilience and well-being in First-Year Experience (FYE) courses can strengthen students’ capacity to persist and succeed in college. You’ll be introduced to a six-pillar resiliency co-curriculum designed to help students develop emotional, psychological, and behavioral tools for managing stress, overcoming obstacles, and thriving both academically and personally. Participants will learn how this innovative pedagogy, implemented across several Community Colleges, fosters increased mental health, grit, and purpose. Data-informed outcomes will be shared, emphasizing this model’s potential to improve student persistence, retention, and overall success, especially within high-stress academic disciplines.

Poster 4
Trauma-Sensitive Teaching: Creating Safe and Resilient Classrooms for Student Success

with co-presenter Brielle Rawlings-Dubé

This interactive workshop introduces trauma-informed pedagogy, equipping educators with practical strategies to support students affected by trauma. Participants will explore the impact of trauma on learning, engage in hands-on activities to create inclusive and resilient classroom environments, and discuss best practices for fostering student well-being. By examining signs of trauma, implementing trauma-sensitive teaching techniques, and building supportive campus networks, educators will gain actionable tools to promote academic success and resilience. This session is ideal for faculty, staff, and administrators committed to creating safe, empathetic classrooms that empower all students, regardless of their background or challenges.

Trauma-Informed Pedagogy: Building Resilient Classrooms for Student Success

with co-presenter Brielle Rawlings-Dubé

This interactive 75-minute session introduces trauma-informed pedagogy and equips educators with practical strategies to support students affected by trauma. Participants will explore how trauma impacts the brain and learning, engage in hands-on activities to build safe and inclusive classroom environments, and practice trauma-sensitive teaching techniques. Through scenario-based discussions, small-group collaboration, and guided reflection, attendees will learn how to recognize trauma responses, respond with empathy, and create predictable, empowering learning spaces. Drawing on current research and national best practices, this workshop provides actionable tools to strengthen student well-being, academic resilience, and campus-wide collaboration. Ideal for faculty, staff, and administrators committed to fostering equitable and compassionate educational environments.

Strategies for Mental and Physical Wellbeing for Your FYE Course

with co-presenter Seth Batiste

Since current research shows that about 65% of college students have reported a need for mental health services, colleges are working to enhance these services. The first-year experience course can become part of a college culture of wellness by including wellness topics in the curriculum. An outline of wellness topics will be presented along with practical exercises for the first-year experience classroom. Topics include exploring personal strengths, practicing fundamental cognitive behavioral therapy principles, increasing resilience, managing stress, relaxing, improving exercise and nutrition, getting enough sleep, taking steps to increase happiness, and reflecting on life purpose.