Workshops

Under the Covers

• Discuss characteristics of healthy and unhealthy relationships
• Examine qualities that are important to you and others in a relationship.
• Understand what "consent within the context of sexual activity" means, and why it's so important to have ongoing conversations with your partner about each other's needs.
• Learn how to reduce risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS.
• Find out how prevalent STIs are on campus and learn statistics regarding sexual behaviors of Illinois State students.
• Practice makes perfect and attendees will be using the "woodies" during condom demonstrations.
• Identify campus and community resources.

On the Rocks

• Understand what "consent within the context of sexual activity" means and why someone who is intoxicated to the point of incapacitation or sleeping, is unable to provide consent.
• Recognize and acknowledge alcohol as a drug and learn how it affects someone physically and mentally.
• Explore common myths and misperceptions around students use of alcohol.
• Identify tools and strategies to reduce your risk for alcohol-related impairment problems.
• Analyze how using alcohol can impact or jeopardize the things you value and what's most important to you.
• Learn skills to better recognize when someone needs help due to their alcohol use and what are the most appropriate ways to intervene.
• Identify campus resources available for students.

Dismantling Rape Culture

• Explore the role consent plays in sexual activities and everyday life.
• Examine different types of sexual violence (i.e., sexual assault, intimate partner violence, voyeurism, etc.)
• Learn about common tactics of power and control used in abusive relationships.
• Recognize the signs of stalking and what steps to take when you, or someone you know, need help.
• Discover how you can challenge rape culture and victim blaming.
• Understand how to best support and empower survivors of sexual violence.
• Identify campus and community resources.

The Well Workspace: Ergonomics 101

This session gives an overview of the importance of arranging work spaces in ways that reduce discomfort and promote well-being. Length is 60 minutes and is intended for a group.

Nutrition focused sessions:

• Good Food Good Mood
• Healthy Eating 101
• Mindful Eating
• Requested topics

Stress and Mindfulness

One of the biggest issues that students, and staff/faculty members struggle with is managing their stress. Mindfulness and meditation are practices that have been studied and proven in research to reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep, healthy eating behaviors, work and academic performance. Mindfulness practice contributes to a greater sense of well-being and happiness. In addition to practicing some mindfulness and meditation techniques, individuals will learn about and discuss:

• the different factors that add to students’ stress levels
• a model that describes effective coping techniques for stress
• self-care strategies and campus resources
• and the art and science of practicing mindfulness

Recovery is Spoken Here: Recovery Ally Training

This two-hour training is offered consistently throughout the year (view the events on Redbird Life or email jllaurs@IllinoisState.edu for the training schedule) and can also be presented upon request.

College students are in the highest risk category of any age group for developing a substance use disorder. Yet, college campuses are known as recovery-hostile environments. Learn about how to provide support for students who need help, as well as those who are already in recovery. Ensure that Illinois State University is a recovery-friendly campus by recognizing how language and policies perpetuate stigma, which is something that blocks recovery. Be an ally and recognize how you can help others with substance use disorders and recovery.

After completing the training, faculty and staff will be able to:

• Recognize students in need of recovery
• Share information about Recovery for Redbirds, Illinois State University's collegiate recovery community, with students, faculty, and staff
• Use recovery-friendly language
• Summarize ways to be a recovery ally on campus
• Demonstrate how to make successful referrals

Group Exploration of Alcohol and/or Cannabis

Want to get a better idea of what your teammates, student group members, or classmates think about alcohol and/or cannabis?  This confidential 60-75 minute presentation that is tailored to your group is generated from data points gathered from an anonymous survey that is completed beforehand by group members. Students have generally enjoyed this exploration because it is not education-based, it's a conversation with about their group, the group’s collective views about alcohol and/or cannabis, their group’s use of substances in comparison to the campus, and, for in-tact groups, their group’s values and goals, group member’s perceptions on how alcohol/cannabis is impacting those values and goals (in helpful or unhelpful ways), and potential ways to grow as a group. 

For teams and intact groups, such as student organizations, the intervention requires a 30-minute pre-meeting with a small group (two group leaders and a group member), a 75-minute discussion with the large group, and a 30-minute post meeting with the initial small group to disseminate group-generated information and ideas.  For academic classes, the small group meetings are not required.  Please email Jamie Laurson at jllaurs@IllinoisState.edu