DIVISION OF
STUDENT SERVICES
Division of Student Services Keeps Support Rolling During Pandemic
The Division of Student Services is a dynamic team that implements academic , professional , and personal initiatives for current and future industry leaders . In the pandemic , Student Services was challenged to reimagine how programming and resources can be delivered in a way that keeps CDU Mighty Lions engaged .
Community building workshops from the Student Health and Wellness , Career Services , and Campus Engagement staff seamlessly continued online and became a space for students to process and thrive in the physical and virtual world around them .
“ Our students are the reason we do what we do . Throughout the pandemic we were very transparent on how we were navigating the world ourselves and it created an affirming space ,” shared Kolini Coleman , Director of Student Services . “ In these various spaces — many led in collaboration with student leaders — we talked about everything from the election to redefining self-care to how we can continue showing up as our most authentic selves regardless of the environment .”
Academically , Student Services implemented a Supplemental Instruction ( SI ) program which paired SI Leaders with traditionally difficult courses . Late Night Tutoring — which allowed for drop-in sessions from 8 p . m . to 12 a . m . with tutors in preparation for finals — was also a new initiative that has since become a semester tradition .
Professionally , employers such as Arena Pharmaceuticals , Pfizer , and Children ’ s Hospital Los Angeles presented internship opportunities , and a few CDU students were offered positions on the spot . In partnership with Alumni Relations , mentorship programs and dialogue with Mighty Lion alumni allowed students to form bonds with a post-CDU community .
Focusing on personal wellness and development , campus student leaders and Student Services staff hosted panelists who shared their experiences as trailblazers and advocates for reclaiming space . Such workshops included , “ Thriving Authentically : Navigating the Intersections of Black Identities ,” “ Intersectionality of Indigenous and LGBTQ + Identities ,” and “ Women , Spirituality , and Well-being .”
“ CDU attracts amazing students and whatever they need to excel throughout their time here , we ’ re here to support ,” concluded Coleman . “ It is an honor for our division to join them on their personal missions .”
CDU Facilitates Mental Health and First Aid Training
CDU facilitated half-day training throughout the academic year to certify attendees to assess and refer individuals to resources and support systems .
“ The Mental Health First Aid training is a valuable tool to help our campus community recognize and respond to signs of distress or a mental health crisis ,” said Robert Marzio , Psychologist in Student Services . “ The training is provided by certified instructors , based on an international , standardized curriculum .”
The training consisted of six hours of instructor-led in-person training , as well as two hours of individual training . The training was provided to groups of student support staff and CDU alumni on several occasions . The program was considered a success so it is being extended to provide additional training on an ongoing basis for students , staff , and faculty .
Mental Health First Aid training is just one of the ways that our student services personnel provides outreach to our campus community , and helps all CDU to support one another ’ s success .
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