In winter 2024, the University of California announced the Presidential Funding to Address Antisemitism, Islamophobia and other forms of Bias, Bigotry and Discrimination with the overarching goal of creating and maintaining a safe, inclusive and respectful campus environment. UC Davis received $700,000 and campus reviewed and funded proposals in the categories of mental health and trauma support, educational programming and training and professional development. This workshop series was one of the funded projects.
From Diaspora to Campus: Addressing Jewish Student Mental Health Needs
Facilitated by Carly Coons and Beth Lipschutz
Date and Time: Tuesday, Oct. 29; 10:30 – 11:45 AM
Location: Zoom (Registration Required)
Attendees: Advisors, Student Affairs Practitioners, Retention Specialists, Front-line staff that support students
Description: Participants will explore the basics of Judaism, learning about the complexity of the Jewish diaspora (Jews around the world), Jewish values, and the different relationships with Israel. We will focus on how generational trauma and minority stress affect the mental health of Jewish students and their families. We will take a deeper look at the increase in antisemitism across the US and the growing need for mental health support. Participants will leave with a stronger understanding of the diversity of Jewish students on campus and their varying mental health needs.
Exploring Impacts of Bias on Mental Health and Academic Outcomes and Introducing Culturally Informed Strategies for Muslim Students and Communities
Facilitated by Ummul Kathawalla
Date and Time: Tuesday, Dec. 17; 10:00 AM – Noon
Location: Student Community Center, Multipurpose Room (Registration Required)
Attendees: Clinicians Only (SHCS and ASAP staff)
Description: Join us for this two-hour workshop to hear the expertise of Dr. Ummul Kathawalla. This is designed to help clinicians understand how experiences of discrimination affect Muslim students' mental health and academic performance. Through an exploration of Dr. Kathawalla's research, narratives and the sociopolitical context, attendees will leave with a better understanding of the unique challenges faced by Muslim communities. The workshop covers the minority stress model, culturally adapted interventions, and provides practical tools for addressing bias and fostering inclusive conversations. Participants will gain insight into culturally informed interventions and their effectiveness, as well as practical skills for addressing bias and having values-aligned conversations. Through a combination of presentation, group discussions and interactive activities, clinicians will enhance their cultural competence and learn strategies to better support Muslim students. This workshop is eligible for continuing education credits.
Exploring Impacts of Bias on Mental Health and Academic Outcomes and Introducing Culturally Informed Strategies for Muslim Students and Communities
Facilitated by Ummul Kathawalla
Date and Time: Tuesday, Dec. 17; 2:00–3:30 PM
Location: Student Community Center, Multipurpose Room (Registration Required)
Attendees: Advisors, Student Affairs Practitioners, Retention Specialists, Front-line staff that support students
Description: Join us for this two-hour workshop to hear the expertise of Dr. Ummul Kathawalla. This is designed to help student-facing staff understand how experiences of discrimination affect Muslim students' mental health and academic performance. Through an exploration of Dr. Kathawalla's research, narratives and the sociopolitical context, attendees will leave with a better understanding of the unique challenges faced by Muslim communities. The workshop covers the minority stress model, culturally adapted interventions, and provides practical tools for addressing bias and fostering inclusive conversations. Participants will gain insight into culturally informed interventions and their effectiveness, as well as practical skills for addressing bias and having values-aligned conversations. Through a combination of presentation, group discussions and interactive activities, attendees will enhance their cultural competence and learn strategies to better support Muslim students.
Understanding and Supporting Jewish Students on Campus
Facilitated by Carly Coons and Beth Lipschutz
Date and Time: Wednesday, Feb. 26; 10:00 – 11:30 AM
Location: Student Community Center, Multipurpose Room (Registration Required)
Attendees: Advisors, Student Affairs Practitioners, Retention Specialists, Front-line staff that support students
Description: Participants will explore the challenges Jewish students at UC Davis are experiencing both on and off campus, and how these affect their mental health. We will take an indepth look at the ways staff and faculty can lift up protective factors and guide Jewish students in connecting with appropriate support. We will also consider the ways to ensure staff and faculty are caring for themselves as they are working with students through these challenges. Participants will leave with an understanding of the diverse mental wellness resources for Jewish students at UC Davis and in the local community.