How can higher education professionals support students who have experienced trauma?

I do not know why but students and faculty have often opened up to me. Maybe it is my face, free honest talking or talkative demeanor or the open door policy I roll with but I have a lot of experience here. I guess people know I have a lot of life experience. Msy as well share it with kindness and grace.

The most solid response a person can give a student who has experienced trauma is to listen. Listening without judgement and without the need to offer empty platitudes gives the student security and assurance they are being heard. Once the student has given you the space to speak, know the best resources to provide for them. If they only needed an empathetic ear, then assure them that they can come to you again (if you hold the emotional capacity for it),if they need a space to talk.

I think you have to know your limitations and always push people to the professionals and support services. Multiple options should be provided.

Every HE institution has student counselling services (SCS). Students experiencing trauma must be referred for counselling. Faculties like Health Sciences have psychosocial programmes, namely psychology and /or social work who may also render trauma services. It us ridiculous that students are not being helped by these programmes and gave to be referred to Student Counselling. Other than this, staff wellness office may offer support and make necessary referrals on behalf of students.

Referral requires firstly that those services are available (they exist and are suited to student needs), secondly that they are accessible (no cost, suitable opening hours, stigma free), and thirdly that educators are aware of them and are supported in maintaining an awareness of those services. These are cultural factors determined by senior leadership at the university. If universities cut costs by reducing or removing suitable counseling, housing or medical services they are failing to support the entire student experience. Staff must also be aware of services and be supported in developing that awareness. As a sessional academic I spent a lot of volunteer hours doing this. It should be supported.

In as much as faculty and staff need training in how to support students who are survivors of trauma, students need to be educated in emotional learning. Peers can be a source of strength. If unchecked, peers can also be perpetrators of bullying other students who are vulnerable.

Creating a supportive environment for students who have experienced trauma involves offering counseling services & reasonable academic accommodations that recognize & address their unique needs. Dedicated spaces like a meditation room on campus can provide solace to students. Additionally, executive leadership, staff & faculty should undergo trauma & healing-informed training to integrate these principles into their interactions with students. Fostering a culture of care & support contributes to a campus community that values compassion & understanding, transforming our institutions into nurturing environments where all students, irrespective of their past experiences, feel supported & encouraged to pursue their goals.