Workshops and Presentations

Skill-building workshops provide a structured presentation of information and skills practice appropriate to students' interests, needs and personal development. Workshops and presentations are conducted at Student Counseling Services as well as other locations on campus, including the Student Center and within the residence halls. Students may also contact our office at 516-463-6745 to request presentations on topics of interest.

Themes which have been the focus of such workshops and presentations have included:

• Stress Management

  Stress is something that we all experience throughout our lives whether it be starting college, managing social affairs, getting a first job, or juggling the many demands of a complex schedule. Student Counseling Services offers workshops for students to help learn ways to manage stress, including groups in Mindfulness Meditation.

• Bystander Intervention

  Step UP! is a prosocial behavior and bystander intervention program that educates students to be proactive in helping others. Teaching people about the determinants of prosocial behavior makes them more aware of why they sometimes don’t help. As a result they are more likely to help in the future.

  The goals of Step UP! are to:

  • Raise awareness of helping behaviors
  • Increase motivation to help
  • Develop skills and confidence when responding to problems or concerns
  • Ensure the safety and well-being of self and others

  Additionally, Hofstra University is taking part in the national campaign It’s on Us, a cultural movement aimed at fundamentally shifting the way we think about sexual assault. Please visit It’s On Us.

  For more information, please contact Hofstra’s Student Counseling Services at (516) 463-6745.

• Depression and Anxiety

  Learning ways to manage depression and anxiety while at college is a challenge for many students. Workshops in this area help to provide a greater understanding of risks and symptoms as well as ways to identify and manage mood. Annually in late September, Student Counseling Services also offers free and confidential screenings in the Student Center as part of National Depression Screening Day.

• Drug and Alcohol Awareness

  Student Counseling Services offers a Recovery group to help students affected by substance use concerns. Through this group, students learn techniques to build and maintatin motivation, cope with urges, and live a balanced life through recovery.

  Additionally, presentations are offered throughout the university community to help students recognize problematic substance use behavior and identify options for change. Each year Student Counseling Services participates in National Alcohol Screening Day in the Student Center, offering students the opportunity to receive confidential screenings for alcohol and other substance use concerns.

• Healthy Eating and Body Image

  Workshops in this area help students to explore and understand eating and body image concerns. Interactive presentations focus on what to look for if you are concerned about your own or others’ eating choices, ways to develop effective coping strategies, and making healthy choices. In late February counselors from Student Counseling Services are available in the Student Center as part of Eating Disorders Awareness Week, offering confidential screenings, answering questions, and providing information for students about eating and body image concerns. 

• Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness

  Student Counseling Services conducts presentations to help the university community understand the devastating impact of sexual assault on campus. Workshops allow participants to learn about laws and federal reporting regulations, consent, prevention, and intervention strategies. Presentations also help participants understand the emotional impact for the survivor of sexual assault and ways to help a friend or loved one cope with the trauma.

• Healthy Relationships

  Students in college experience a wide variety of new relationships with roommates, romantic partners, and friends. Workshops and presentations in this area provide students with a greater understanding of the components of healthy and successful relationships as well as the warning signs of unhealthy relationships.

• Sensitivity to Diversity

  Student Counseling Services welcomes opportunities to partner with student groups and campus programs in efforts to lean about and celebrate diversity in our community. Collaboration with International Student Affairs and the office of Intercultural Engagement and Inclusion has provided workshops and groups on various aspects of diversity including adjusting to living in the USA, friendships and dating in America, and LGBTQIA+ support workshops. Presentations can be adapted to fit the evolving needs of our student body.