Page 15 - Laker Connection Fall 2010

“College is a time of increasing one’s self-awareness while developing intellectually, socially and personally. The CPS staff is here to provide infor- mation on how to maximize this devel- opment in that we get to reduce the stigma about help-seeking, so that stu- dents can feel comfortable to come in to talk to a counselor before their problems reach the point of crisis,” says Dr. Jen- nifer Dean, a licensed psychologist and the assistant director for Outreach and Prevention.
Last spring semester, the CPS staff conducted 26 workshops and presenta- tions for classes, community groups, and student and faculty groups. Topics ranged from alcohol and substance abuse to stress management and con- flict resolution.
Managing test anxiety is one of the more popular programs. This presenta- tion is experiential, thus, students are taught techniques that they can put into practice immediately.
“Stress Management is a fun work- shop to do, because I get to teach stu- dents how to engage in deep relaxation,
which feels great and can help to undo the negative effects of stress and pro- duce physiological changes, such as decreased blood pressure, reduced muscle tension, decreased heart rate and other positive changes,” says Dean.
CPS is staffed by two full-time psy- chologists and two full-time licensed professional counselors. Also, Dr. Nancy Strauch, a licensed psychiatrist, visits the office for psychiatric evalua- tions and appropriate referrals to med- ical professionals and to provide treatment for most psychiatric disorders. Clayton State’s CPS is one of only four counseling centers in the state of Geor- gia studying collegiate health; this is a ground-breaking study to understand what true data studies show about col- lege students and their mental health.
“When it comes down to it, our major role is to help students, mostly through personal and career counsel- ing. We just want them to function better personally and academically. Whatever reason we can think of we try to get out there to help ease tensions about com- ing to us,” says Smith.
By Erin Fender
Student Veterans Association
With a pot of coffee, an empty room, and the desire to create a supportive unit for the student veterans on campus, Shi- raz Karaa, associate director of Counsel- ing & Psychological Services, started the Student Veterans Association in 2008. Her hard work and dedication has helped the organization flourish and continue to experience further growth.
The SVA joined the Student Veter- ans of America organization to help keep up-to-date information on benefit and scholarship opportunities available.
Over the past year, the SVA hosted a two-day Veterans Day Celebration and a showcase in honor of military women of Clayton State. Guest speakers have spo- ken on topics including community re- sponsiveness to troops, veterans and families upon their homecoming, and cre- ating a village stronger than war. The SVA also actively supports the ROTC program at Clayton State.
“The SVA appreciates any and all support for our student veterans. The more our presence is known, hopefully, the more resources we can lobby for to help with our military members’ transi- tion back to civilian life,” says Diana Pe- ters of Jonesboro, SVA secretary and events coordinator.
Information regarding events and resources is available on their website: http://adminservices.clayton.edu/veterans/Default.htm
Above: In the final weeks before exams, Dean leads a Stress Management workshop. Left: Strouther reviews materials with students during the Alcohol Awareness fair.
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