UNIVERSITY PARK — The R-VOICE Ambassador Series advances Penn State’s commitment to student success and the creation of campus environments grounded in safety, well-being, dignity, and respect. This professional development series is designed for faculty and staff seeking evidence-informed guidance on recognizing and responding to concerns related to student well-being.
Faculty and staff are often among the first to notice changes in a student’s academic engagement, behavior, or overall well-being. Whether you have concerns that a student may be experiencing sexual violence, relationship abuse, trauma, or other forms of interpersonal harm—and are uncertain how best to respond—this series provides practical strategies, supportive language, and trauma-informed approaches to effectively assist students with compassion and care.
Participation in the R-VOICE Ambassador Series strengthens the University’s collective capacity to foster a supportive and responsive campus community where students feel safe, valued, and connected in both their educational and interpersonal environments. Hundreds of Penn State faculty and staff have completed the training and joined a growing network of R-VOICE Ambassadors committed to student support and advocacy.
Level 1 offers the foundations of supporting students and learning trauma-informed, student-centered responses to promote student success. Then, for participants interested in advancing their knowledge and skills, Level 2 offers a research-informed, trauma-responsive curriculum designed to deepen understanding and enhance confidence in supporting students impacted by trauma and interpersonal violence.
Departments or offices interested in scheduling a dedicated training session for their unit are encouraged to contact Yvette Willson by email at ylw4@psu.edu. Upon completion, Ambassador stickers and certificates are provided to all participants.
Level 1
Learning outcomes for this training include:
- Build the knowledge and confidence to serve as an R-VOICE Ambassador by connecting students to supportive campus and community resources that support student well-being, safety, and success
- Demonstrate compassionate, student-centered responses that reflect Penn State’s values of belonging, respect, care, and inclusive excellence
- Recognize signs of student distress and understand the role faculty and staff play in creating a supportive campus environment
- Strengthen student retention, engagement, and well-being through early intervention and informed referral practices
Level 2
- Learning outcomes for this training include:
- Understand trauma and the foundational neurobiology of trauma responses, including how trauma can affect cognition, behavior, relationships, and academic engagement
- Recognize signs of trauma and how trauma response may appear in college students impacted by interpersonal violence
- Understand the impact of sexual violence, relationship abuse, stalking, and interpersonal harm on student well-being, learning, belonging, and persistence
- Apply trauma-informed strategies that promote safety, empowerment, dignity, and connection while reducing retraumatization
- Strengthen a campus culture that prioritizes student care, well-being, and inclusive support aligned with Penn State’s commitment to student success
Upcoming dates
Level 1
- Thursday, Sept. 10, 1 to 3 p.m., 131 HUB
- Monday, Oct. 5, 1 to 3 p.m., 113 HUB
- Tuesday, Oct. 13, 9 to 11 a.m. on Zoom
Level 2: (prerequisite Level 1)
- Tuesday, Nov. 3, 9 a.m. to noon, 134 HUB
Each session is limited to 40 participants.
To register, call 814-863-2027.
