The Counseling Center Paraprofessional Program combines on-going training and supervision with service-learning projects during the second and third semesters of the involvement. Paraprofessional help provide a variety of Outreach & Prevention Services as well as support a variety of Counseling Center operations. Here are a few examples of Paraprofessional activities & involvement opportunities.
Tuesday @ 7 Workshops
Since 1979, The Tuesday @ 7 Workshops are presented by Counseling Center Paraprofessionals in order to provide information for the general student population. The topics cover a variety of topics including interpersonal, mental health, wellness, and academic success. Workshops are facilitated every Tuesday night at 7 pm, during the Fall and Spring semesters.
Workshops on Request
CCPs present single session workshops to student groups, classes, and living units. These Workshops on Request usually last one to two hours and cover topics such as: Time Management, Stress Management, Study Skills, Procrastination, Self-Confidence, Test Anxiety, Communication in Relationships, etc.
Counseling Center Outreach & Prevention Services
- Alcohol and Other Drug Outreach/Prevention
- Eating Disorders and Disturbances
- Integrative Health & Wellness
- Technology-Based & Media Outreach
- Outreach & Prevention Advisory
- Suicide Prevention
- Trauma Outreach & Prevention Team
CCPs may work on various teams within the Counseling Center depending on agency needs. Additionally, CCPs help support Counseling Center and Program operations, including through Assessment & Evaluation, CCP Alumni Relations, CCP Recruitment, and CCP Steering Committee.
Cultural Diversity Outreach Opportunities
The Counseling Center provides a variety of outreach and prevention support to specific student populations, working closely with the culture houses, resource centers, and academic programs. CCPs are involved with activities that promote identity exploration and cultural understanding. Some examples include:
- Asian Pacific Roots
- Sankofa-Black Student Outreach
- International Student Outreach
- Latinx Student Outreach
- Queers & Allies Outreach
Activities might include presenting workshops on academic issues, wellness or mental healthissues, and special topics relevant to culturally diverse students; meeting with the coordinator; and attending events at the cultural houses. Regardless of team involvement, all CCPs gain awareness, experience, and cultural competencies skills to provide inclusive and culturally responsive outreach programming.
Self-Initiated Projects
These are independent projects that the CCPs choose and create. SIP’s must be relevant to the Counseling Center Mission and result in a tangible product or service. They may also be individual projects that fit with one of their other project/service assignments. Some past projects have included developing a brochure for out-of-state transfer students; facilitating a coming out support group for LGBTQIA+ students; developing a support group for LGBTQIA+ students of color; preparing a multi-disciplinary show focused on AIDS to promote awareness and raise money; work with “Locks for Love” to donate hair to cancer victims; create a workshop for students with hidden disabilities and chronic pain; develop a workshop on religious diversity on campus; etc.
Potential and Past Involvement
Depending on the needs of the Counseling Center, Paraprofessionals have also been involved in the Dennis H. May Conference on Diversity Issues and the Role of Counseling Centers, Counseling Center Advisory Committee, and Student Affairs or campus-wide collaborative initiatives.