This guide is intended to raise awareness of trauma in postsecondary education institutions, help educators understand how trauma affects learning and development, and provide practical advice for how to work effectively with college students who have been exposed to trauma. It can be used by classroom educators, as well as administrative and student services professionals, all of whom play a critical role in creating supportive learning environments.

The first section of the guide defines trauma and describes its prevalence. The second section provides research evidence regarding the impacts of trauma on learning and development, followed by guidance on how to recognize trauma in learners. The next several sections describe the concept of resilience and provide suggestions for implementing research-based strategies to meet the needs of trauma-affected learners on campus and in the classroom. The final section discusses the importance of selfcare for educators to avoid retraumatization, vicarious trauma, and compassion fatigue.

These are unprecedented times. We need to work extra hard to manage our emotions well. Expect to have a lot of mixed feelings. Naturally we feel anxiety, and maybe waves of panic, particularly when seeing new headlines. An article by stress scientist and Vice Chair of Adult Psychology Elissa Epel, PhD, outlines the psychology behind the COVID-19 panic response and how we can try to make the best of this situation. Her tips can be found below.

Our anxiety is helping us cope, bond together from a physical distance, and slow the spread of the virus. So our anxiety - while uncomfortable - is a good thing right now, especially if we manage it well. At the same time, we must effortfully prevent panic contagion and create periods when we can be screen-free and calm, engaging our attention in normal daily activities. Seize opportunities to share lightness and humor. Laughter right now is a relief for all of us!

You can also find moments of hope and resilience all around us despite the uncertainty. For example, a project created by UCSF postdoctoral scholar Nouf Al-Rashid shares stories of resilience and hope in response to the pandemic from individuals all over the world.

If you feel in crisis or overwhelmed, it may be helpful for you to make a list of what you can and cannot control right now. In this guide, we suggest radical acceptance of the situations we cannot control, and focus on what we can do.