Micro-Seminar: Trojans Conquer Challenges: Learning tools to effectively respond to challenges during college and beyond PART ONE

Micro-Seminars have two parts. Attendance to both parts is required. Registering for the PART ONE session will automatically enroll you in the PART TWO session on Friday.

Part 1: Thursday, August 22, 2024 from 3:00 – 4:30 pm (PST)
Part 2: Friday, August 23, 2024 from 10:00 – 11:30 am (PST)

College can be an exciting and stressful time. Students with various intersecting identities and backgrounds are navigating a novel system. This increased freedom and independence may come with opportunities and challenges. Fortunately, students who develop and use specific strategies, skills, and routines are more likely to navigate challenges more effectively during college and in the future. This micro-seminar will introduce a decisional matrix and model of emotions that can be utilized when challenges arise. The seminar combines presentation, discussion, videos, music, activities to provide information on research-based coping skills, and orientation to USC's Student Union and Peace Garden. Students should be prepared to listen and participate with curiosity in this inclusive and respectful environment.

Learning Objectives: Describe a model of emotions Explain options for responding to a variety of emotions Identify specific behaviors for effectively responding to common problems and stressors Name 3 resources at USC that can support student resilience

Day 1 Course Plan: Understanding a Model Emotions Introduction and small group activity to outline components of emotions Presentation and discussion describing model of emotions Small group discussion applying model to various emotions (fear, anger, sadness, joy, happiness)

Day 2 Course Plan: Utilizing Skills and Decisional Matrix Presentation of various options for responding to emotions and challenging situations Discussion in small groups of how to apply decisional matrix to common situations Presentation on research related to mindfulness, building positive emotions, and changing behaviors to effectively respond to emotions. Small group discussion and in-class practice of coping skills including mindfulness, attention shifting, tracking, and building positive emotions using sounds, visual media, laughter, and group activities. Walking tour of two points of interest at USC: Peace Garden and Student Union.

Target Audience: The seminar is intended for anyone interested in resilience, community building, health, psychology, or wellbeing.

Lead By: Professor Michelle Dexter

Michelle Dexter is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Keck School of Medicine at USC. She holds a master’s in Physiology and Biophysics and a doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Dr. Dexter is a Diplomate of the Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies and trained Mindful Self-Compassion teacher. She is the Director of Curriculum and Academic Programs in the Department of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences. Prior to this position, Dr. Dexter was an attending in the anxiety clinic and testing psychologist in the Office for Center for Accessible Education at UCLA.

Dr. Dexter has extensive training and expertise in the areas of clinical interventions, teaching, supervision, and research. Her clinical interests are in the areas of mindfulness-based, empirically supported treatments for OCD and anxiety disorders. Her teaching has focused in the areas of research methods, clinical competencies, and the cultivation of resiliency skills for adolescents and young adults. Her research focuses on decreasing mental health disparities and treatment outcomes within college populations. Dr. Dexter is also engaged in faculty development and serves as a co-chair of the department’s Mentoring Program. She is a fellow of USC's Center for Excellence in Teaching and has served on the University's Committee for Teaching and Learning for the past two years.

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