Certification Programs

Trauma-Informed Certified ® Student Affairs

The Trauma-Informed Student Affairs Professional Certification is one of a kind, offering professionals the tools to work with students in crisis and safeguard themselves from the impacts of secondary trauma. This certification blends trauma-informed care theory with real-world application customized to the realities of what advocates and their clients face in navigating legal and social realities. This course is taught by instructors who are both survivors and former Student Affairs leaders.

Certification Programs

Program Details

All participants receive three hours of professional coaching to use over the three years they are certified.
This certification goes far beyond trauma-informed 101 and gives participants several unique advantages:

  • Participants leave as distinguished experts in how trauma impacts their clients and how to use TI principles for self-preservation and sustainability.

  • Student Affairs Professionals differentiate themselves as industry leaders, providing next-level competencies of care to their survivors and team members.

  • Certified professionals leave with skills designed to increase retention for both students and staff, increase positive outcomes for cases of misconduct, and decrease liability.

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Learning Objectives

Upon completion, participants will be able to:

  • Explain what the neurobiological impacts of trauma are and how they intersect with student responses—from the brain to the polyvagal body system.

  • Understand how intersectionality and bias play into the Student Affairs field.

  • Utilize research-informed tools to address misconduct prevention and include restorative practices in responding to incidents.

  • Use coping and compartmentalizing strategies to improve side effects from vicarious/secondary trauma.

  • Create clear messaging around what being a trauma-informed is/is not and clearly define how it looks in their daily lives.

Dr. Laura McGuire

About Your Instructor

Dr. Laura McGuire is a nationally recognized sexuality educator, trauma-informed specialist, inclusion consultant, and founder of the National Center for Equity and Agency. They are the author of the groundbreaking book, The Sexual Misconduct Prevention Guidebook. In 2015, they served as the first Sexual Violence Prevention and Education Program Manager at the University of Houston, and in 2017, became the first Victim Advocate/Prevention Educator at the US Merchant Marine Academy.
In both roles, they worked simultaneously as a victim advocate and restorative practice provider for respondents. As a survivor and former Student Affairs professional, Dr. McGuire saw the major gaps between what research showed and what those reporting experienced. They utilize their experience and scholarly expertise to give insight and actionable tools to attorneys and providers across the country.

Certification Programs

Topics Covered

  • Understanding Trauma-Informed Care

  • Types of Trauma

  • Intersectionality & Inclusion

  • Vicarious Trauma & Resiliency

  • Application of ACE Scores and Polyvagal Theory

  • De-escalation

  • Unconscious Bias

  • Restorative Practices

  • Long-term Planning

  • Co-regulation & Effective Communication

  • Resiliency & Spoon Theory

  • The Trauma-Informed Workplace

  • Using Your Certification

National Center For Equity & Agency

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