The Dean of Students Office and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) are pleased to announce that they have received funding from the State of New Jersey for the fourth year to support the Great Minds Dare to Care initiative. Total funding is now $1,000,000 over the four years. The grant was first received in 2021-22 with support from Governor Richard J. Codey.

Dianne Aguero-Trotter, Ph.D., Director of CAPS, said "Through this grant we have been able to expand services for our students to include our 24/7 hotline #973-275-HELP (4357) for students, a Wellness Room in the Library, Headspace memberships for students, and more." CAPS has also hosted training for colleagues at other New Jersey institutions using grant funds.

Dean Van Norman, M.Ed., Associate Vice President and Dean of Students, also noted that support through the grant has extended to Seton Hall faculty and staff through distribution of the Dare to Care folder, a valuable resource tool, and the Kognito At-Risk program, a training simulation to recognize and support students in distress. The Dare to Care program has collaborated with others across campus from Athletics to the Residence Halls to Student Activities Board (SAB) to student organizations.

Looking ahead to the next academic year, Van Norman expects that the Dare to Care Peer Educators will become even more active in outreach programming to students throughout the campus. "We would also like to extend programs and services to the Interprofessional Health Sciences campus and the Law School next year, and of course, be sure to have many visits from our therapy dogs!"

To learn more about the Dare to Care initiative and resources, click here. 

Categories: Campus Life