This year’s event spanned two days and featured both speakers from McGill and special guests from the University of Toronto and Queen’s!
Tuesday, June 9, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. (Leacock 232)
Workshop: The Power of Empathy
Anita Nowak, PhD (Teaching & Learning Services):
Recent breakthroughs in neuroscience have confirmed that we are all born with the innate capacity to empathize. More striking still is that when our natural empathy is combined with action (Empathic Action), our brains light up the same pleasure and reward centers as does sex and cocaine. Remarkably, Empathic Action also reduces stress, anxiety and depression, heightens immune system functioning, elevates self-esteem, improves personal relationships and even boosts workplace productivity. In this 1-hour interactive workshop, you will experience the power of empathy. And perhaps to your surprise, you'll feel inspired to engage in Empathic Action too.
Thursday, June 11, 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (Leacock 232)
9 to 9:15 a.m. - Welcome and Introductions
9:15 to 10 a.m. - Programming for First-Year Students - Q Success and Bounce Back
Arig al Shaibah, Assistant Dean, Student Affairs (Student Life and Learning), Queen's University
10 to 10:45 a.m. - Student Resilience Initiatives
Janine Robb, Executive Director – Health & Wellness, Student Life Programs and Services, University of Toronto
10:45 to 11:30 a.m. - Refreshments and Networking
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. - 
Asking the Right Questions
Dr. Nancy Low (Clinical Director of Mental Health Service)
Dr. Low will share about how advisors/staff can support students in distress/with mental health issues. This session will discuss 1) detecting red flags among students, 2) tips for conversations with students in need, 3) creating a plan with the student, 4) when to refer them to Mental Health Service/appropriate resource, 5) what to do after-hours, and close with a role play and Q&A. This session is recommended for front-line staff who interact with students and provide support in some way, but all are encouraged to join us!
If you have any questions, send us an email at studentaffairs.collective [at] mcgill.ca!