Pre-conference Symposium

Championing whole of-university trauma-informed approaches at all levels

This interactive half-day workshop explores the transformative potential of embedding trauma-informed principles across all levels of your university’s operations. Designed specifically for university staff and students from Australia and New Zealand, participants will gain practical insights into how you can move beyond isolated initiatives to adopt a systemic, whole-of-university approach to being trauma-informed.

Through a blend of theory, real-world examples and collaborative activities, this workshop will address key questions such as:

• What does it mean to be a truly trauma-informed university?
• How can people at all levels (senior leaders, middle managers, frontline workers and students) contribute to this vision?
• What are the synergies with other work you are doing?

Participants will engage in tailored group discussions based on their roles or university contexts and leave with actionable strategies to hit the ground running after the ANZSSA conference.

Key takeaways include:

• An understanding of the benefits of being a trauma-informed organisation.
• A clear understanding of trauma-informed principles and their application at all levels of the university.
• Practical tools for initiating change within your own university.
• Case studies and practical examples demonstrating how to successfully implement these practices.
• Guidance on how you can become an effective change agent and trailblazer for trauma-informed approaches.

Whether your university is just beginning its journey or looking to deepen its commitment, this workshop offers practical strategies for a successful approach, from small steps to transformational change.