Trauma Informed Care Toolkit

Each one of us has an opportunity to create a caring community at UWM that helps reduce the impact of these stressors. Despite how difficult the last few years have been and how complicated our work feels, we can each chose how we might engage with our staff and peers to develop a more compassionate, enjoyable work environment.

In recognition of these circumstances, the Campus Cares team has developed Trauma-Informed Teaching and Supervision Toolkits. These Toolkits utilize resources from the national higher education community, as well as materials developed here at UWM. They will help instructors gain awareness of how trauma can impact students (what to look for) and how to respond. These same lessons can also help faculty and staff interact with their colleagues who may be feeling stress, distress, and perhaps trauma.

For an overview on how childhood trauma affects health across a lifetime, view TedMed speaker Pediatrician Nadine Burke Harris.

Principles

The principles of trauma informed care are:

  1. Safety
  2. Trustworthiness & Transparency
  3. Peer Support
  4. Collaboration and Mutuality
  5. Empowerment & Choice
  6. Cultural Humility and Competency

Teaching

Engaging in trauma-informed teaching enhances learning, connection, creativity, and collaboration.

Integrate care >

Supervision

Campus leaders play a key role in creating and fostering a culture of care. One way is through trauma-informed leadership and supervision.

Enhance your approach >

Workshop

Campus Cares has developed a trauma informed care workshop, offered by Social Work Professor Dimitri Topitzes and Dean of Students Adam Jussel. You may request the workshop, for departmental and unit meetings or for student groups.

Schedule a workshop >