Community college leaders, faculty, and staff know that students’ abilities to navigate college life can vary dramatically, and the experience can be challenging for many, particularly for those who have experienced trauma. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated those challenges, and its traumatic effects may reverberate for years. Trauma—and its associated feelings of fear, hopelessness, and helplessness—can profoundly affect students’ well-being, functioning, and academic performance, contributing to a range of negative social- emotional, behavioral, physical, and academic outcomes. This fact sheet describes how community college leaders, faculty, and staff can support students to reduce the negative effects of trauma and build resiliency by realizing the impact of trauma, recognizing the signs, and responding with trauma-sensitive approaches.

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