A Focus on Well-being
A focus on facing trauma, job stress, and grief informs COCC's Criminal Justice programs. As our students prepare to enter occupations that are mentally and emotionally challenging, mindfulness and managing the rigors of the workplace help establish a healthy baseline for career well-being.
"We're one of the only community colleges in the state that has a wellness and trauma component of the program, giving students the tools, language, and permission to center wellness and mental health well-being as they enter this career," says Roxie Supplee, Criminal Justice program director.
Modeled after award-winning law enforcement wellness programs, these classes cover physical exercises, peer support, and counseling, and even incorporate new reports and findings that come from the annual Concerns of Police Survivors' National Conference on Wellness and Trauma. Learning to prioritize individual resilience and well-being, in turn, impacts the resilience and well-being of others.
"The foundational skills instilled in these students are outstanding, and it's evident that COCC's approach goes beyond the classroom, preparing them for the demands of their future careers in the criminal justice professions. It's clear that COCC is making a significant impact in shaping the next generation of competent and skilled leaders."