Westfield State has been named a recipient of the Campus Prevention Network (CPN) Seal of Prevention. Presented by EVERFI and Parchment, the CPN Seal of Prevention is awarded to institutions of higher education that have demonstrated a commitment to digital prevention programs tied to student safety, well-being, and inclusion.
“This award is an honor that is consistent with the Counseling Center and the Division of Student Affair’s commitment to evidence-based prevention and outreach,” said Brian Cahillane, Westfield State’s interim director of the Counseling Center. “Using a digital platform to practice that prevention is a natural extension of our ideals and mission. We are very grateful for the recognition.”
EVERFI is an international technology company driving social change through education, and Parchment is a popular credential service, allowing entities to request, verify, and share credentials securely. Rob Buelow, EVERFI’s senior vice president, higher education and impact, said his company is excited to name Westfield State in the first-ever class of recipients of the CPN Seal of Prevention.
“Westfield State has done an exceptional job putting student values first and providing proactive digital prevention education that enables student success, inside and outside the classroom,” he said.
The CPN Seal of Prevention also establishes guidelines for discerning quality online prevention education and implementation practices, and positions prevention as central to key institutional outcomes, including recruitment, student success, retention, and advancement. Each recipient has taken action to create a safer, more inclusive campus through comprehensive, evidence-based digital prevention education on issues such as sexual assault, alcohol misuse, mental health, and discrimination.
Westfield State Counseling Center is virtually reaching out to students for counseling and is following the American College Health Association guidelines. Outreach and training are conducted via Zoom, YouTube, and Instagram.
“The Counseling Center team has done a great job of adapting programming and messaging to a remote environment to continue serving our student population as they address wellness and mental health management issues,” said Gloria Lopez, Ph.D., Westfield State’s vice president for student affairs.