Welcome to URSA 2026 at Southern Utah University! All sessions will be in buildings on the upper campus (east end). Here’s the Campus Map (PDF) if needed.
WiFi: eduroam or SUU-Conference, password "summertimefun"
PLAN AHEAD - Tentative Future Conference Dates July 7-9, 2027 - Price, UT July 17-19, 2028 - Richfield, UT
In rural communities, educators often serve as the first line of support for students navigating relationships, emotional challenges, and mental health needs. Yet many of these challenges emerge long before adults feel students are “ready” to discuss them. This highly engaging, one-hour session explores how educators can proactively help students with relationship-centered examples and simple, practical emotional regulation strategies.
Guided by a Psychology Professor and a Junior in high school, the session introduces accessible, “on-the-go” emotional regulation tools that can be integrated seamlessly into everyday classroom moments. Grounded in basic neurobiology, educators, counselors, and administrators will gain insight into some of the reasons why students experience emotional disruptions and how to respond effectively in real time; how to teach about relationships, foster leadership, and promote positive social skills. Participants will explore how small, consistent interactions rather than large, formal lessons can have powerful impacts on student well-being.
Additionally, participants will learn about local resources, including emerging opportunities through Snow College and outreach efforts such as student assemblies focused on relationships, communication, and self-worth.
Educators will leave with simple, research-informed strategies they can implement immediately to strengthen student relationships, improve emotional resilience, and create more connected classroom environments.
Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Not Applicable
Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Mac Laptop, Windows Laptop
