GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College’s Concussion Management Team, formed in 2022, is continuing to raise awareness about concussions among the campus community and two of its members will share the planning that went into the team’s 2023 event at an upcoming national webinar.
Among the upcoming events that are part of the “Start the Conversation” campaign will be a peer-to-peer discussion involving members of the men’s and women’s soccer teams and the cheer team on August 21, 2024. Statistics show that 50 percent of concussions go unreported with non-disclosure being driven by situational pressures and attitudes. The event, which is set to be held on campus, aims to use the peer educators as a means to foster a culture of concussion from within the team itself as opposed to relying exclusively on experts from outside the team.
Following this, on August 26, Thiel College’s Associate Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders and Concussion Management Team Leader Julie Kobak and Coordinator of the Accessibility Resource Center and Concussion Management Team member Erin Bain will represent the institution during a national webinar hosted by the Brain Injury Association of America.
They will share their insights on concussions as part of the Concussion Awareness Now initiative, demonstrating Thiel’s commitment to being a leader in concussion education.
The conversation continues on September 20, 2024, as Thiel College hosts a special event on campus in observance of National Concussion Awareness Day. This event will feature activities and educational opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to engage with experts in the field of concussion management.
These events are part of a broader effort by the Thiel Concussion Management Team. The multidisciplinary team, composed of faculty and staff from various departments—including athletics, academics, health and wellness, counseling, and the accessibility resource center—works collaboratively to ensure that every student who sustains a concussion at Thiel has a safe and successful return to their academic and athletic activities.
Earlier this year, in March during Brain Injury Awareness Month, Thiel College welcomed Concussion Awareness Now and the Melon Family to campus. Their appearance helped to spread the message about the importance of concussion awareness through interactive activities and educational resources.
“The event was a tremendous success, with participants gaining valuable insights into the physical and neurocognitive impacts of concussions,” Kobak said.
The events have garnered positive feedback, with many students and faculty members expressing a new understanding of concussions and their implications.
“The interactive use of concussion simulation goggles and other educational tools has not only increased awareness but also fostered a supportive culture around concussion management on campus,” Kobak said.
About Thiel College
Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.