The SAILS Program

About the SAILS Program

Grounded in the CASEL Framework, the Self-Advocacy and Interpersonal Life-Skills Support (SAILS) Program at Mitchell College helps students develop skills in environments that enhance their learning and development. The program implements a cohort learning model that focuses on and develops five core competencies:

Self-Awareness

Strengthening the ability to recognize one’s emotions, values, strengths, and areas of challenge

Responsible Decision Making

Developing skills to make strong personal and social behavior choices

Relationship Skills

Fostering positive relationships, self-advocacy, boundary setting, group work, and conflict resolution

Social Awareness

Building awareness to be empathetic and respectful to all members of the Mitchell College community

Self-Management

Managing emotions, behavior, time, and priorities to achieve personal goals

Program Content

Approximately 4 to 5 hours per week.

Weekly Check-ins*

Check-ins are with the Coordinator and Student Mentors (on alternating weeks). During this time, staff will check in with students to monitor social/emotional well-being, individual progress, social engagements, utilization of campus resources, and setting goals/areas of improvement.

Weekly Hangouts

The cohort will attend a weekly social event together each week during Year 1. During Semester 2/Year 2 and beyond, students can swap out a cohort event with an event of their choosing.

Social/Outing

The cohort will participate in a SAILS-specific program or outing once a month.

Meals

Students will attend lunch or dinner once a week as a cohort with a member of the SAILS team (Coordinator or Student Mentors).

Workshops

Seven workshops are held per semester* (Year 1), for approximately 1 workshop biweekly covering topics related to the core competencies.

NOTES:

*Number might be adjusted depending on individual student need.
**Number may be adjusted depending on cohort need.

Sample Timeline

Semester 1
WEEK	THEME	TOPICS COVERED
1	Settling in and Making Connections	Cohort Connections, Expectations, Social Engagement, Time Management
2–5	Foundations	Technology Review: Moodle, Outlook Calendars, Library, etc. Social Engagement, Life Skills Programming (ex. Laundry 101, Microwave Meals, etc.)
6–8	Character Development	Self-Awareness, Values, Self-Control, Empathy, and Growth Mindset
9–10	Relationship Skills	Healthy Relationships, Interpersonal Skills
11–13	Communication	Effective Communication, Conflict Resolution
14–16	End of Semester Review and Finals Prep	Semester Review and Reflections Preparation for Following Semester
Semester 2
1	Settling Back In	Refresh of Foundation (Campus Resources, Routines, Managements)
2–5	Problem Solving	Making Strong Decisions, Problem-Solving Techniques, Management Skills
6–8	Civic Engagement	Community, Advocacy, Service
8–10	Health and Wellness	Nutrition, Balance, Movement, Mindfulness
10–13	Looking Ahead!	Budgeting and Spending Plan, Career Interests
14–16	End of Semester Review and Finals Prep	Semester Review and Reflections, Prep for Following Semester/Summer