What is SIGNA?
SIGNA members dress up for mock interview night with Peer Coaches
- A skills training program developed for UMD college students that offers specialized training in social communication, executive functioning, and self-advocacy skills in individual and group settings. There is a particular emphasis on educating members Theory of Mind and increasing awareness of others' perspectives throughout the program.
- SIGNA offers two groups:
- First year SIGNA members enroll in SIGNA, a group is based on the PEERS® for Young Adults curriculum, an evidence-based program by Dr. Laugeson for "motivated adults who are interested in making and keeping friends and/or developing romantic relationships." Members learn about
- Conversation skills
- Making and keeping friends
- Listening skills
- Interview skills
- Interpreting tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language
- Navigating campus life and the professional world
- Understanding and expressing humor, figurative language, and idioms
- Understanding emotions and perspective of others
- Dating and romantic relationships
- See more information on the program here: https://www.semel.ucla.edu/peers/young-adults
- Second SIGNA members enroll in SIGNA Launch, a group is based on the RealCareer™ Employability Skills Program, which uses hands-on activities as well as real-world applications to teach soft skills, from communication and interpersonal skills to time management and responsibility. See more information on the program here: https://www.realityworks.com/product/realcareer-employability-skills-program/
- First year SIGNA members enroll in SIGNA, a group is based on the PEERS® for Young Adults curriculum, an evidence-based program by Dr. Laugeson for "motivated adults who are interested in making and keeping friends and/or developing romantic relationships." Members learn about
Enrollment in the SIGNA program includes a year-long membership with the following components:
A full executive functioning and communication evaluation |
When a member first joins SIGNA, they will complete a full executive functioning and communication evaluation from a HESP graduate student. They will receive the initial report as well as a progress report at the end of each semester summarizing their goals and achievements of that semester. |
Weekly group meetings |
The weekly group meetings are run by undergraduate Peer Coaches for first year SIGNA and by HESP graduate students for the SIGNA Launch group. Group meetings are taught in a seminar style and involve active participation of the members as well as role plays and weekly assignments related to the topic discussed each week.
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Weekly individual sessions |
Each member will meet with their Communication Coach weekly, either in 2 50-minute sessions or 1 90-minute session, to work on individualized executive functioning and communication goals determined by the initial report.
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Peer Mentor check-ins |
First year SIGNA members will be assigned an undergraduate Peer Mentor who they will meet with weekly to go over homework assigned in the group meetings and to discuss real-life social situations.
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Extracurricular Activities |
 SIGNA members and Peer Coaches during the Game Night social outing
In addition to the scheduled weekly meetings, each semester, Peer Coaches will plan 3-4 social and professional events. Peer Mentors and other UMD college students may join these social events as well. Participation in these events (as schedules permit) is strongly encouraged as this allows the member to develop friendships, practice newly-learned skills and to stay connected with other college students. Other opportunities may include:
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