Sensory integration refers to complex processes of the nervous system that allow the brain to understand internal bodily states and sensations from the environment. Taking in and processing information from our bodies and the world (sensations) takes up approximately 80% of brain function. These sensations include sights, sounds, touches, tastes, and smells. In addition, we have sensory systems that allow us to maintain balance and understand our movements (vestibular), feel our bodies in space (proprioception), and understand sensations from our internal organs (interoception).

Sensory integration is a vital part of the human experience, and we all have individual sensory preferences. Think about it: Do you love roller coasters or avoid them at all costs? Do you feel energized in crowded places or overwhelmed? Do you cut the tags out of your shirts, or do you not even notice them?

Many individuals face challenges in taking in and processing different sensations, which can impact their ability to participate in and succeed at daily activities. Challenges with sensory processing can present in various ways: a toddler who avoids walking on grass, a child who constantly bumps into classmates, a child who has a tantrum whenever it's time for a handwriting activity, a teenager who rushes through the hallway to avoid busy transitional periods between classes, or an adult who struggles to sit still during brief work meetings.

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As occupational therapists, we analyze a person's sensory challenges and provide theory-driven, evidence-informed treatment to help their brains better process sensory information. Sensory integration therapy supports individuals in functioning more effectively and being successful in their daily lives and occupations.

Sensory integration therapy must be fun to be effective! This is an integral principle of the approach. As educators, we would be remiss to teach the science and theory behind sensory integration without incorporating hands-on fun. In the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program, faculty strongly believe in using experiential learning to deepen student understanding of concepts, support connections between theory and practice, and emphasize the joy and creativity that should be woven into occupational therapy interventions.

The MSOT 2025 cohort took a field trip to Family of Kidz Sensory Gym in Harrison, NY, as part of their Pediatric course.

The occupational therapists did an amazing job at explaining how they would use specific equipment for different children. Using the equipment made me feel like a kid again and I realized how much I would enjoy working in pediatrics in the future!

—Alejandra Hogg, MSOT Student

The students learned about sensory integration in lecture and then participated in experiential learning to reinforce concepts and practice skills. We played, jumped, bounced, swung, climbed, balanced, sang, and even had a pretend snowball fight.

"This was such a great experience that helped us imagine how we would utilize sensory equipment in future practice. It was very fun "relearning" how to play!" Taylor Pandorf, MSOT student shared about the field trip.

Thank you to Family of Kidz for hosting us and to our students for bringing their enthusiasm and playfulness. The experience was a perfect blend of education and fun, truly embodying the spirit of occupational therapy.

This is learning. This is fun. This is occupational therapy and we love it! Happy World OT Day!

A week of over 30 events honors DJ Henry’s legacy and focuses on racial justice, activism, and community engagement across Pace’s campuses

Pace University will kick-off its annual Social Justice Week on Saturday across its three campuses – in lower Manhattan, Pleasantville, and at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law in White Plains. In its fifth year, the week features events that adhere to values of equity and inclusion while engaging the campus community in learning activities and dialogue centered on the issues of social justice.

In 2020, Pace alumni, students, staff, and faculty – in consultation with the family of D.J. Henry, a Pace student and member of the football team who was shot and killed by a police officer during Homecoming Weekend on Oct. 17, 2010 — conceptualized Social Justice Week to honor DJ’s life and acknowledge the connections between his story, racial injustice, and other examples around the country.

“Honoring DJ Henry’s legacy is at the core of our mission to champion social and racial justice," said Pace University President Marvin Krislov. “Social Justice Week offers a transformative platform for our students — an opportunity to engage deeply with DJ’s story, to confront the realities of systemic injustice, and to be inspired to lead the charge for meaningful and lasting change in our society.”

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DJ's family founded the DJ Henry Dream Fund to carry on his legacy and passion for youth sports. DJ’s story was also the subject of a CBS News and “48 Hours” segment entitled “Defending DJ.”

The week will kick-off with Pace’s Homecoming football game on Saturday, Oct. 26, at Northwell Stadium as the Setters take on American International College. At the game, attendees will have the opportunity to purchase baked goods from Greyston Bakery, a social enterprise not-for-profit that creates meaningful job opportunities for people facing barriers to employment, with proceeds going to the DJ Henry Dream Fund.

Held to coincide with DJ’s Oct. 29 birthday, Social Justice Week is a community-driven effort that understands that DJ’s story cannot be told accurately without acknowledging how it is connected to the history and present-day reality of racism, inequity, and injustice. The week aims to create meaningful dialogue and action that can be fostered for the entire Pace Community.

With a dynamic lineup of events, ranging from workshops on food sovereignty to discussions on the mental health impacts of systemic racism, Social Justice Week offers transformative opportunities for reflection and advocacy. A full schedule of events is available. Several events throughout the week will specifically commemorate DJ Henry, with programs taking place across all Pace’s campuses. Some highlights include:

• The Lower Manhattan campus will host Dinner for DJ: A Celebration of Life, where members of the Pace community will gather to reflect on DJ’s life and legacy, with DJ’s grandfather, Wayne Dozier, in attendance.
• In Westchester, the Elisabeth Haub School of Law will host the DJ Henry Open Mic Night, where students, faculty, and staff will share stories, poetry, and performances inspired by DJ’s memory and the ongoing fight for justice. Additionally, a screening of CBS 48 Hours "Defending DJ," which delves into the circumstances surrounding DJ Henry's death, will be followed by a panel discussion.
• Additional events during Social Justice Week include a Slavery and Resistance Walking Tour in lower Manhattan, exploring key historical sites like the African Burial Ground and City Hall; a joint book talk titled "Language is Political" by Dyson College of Arts and Sciences professors Meghana Nayak and Kuhu Joshi, that focuses on how creative writing fosters social change; an event on Fighting Period Poverty, which raises awareness about menstrual inequality; the COVID-19 and Black Lives Matter Oral History Project, reflecting on racial justice and health disparities; and a screening of How to Sue the Klan, which includes Haub Law Professor and Civil Rights Attorney Randolph McLaughlin examines the landmark 1982 civil rights case against the Ku Klux Klan.

"Social Justice Week is a unique and cherished tradition at Pace University," said Jeff Barnett, Ph.D., vice president for student affairs and dean for students. "It reflects our commitment to centering the student experience and advancing our goal of becoming an antiracist university. The week, which features 33 programs and events across our three campuses hosted by students, faculty, and staff, fosters education and advocacy for our greater Pace University community. We're so grateful to the entire Social Justice Week Committee and event planners for their leadership and outstanding work."

"Pace University remains committed to creating transformative experiences for our diverse student body, and I continue to be inspired by our students' passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion," said Stephanie Akunvabey, Ed.D., chief diversity officer at Pace University. "Each year, Social Justice Week showcases the incredible initiatives of the Pace community, and I look forward to actively engaging with and learning from this year’s events."

About Pace University

Since 1906, Pace University has been transforming the lives of its diverse students—academically, professionally, and socioeconomically. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, Pace offers bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs to 13,600 students in its College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, Sands College of Performing Arts, School of Education, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.

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Meet Sophie Serage, Pace’s Gosin Center program coordinator! She’s bringing programs and initiatives to life that promote diversity and foster inclusive environments for all. Want to learn more? Check out the full Q+A below for upcoming events and more Gosin Center info!

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? How did you come to be at the Gosin Center?

Hi, all! I’m Sophie Serage, the program coordinator for the Gosin Center. I have a roommate who is a Pace student, and we were on the job boards looking for a work-study for them. However, this job was open and piqued my interest, especially with my background in community partnerships at University of Massachusetts in Boston. And the rest is history.

Tell us more about the Barry M. and Jackie Gosin Center for Equity and Inclusion. What programs do you have going on right now?

The Gosin Center has just instituted its inaugural Network Scholarship. It’s a cohort of Pleasantville sophomores with a passion for business and entrepreneurship; for the next year, they will go through a series of events and programs designed to foster their go-getter spirit and prepare them in their careers post-graduation.

What are you most looking forward to in the Fall 2024 semester?

Other than sweater weather and soup season, I would have to say Nikole Hannah-Jones is coming to Pace to speak on November 12. We had a great start to our Fireside Chat Series in the spring, and I think this will be a great addition to that collection. We will be having student moderators, and an audience Q+A. Nikole Hannah-Jones is a Pulitzer-Prize winning writer, known for her coverage of civil rights in America. It should be an evening of lively conversation, and it is our hope that everyone walks away enlightened and nourished.

How can students, staff, and faculty get involved?

Attend our events! RSVP Nikole Hannah-Jones' fireside chat later in November and be on the lookout for more to come in the spring. In the meantime, the Gosin Center is located on the 9th floor of 41 Park Row on the NYC Campus, and it is open to all!

Learn more about the Barry M. and Jackie Gosin Center for Equity and Inclusion at Pace University.

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Layne Davis ‘25, Peace and Justice Studies, Political Science, delivered a statement on October 16 to the United Nations General Assembly First Committee, which considers issues of disarmament and international security. The statement called for greater engagement in youth inclusion and disarmament education (PDF).

In consultation with partners around the world, it was drafted by Professor Matthew Bolton, PhD, and Associate Professor Emily Welty, PhD, co-directors of Dyson College’s International Disarmament Institute, a collaboration between the Peace and Justice Studies and Political Science programs.

Students who contributed to the drafting process include Rachel Kohley ‘27, Political Science; Zachary Powers ‘26, Economics, Political Science; Teresa Siniak ‘24, Communication and Media Studies; Chloe Stout ’26, Political Science; and Marlene Thomas ‘25, Peace and Justice Studies, students in Bolton’s POL297L Global Politics of Disarmament and Arms Control course. The class, which counts for civic engagement credit, brings students to the UN in small groups, allowing them the opportunity to monitor discussions in the First Committee.

“As you deliberate in these conference rooms, center the voices of communities affected by the weapons you are discussing. Their experiences highlight connections to climate inaction, colonization, and intersecting forms of marginalization along the lines of gender, race, class, Indigeneity, sexuality, caste, and disability,” said Davis, on behalf of more than 100 non-governmental organizations (NGOs), educational, and youth organizations from around the world.

The International Disarmament Institute is becoming a space of world-class education and research, and plays a convening role in support of disarmament policymaking, from humanitarian, human rights, and environmental perspectives. Pace’s contributions to promoting the involvement of young people in disarmament forums were featured in a report this year by the UN Secretary-General.