Spring 2021 Information Updates for Faculty

Intro Statement From Faculty Council Chair

Spring 2021 Message from President McConnell

Be Well Newsletter – March 2021

Communication to Faculty from the Teaching Continuity and Recovery Team — Spring 2021

Spring 2021 Teaching Resources from Kelly Long (Vice President for Undergraduate Affairs—VPUA) and the Teaching Continuity and Recovery Team (TCRT)

  • The following attached documents and hyperlinks below will be helpful to you Prior to the First Day of Classes:
  • The following attached documents and hyperlinks below will also be help you in addressing student questions about:
    • Accommodations – This guide explains how to work with students who have documentation from the Student Disability Center as opposed to those who request adjustments to class modality.
    • Group Work – This document suggests ways to alleviate undue pressure on students if you ask them to work in groups or teams outside of the class session.
  • Supporting Student Mental Health and Well-Being

In this time of increasing stress, and multiple challenges, faculty and staff are asking about ways to support student mental health and well-being.  Here are several ways to you can help:

    • Explore CSU’s Well-Being in Academic Environments Tool Kit, a web-based resource with easy to implement strategies for fostering well-being, while creating effective learning environments. Pick a few strategies you could integrate in your classroom or other academic settings.  The tool kit is a collaboration between CSU Health Network and university partners.  It is based on a successful initiative from the University of Texas Austin.
    • Consider including a reference to student mental health and well-being support resources on your syllabi using this standardized language:
      • “CSU is a community that cares. You are not alone. CSU Health Network Counseling Services has trained professionals who can help. Your student fees provide access to a wide range of support services. Call Counseling Services at (970) 491-6053, and they will work together with you to find out which services are right for you. Visit https://health.colostate.edu/about-counseling-services to learn more and https://health.colostate.edu/mental-health-resources/ for additional student mental health and well-being resources. If you are concerned about a friend or peer, use Tell Someone by calling (970) 491-1350 or visiting https://supportandsafety.colostate.edu/tell-someone/ to share your concerns with a professional who can discreetly connect the distressed individual with the proper resources. Rams Take Care of Rams. Reach out and ask for help if you or someone you know if having a difficult time.”
    • Become familiar with the student mental health and well-being support resources provided by the CSU Health Network designed to help students learn how to improve mental health, manage stress and minimize anxiety.  Promote in your circles and keep handy to refer, as situations and opportunities arise: https://health.colostate.edu/mental-health-resources/

Faculty Council Library of Essential COVID-19 Documents

First Day Videos

Netiquette Resources

Student Motivation and Classroom Climate Videos

Faculty Wellness & Self-Care Resources

  • Ideas to Share
    • Self-care every day. Don’t leave it for when you’re drowning underneath the stress of work and expectations — carve out some time for self-care every day.
    • The Wellness Society’s Coronavirus Anxiety WorkbookAlso check out the other resources available at The Wellness Society.
    • Don’t let the complexities of the fall semester amid Covid-19 overwhelm all the good things that drove you to your discipline in the first place.
    • Science-based insights for a meaningful life at The Greater Good Magazine
    • Stress-busting senses. Our five sensescan do more than their expected external duties — they can help us find internal balance, too.
    • Accept the changing situation. The world may seem like it’s upside down now, but you can still create stability for yourself. Here are tipson how to reduce anxiety and isolation.
    • Productivity hacks. Streamlining your approach to workhelps you become more productive, increases your focus and reduces stress.
    • Healthy stomach, healthy mind. When you’re busy, you tend to choose food for convenience rather than health. But your food choices have lasting effects— why not make them positive?
    • The fall semester promises to be as stressful as the spring. What can you do as a department chair to lead in a compassionate way?
    • Mindful Schools: Free Mindful Schools Classes for Kids.
    • Positive Psychology lessons & downloadables.
    • Self-Care Ideas for Mental Health.
      • Relax and allow yourself to do nothing (no cellphones allowed!)
      • Meditate
      • Read an educational book with a focus on personal growth
      • Listen to an educational podcast (news is not included as educational)
      • Play with your pet
      • Cuddle your significant other
      • Do something that makes you smile
      • Create something artistic or play an instrument
      • Listen to music you love
      • Practice gratitude with a gratitude journal
    • Self-Care Ideas for Emotional Health
      • Focus on your own needs and goals instead of comparing yourself to others
      • Practice compassion for yourself
      • Take a break from social media
      • Allow yourself to feel your feelings instead of running from them or distracting yourself
      • Read a fictional book that lifts your spirits
      • Take a break from technology—unplug
      • Help someone and don’t expect anything in return
      • Practice positive affirmations
      • Write down a few things you appreciate yourself