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In this issue, we continue to highlight faculty’s recommended strategies from the 2020-21 Wellness in the Classroom Faculty Learning Community.
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Mindfulness-based Pedagogy
By Urvashi Mulasi, Assistant Professor, Family & Consumer Sciences
The Wellness in the Classroom FLC connected me with several resources that help integrate care and wellbeing into pedagogical practices. I was able to self-evaluate and assess my teaching style and develop strategies towards creating positive student learning outcomes. A few techniques I implemented include:
- Music: Asking students which songs they would like to hear and playing their requested songs 10 minutes before class time.
- Break: Having a brief 3 - 4 minute pause mid-way during synchronous meetings.
- Checking-In: Simply asking, “How are you doing?” before class.
- Support: Included information about campus support services in the syllabus, including the WELL, Student Health and Counseling Services, Food Pantry, CARES office, emergency funds.
Next Steps: I feel incorporating mindfulness, breathwork, yoga, and similar stress-reduction strategies in the higher education curriculum is essential. Research indicates that university students can use stress reduction strategies to improve diet, physical activity, sleep, and social relationships. Furthermore, teachers who engage in stress reduction therapies are calmer and have an engaged presence for their students. Sacramento State’s WELL provides several stress reduction classes for students. Organizational & Learning Development has several wellness resources and course offerings for staff and faculty.
Resources:
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Urvashi Mulasi is an assistant professor of Nutrition and director of the Didactic Program in Dietetics in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences. She is also a registered dietitian nutritionist. Urvashi believes in integrating mind-body healing and wellness approaches in her pedagogical and research practices. Recently, she led a Mindfulness Wellness Circle for Sacramento State faculty and staff.
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Announcements
Wellness Ambassador Training Program for Faculty and Staff
The Wellness Ambassador program prepares faculty and staff to respond to students who are facing basic needs, mental health or unique crisis or challenges. This is an 8-hour certificate training program broken up into two consecutive days. Participants will walk away with a certificate, crisis support handbook, and email signature mark indicating they are a Wellness Ambassador. This training is hosted by the CARES office; questions can be sent to cares@csus.edu. November 9 & 10, 1:30-4pm. Register
Peer Counseling
Peer Counseling is available for 30-minute appointments. Peer Counseling is a non-judgmental space providing peer support for students to speak confidentially about what's on their mind. Peer Counselors are helpful listeners and trained to support peers with their mental health concerns. Visit the Peer Counseling link to meet the Peer Counselors or make an appointment.
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Self-Care
According to this study, faculty who regularly use stress-reducing strategies improve both their own wellbeing and the quality of their classroom. Try a free YouTube mindfulness meditation on Headspace, Great Meditation, Calm, or The Honest Guys.
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Events
Nov. 1 – Nutrition Workshop Series (3 weeks), 11am-12pm, Zoom [Register]
Nov. 2 – Free Flu Shots (for students, staff & faculty), 10am-2pm, The WELL
Nov. 2 – Hornet Nights Trivia: Winter is Coming, 7-7:45pm, Zoom [Register]
Nov. 8 – Free Grocery Pop-Up Pantry, 10:30am-1:30pm, Library Quad
Nov. 8 – Coffee with Counselors: Cultural Stigma re: Therapy, 11am-12pm, Zoom
Nov. 8 – SEX WEEK: Toys & Toddies, 7-8pm, The Cove in The WELL
Nov. 9 – Free Flu Shots (for students, staff & faculty), 10am-2pm, The WELL
Nov. 9 – SEX WEEK: Queer Sex Ed Jeopardy, 6-8pm, Zoom [Register]
Nov. 10 – Health Insurance with Covered CA, 10-11am, Zoom [Register]
Nov. 10 – SEX WEEK: Queering Sex Ed, 11:30am-1pm, Zoom [Register]
Nov. 10 – Cooking Demo: Apple & Cinnamon Bars, 1:30-2:30pm, Zoom [Register]
Nov. 16 – Cooking Demo, 9-10am, Zoom [Register]
Nov. 16 – Free Flu Shots (for students, staff & faculty), 10am-2pm, The WELL
Nov. 16 – Health Insurance with Covered CA, 2-3pm, Zoom [Register]
Nov. 16 – Ruff, Puff, & Roll: Pet Show & Tell & Trivia, 6:30-7:30 [Register]
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"It is widely accepted that health and well-being are essential elements for effective learning."
El Ansari & Stock, 2010
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The "Wellness in the Classroom: Faculty Influence on Student Wellbeing and Success" project seeks to provide faculty with the tools and resources to create conditions for student wellbeing and optimal learning in the classroom.
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