Faculty Vitality & Well-being

February 17, 2025

There is always a lot going on in higher education. But there’s A LOT MORE going on in the current moment. As you are navigating the uncertainty and trying to teach, manage any research, and work with students and colleagues, here’s a little help from your ATL friends. We cannot fix all the systemic problems, but we can offer resources for you to find kinship, new ideas, and maybe a little rest. 

In the spirit of putting your mask on first before assisting others, this first set of resources focuses on you, the instructor. Pages on well-being and teaching are forthcoming.

If you have suggestions or questions, reach out to: Penny Edwards, Faculty Development Specialist, at penny.edwards@uri.edu.

Programming

1: Defining Your Scope of Practice & Preserving Your Well-being

Defining Your Scope of Practice & Preserving Your Well-being
Date: Tuesday, January, 28, 2025
Time: 11am-12:15pm
Location: Multicultural Student Services Center, Room 203
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2: Cultivating Vitality Through Intentional Rest

Cultivating Vitality Through Intentional Rest
Date: Tuesday, February, 25, 2025
Time: 11am-12:15pm
Location: Multicultural Student Services Center, Room 203
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3: Reflect & Reimagine: Equity-centered Well-being in Educational Spaces

Reflect & Reimagine: Equity-centered Well-being in Educational Spaces
Date: Tuesday, March 25, 2025
Time: 11am-12:15pm
Location: Anchor Room in the Welcome Center
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Instructor Appreciation Luncheon

Join us as we celebrate the dedication and impact of all URI Instructors. The Office for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning invites you to our annual Instructor Appreciation Luncheon, where we recognize and honor the exceptional commitment of our teaching community.

Thank-an-Instructor Program

ATL's 'Thank-an-Instructor' program provides students an opportunity to express appreciation for instructors who have positively impacted their educational journey.

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Articles

7 Ways to Weave Mindfulness into Your Day

By Michael D. Watkins
Harvard Business Review article offering ideas on ways to incorporate simple - and quick - mindfulness moments into your workday. Written for executive leaders, but highly relevant for instructors.

An Educator’s Scope of Practice

By Karen Costa
Book chapter describing how the scope of practice framework from healthcare professionals can be applied to educators. Aim is to support instructors in clarifying and maintaining their work boundaries.

Burnout is All Too Real

By AAC&U
Short AAC&U article sharing ideas on curtailing burnout, for faculty & administrators by faculty & administrators.

Coping with Stress at Work

By APA
Working hard should not be confused with overworking at the expense of relationships and physical health. The American Psychological Association offers insights on handling stress in the workplace.

How to Procrastinate Productively

By Rebecca Schuman
Schuman’s Chronicle of Higher Education article argues for productive procrastination and that self-subterfuge is a key aspect of academic motivation.

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Books

Community as Rebellion

By Lorgia García Peña
Click for more information

Permission to Rest

By Ashley Neese
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Rest is Resistance

by Tricia Hersey
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The Present Professor

By Elizabeth A. Norell
Click for more information

The Slow Professor

By Maggie Berg & Barbara K. Seeber
Click for more information

Unraveling Faculty Burnout: Pathways to Reckoning & Renewal

By Rebecca Pope-Ruark
Click for more information

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Audio/Visual Resources

How Role Clarity and Boundaries Can Help Us Thrive

Podcast: Teaching in Higher Ed podcast episode with Karen Costa, where she discusses her Scope of Practice framework

Joy Cards

Downloadable PDF: As teachers, we know that a joyful learning environment helps students thrive. Collected here are lots of little ideas for how we can all infuse a little more joy into our work.

Roadmap to Self-Care

PDF: Taking care of yourself is important, but can also be difficult to do. Because self-care can be a game changer in terms of mental health, taking steps to fold it into your routine is essential. Learn more from the Mental Health Coalition.

Strategies to Support the 7 Types of Rest

Infographic showing the 7 types of rest and strategies to support each type. Adapted from Saundra Dalton-Smith by Justin Wright.

The Physiological Sigh

Youtube Video: Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist and tenured professor at Stanford’s School of Medicine, talks about the ‘physiological sigh’ and how it helps manage your heart rate and lower physiological arousal. (<5 min)

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Consultations

Individual Consultations or Department-Specific Workshops with Penny Edwards

Looking for a more focused conversation about navigating the higher ed landscape while supporting your vitality? Want to explore opportunities for a conversation in your department?

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URI Resources

Community, Equity, & Diversity Office

CED’s website with resources to find your community and engage with colleagues.

HR/Health & Wellness Resources

URI’s Employee Health & Wellness website listing several resources available to faculty, staff, & administrators.

URI Employee Assistance Program

State of RI employee assistance program and associated resources

Did you know?

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