{"id":19294,"date":"2025-02-17T11:16:30","date_gmt":"2025-02-17T16:16:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/atl\/?p=19294"},"modified":"2026-03-16T12:46:26","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T16:46:26","slug":"faculty-vitality-well-being","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/atl\/faculty-vitality-well-being\/","title":{"rendered":"Faculty Vitality & Well-being"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Jump to:<\/h1>\nprogramming<\/a>\n\narticles<\/a>\n\nbooks<\/a>\n\naudio\/visual resources<\/a>\n\nconsultations<\/a>\n\nURI Resources<\/a>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

There is always a lot going on in higher education. But there\u2019s 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\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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Programming<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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ATL Walk & Talk<\/h2>

ATL's Walk & Talk is back! Looking for a way to connect with colleagues? Need a break from the stresses of faculty life? Come walk with us! This opportunity gives instructors an informal way to engage with peers, take a leisurely stroll\/roll around campus, and discuss teaching and learning topics that are top of mind.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

Book Club – The Slow Professor: Challenging the Culture of Speed in the Academy (10th Anniversary Edition)<\/h2>

Academic life can be overwhelming. Could slowing down help us better connect with our professional purpose? Join us for a 5-session book discussion on the 10th Anniversary Edition of The Slow Professor: Challenging the Culture of Speed in the Academy (Berg & Seeber, 2025).<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

Book Club – Unraveling Faculty Burnout<\/h2>

Join your colleagues for a validating and forward-thinking discussion on the book Unraveling Faculty Burnout: Pathways to Reckoning & Renewal. Written by a higher education faculty member and burnout researcher and survivor, this book shares insights into the burnout experience.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

Cultivating Vitality Through Intentional Rest<\/h2>

Faculty roles (of all kinds) can be tough. Academic capitalism and grind culture suggest rest is for when you're finished with all the things. Not so! Rest is essential to being and doing what we care most about.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

Fall Writing Retreats<\/h2>

Writing Across URI (now housed in ATL) invites all writers to join our Fall Writing Retreats. Keep the momentum going on your academic article, grant proposal, or creative project! There\u2019s no formal program: just bring your laptop and other materials, plus your own lunch\/snacks. We will provide coffee and tea!<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

Instructor Appreciation Luncheon 2026<\/h2>

On April 16, 2026, the Office for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning (ATL) hosted its 3rd annual Instructor Appreciation Luncheon in the URI Memorial Union Ballroom. The event brought together more than 130 instructors from across the university campus to celebrate their dedication to teaching excellence and student success. <\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

Thank-an-Instructor Program – Recap<\/h2>

ATL's 'Thank-an-Instructor' program provides students an opportunity to express appreciation for instructors who have positively impacted their educational journey. The 2026 program was a great success! We look forward to accepting new submissions in March of 2027.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

Understanding and Mitigating Burnout<\/h2>

Feeling exhausted, more cynical, or less effective in your work? Burnout may be knocking at your door. Working in higher education can be overwhelming, especially right now. <\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\nback to top<\/a>\n\n\n

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Articles<\/h1>\n\n\n

5 Steps to Defend Higher Ed<\/h2>

By Kevin R. McClure
This Chronicle of Higher Education article underscores the critical role of faculty well-being in empowering educators to defend the core values of higher education..<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

7 Ways to Weave Mindfulness into Your Day<\/h2>

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.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

An Educator\u2019s Scope of Practice<\/h2>

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.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

Burnout is All Too Real<\/h2>

By AAC&U
Short AAC&U article sharing ideas on curtailing burnout, for faculty & administrators by faculty & administrators.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

Coping with Stress at Work<\/h2>

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.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

Relationships as Resistance<\/h2>

An opinion piece from Inside Higher Ed discussing the value of leaning into our relationships as a form of resistance.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\nback to top<\/a>\n\n\n

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Books<\/h1>\n\n\n
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Community as Rebellion<\/h2>

By Lorgia Garc\u00eda Pe\u00f1a
Click for more information<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

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Permission to Rest<\/h2>

By Ashley Neese
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Rest is Resistance<\/h2>

by Tricia Hersey
Click for more information\n<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

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The Present Professor<\/h2>

By Elizabeth A. Norell
Click for more information<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

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The Slow Professor<\/h2>

By Maggie Berg & Barbara K. Seeber
Click for more information<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

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Unraveling Faculty Burnout: Pathways to Reckoning & Renewal<\/h2>

By Rebecca Pope-Ruark
Click for more information<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\nback to top<\/a>\n\n\n

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Audio\/Visual Resources<\/h1>\n\n\n
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Analog Inspiration Cards<\/h2>

Looking to keep the human factor at the forefront while incorporating AI in your courses? These cards can give you ideas to use in your classroom.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

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How Role Clarity and Boundaries Can Help Us Thrive<\/h2>

Podcast: Teaching in Higher Ed podcast episode with Karen Costa, where she discusses her Scope of Practice framework<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

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Joy Cards<\/h2>

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.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

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Roadmap to Self-Care<\/h2>

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.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

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Strategies to Support the 7 Types of Rest<\/h2>

Infographic showing the 7 types of rest and strategies to support each type. Adapted from Saundra Dalton-Smith by Justin Wright.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>

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The Physiological Sigh<\/h2>

Youtube Video: Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist and tenured professor at Stanford\u2019s School of Medicine, talks about the \u2018physiological sigh\u2019 and how it helps manage your heart rate and lower physiological arousal. (<5 min)<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\nback to top<\/a>\n\n\n

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Consultations<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Individual Consultations or Department-Specific Workshops with Penny Edwards<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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?<\/p>\n\n\n\n