This past year has been challenging for everyone. Wellness is always an important topic, but it is even more critical now. As a faculty adviser, your own wellness can influence the work you do with students, so taking steps toward self-care is valuable. This edition of the Advising Essentials provides tips and resources you can use to facilitate your own wellness as a faculty adviser. |
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With much of our lives virtual, at the moment, it can be easy to blur boundaries. Start by setting small, manageable boundaries that will help you ensure you have enough time in your day for work and non-work activities. For example, set a time for yourself at which you will stop replying to email. If an advisee emails you at 10:00pm, it can be easy to feel the urge to respond if you don’t have a boundary set. One small practice like this can help you gain control over your free time. |
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You aren’t alone! Connect with a colleague and debrief after particularly challenging or emotional advising interactions. Speaking with someone who also has advising experience can help you process your interaction and learn new information or techniques that you could implement in future advising appointments.
Another way to collaborate is to refer students to appropriate resources as needed--it's okay if you don't have all the answers for a student. To share a concern beyond advising about a student experiencing academic, health, safety, financial, or other distress, make a referral to the Behrend CARE (Communicate, Advocate, Refer, and Educate) Team. To alert the team to a specific concern focused on one area or a matter that may need to be addressed by multiple offices/departments working together, please complete the Behrend CARE Team report form. The CARE Team will review the information submitted and determine the best course of action to assist the student.
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Being aware of your body and your mind through mindfulness helps you engage in the present moment. This can be particularly helpful if you find yourself feeling stressed or overwhelmed with your advising (or other) responsibilities. This website provides instructions for various types of mindfulness practices that can easily be incorporated into your lifestyle. The University also sponsors mindfulness opportunities, such as this upcoming meditation series. |
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It sounds simple, but it’s important! Taking care of your body with proper nutrition, making time for restorative sleep, and adding movement to your day can help foster a physically healthy lifestyle. When your body is well, you mind can be well, too. Try taking a walk around campus before work, after work, or during lunch; this will help your physical wellness and it gives your brain a much-needed break. Campus is beautiful, even in winter! |
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The DUS Advisers are proud to announce the creation of a one-stop-shop resource for faculty advisers. The Behrend Faculty Advising Team (housed here in Office 365) will give you access to resources, policy/procedure updates, and be a way to ask questions of other advisers. In the words of Dr. Silver, this resource will help you advise "wisely, correctly, and confidently." View her entire message here.
If you do not currently have advisees assigned to you but would like access to the group, please email askacpc@psu.edu to be added.
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Click the each image below to explore additional wellness resources: |
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If you have questions about this topic or suggestions for future editions of the Advising Essentials, the DUS advisers would love to hear them! |
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