Wow. These past couple of weeks have felt like a couple months. So much is happening in our world with a new president-elect, the pandemic worsening, and it feels like winter is arriving. There is a lot of things out of our control right now and it can feel overwhelming. One of my favorite sayings is “We can't control the situation we are in but we can control the way we respond to it.” There is a wonderful article I’ve found helpful, “Coping With What You Can’t Control” by Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S. from PsychCentral. One tip from Tartakovsky is to remind yourself it’s not permanent. To help center myself, I find something that is more permanent and in my control. Focusing on my own personal and professional development is within my control and it makes me feel like I’m taking care of my future self.
The UNOPA/UAAD program last week was a fantastic look at how the College of Engineering created a Staff Council. You can find the slides with a link to the recording in the U2 Teams channel (Files > 2020-2021 Meeting Information folder). They were tasked with creating a staff council that would develop the staff to become more proficient through professional development, wellness and mentoring. The Council is also developing an onboarding process for new hires that will help build the college community across two campuses. They have had great involvement and encouraging feedback that this will continue to enhance the staff and the college. Please check out the slides as there is a lot in information shared with their process and feedback.
Please add the upcoming events to your calendar to stay engaged with the campus community and learn something new. We have some interesting topics coming up that will involve everyone. See you online soon!
Ranelle Maltas
2020-21 UAAD President
U2 Meeting, November 18, Noon - 1 p.m.
November U2 Meeting: Creating a More Inclusive Campus Culture through Professional Development
This conversation will discuss ways to begin or continue to build skills for creating an inclusive campus climate. We will have guests from the Chancellor’s Commission on the Status of People of Color, Chancellor’s Commission on the Status of Women, and the Chancellor’s Commission on the Status of Sexual and Gender Identities and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. Topics will include practical tips for confronting sexism, racism, cissexism and heterosexism; intersectionality; the roles of the commissions and the office of diversity and inclusion; suggestions for resources for self-guided personal and professional development opportunities related to diversity and inclusion and ways to learn about professional development opportunities related to diversity and inclusion on campus. The meeting will take place November 18, 2020 from Noon to 1 PM. To register, complete the form at https://go.unl.edu/u2meetingregistration.
Enhancing the Culture of Well-Being, December 9, Noon - 1:00 p.m.
Join us in a sneak peek of another session to be featured at the May 2021 All-Staff Empowerment conference. Connie Boehm will give a virtual presentation of 'Enhancing the Culture of Well-Being' on December 9 from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Happy and engaged faculty and staff members have a huge impact on student learning, motivation and happiness. Come prepared to learn about the nine dimensions of well-being and how little changes in one dimension can pull other dimensions along in a positive way. This presentation will provide approaches that support your well-being, centered around positivity, resilience, and gratitude. You will leave the session with a greater understanding of well-being and resilience practices, and how to connect with students and support their well-being.
Constance Boehm is the Director of Student Resilience, Big Red Resilience & Well Being. She is a seasoned wellness professional with over 30 years of promoting well-being in higher education. She creates a strong culture of innovation in student, staff and faculty well-being by supporting new ideas and by challenging individuals to move beyond status quo. She values the goals of student affairs and works toward them with creativity, determination, and zest.
If there are any questions, please contact Lorraine Moon (lmoon1@unl.edu).
Updated Award Nomination Deadline
The University Association for Administrative Development (UAAD) is accepting nominations for the 2021 Carl A. Donaldson Award for Excellence in Management and the 2021 Floyd S. Oldt Award for Exceptional Service to the University. The nomination deadline for both awards has been updated to Monday, March 15, 2021.
The Carl A. Donaldson Award for Excellence in Management recognizes campus managers in non-faculty positions. The award has been presented since 1972 and honors Donaldson, a University of Nebraska graduate who worked for the university for 43 years. Donaldson founded UAAD in 1961.
The Floyd S. Oldt Award for Exceptional Service to the University honors a UNL employee in a managerial/professional position. The award was created in 1992 from a bequest by Oldt, a 1920 University of Nebraska graduate. Oldt was a superintendent of Abel Construction Company in Lincoln before moving to Dallas. Oldt was a contributor to many humanitarian and civic organizations.
For more information, please visit https://uaad.unl.edu/awards or e-mail uaad@unl.edu.
Please spread the word with coworkers at departmental meetings, socially distant luncheons, etc. to get the word out and nominate your colleagues!
