Initiatives

Faculty Belonging and Wellbeing Series

The Faculty Belonging and Wellbeing Discussion Series aims to start conversations around faculty wellbeing, and the successes and challenges faculty face in academia. The goal is not to necessarily solve these challenges, but instead to create connections and build support while also exploring opportunities for institutional change. These conversations will also inform future CTL programming as well as conversations with campus leadership.

Session #1 – Culture of Academia

The first session of the Faculty Belonging and Wellbeing series will be a discussion about the culture of academia, where it brings us joy, and where it presents obstacles. This is an open conversation for all faculty to share their thoughts and connect with colleagues as we unpack our experiences in higher education.

Session #2 – Impostor Syndrome and Burnout

The second conversation in the series will discuss two common occurrences for faculty – impostor syndrome and burnout. What are they and how do they present themselves? What are contributing factors and how can we support each other? This is an open conversation for all faculty to share their thoughts and connect with colleagues as we unpack our experiences in higher education.

Session #3 – Work/Life Balance

The third conversation in the series will discuss work life/balance in academia. What does that look like and how does academia support and hinder this balance? We will explore a variety of topics such as invisible work, responsibility creep, and compassion fatigue as well as how our various identities factor into the ability to balance it all. This is an open conversation for all faculty to share their thoughts and connect with colleagues as we unpack our experiences in higher education.

Session #4 – Finding Support/Next Steps

The final conversation of the series will discuss opportunities for support and next steps in enhancing faculty belonging and wellbeing at MSUB. What are individual and collective actions we might take? What does support look like for different ranks of faculty? How can we create healthy environments in the classroom for both students and instructors? This is an open conversation for all faculty to share their thoughts and connect with colleagues as we unpack our experiences in higher education.

Research on Faculty Belonging and Wellbeing

The Faculty Belonging and Wellbeing series will be used to collect qualitative data to inform the creation of a survey instrument to identify obstacles to faculty wellbeing and the needs of faculty, in terms of belonging and wellbeing. The survey will be administered in November 2023.

Student Belonging and Wellbeing Workshop Series

The Student Belonging and Wellbeing Workshop Series helps faculty implement equitable teaching practices and curriculum design that foster belonging and are responsive to diverse student backgrounds and lived experiences. The sessions are based on education research and evidence-based teaching practices while also inviting faculty to share their practices and experiences.

Session #1 – Fostering Community and Sense of Belonging in the Classroom (Roundtable)

The first session of the Student Belonging and Wellbeing Series is a roundtable discussion on fostering community and belonging in the classroom. We invite faculty to share their strategies, ideas, and questions about creating inviting and equitable learning environments that help students engage and connect with their learning and their peers.

Session #2 – Trauma-Informed Teaching (Training)

The second session of the Student Belonging and Wellbeing Series is a training on trauma-informed teaching. What is trauma and how does it affect students’ ability to learn and engage? What are teaching strategies that support and empower students with trauma? Join us to learn more, ask questions, and leave with new tools for your teaching.

Session #3 – Evidence-Based Teaching Practices that Support Student Wellbeing/Success (Panel)

The third session of the Student Belonging and Wellbeing Series is faculty panel on supporting student wellbeing and success in the classroom. How can we support all learners in their educational journeys? Join us for a discussion on the policies, practices, and strategies that help students do well in your courses while also supporting their wellbeing.

Session #4 - Creating an Inclusive Syllabus (Workshop)

The final session of the Student Belonging and Wellbeing Series is a workshop on creating an inclusive syllabus. We will review recent research and share an inclusive syllabus rubric and guide. Bring a copy of your syllabus to work on during this session.