Dear Academic Affairs colleagues,
In the past few weeks, I’ve listened to faculty’s classroom experiences to understand more fully what you are experiencing in your daily lives with students. From these sessions, I have come away with an even greater appreciation for the care you have for our students’ success and empathy for the burnout many of you are feeling from the additional support you are providing.
We are in this together. Our guest at last week’s President’s Forum Dr. David Ruiter spoke about the learning loss that the post-pandemic students have suffered goes beyond content to learning strategies. Faculty and staff are both experiencing heavier caseloads and are carrying more emotional stress as we are not only supporting students who experienced a pandemic, but also because we are once again growing as an institution.
All these factors have created a level of exhaustion that many faculty and staff have shared. I understand that we can’t workshop our way through these issues. We need to ramp up a culture of care and well-being not just for our students, but for each other.
That said, I also heard we need to reiterate some of the resources we provide students, so faculty can be more aware of referral opportunities. Student Affairs staff are here to help and will partner with you as you support our students:
The CARE (Coordination, Assistance, Response and Education) Team addresses reports of troubling (inappropriate, disruptive, or harmful) student behavior to recommend proactive approaches aimed at helping students achieve success. The team is represented by a cross section of campus professionals who can address a broad range of student needs. CARE - Grand Valley State University (gvsu.edu)
The Faculty and Staff Mental Health Smartphone App, developed by the University Counseling Center, highlights the most common mental health concerns experienced by Grand Valley faculty and provides support.
EAB Navigate is the place for academic concerns (students not showing up to class, etc.) and to alert academic advisors and other support offices to student struggles. EAB Navigate - Grand Valley State University (gvsu.edu)
Disability Support Resources has a great brochure to describe the services they have available to support both faculty, staff and students. In addition, these links may be helpful:
Transitioning from K12 to College https://www.gvsu.edu/dsr/transitioning-from-k-12-to-college-120.htm,
Faculty Questions and Answers https://www.gvsu.edu/dsr/faculty-portal-134.htm.
Shared Roles and Responsibilities: DSR, Students, & Faculty: https://www.gvsu.edu/dsr/shared-roles-and-responsibilities-144.htm
Replenish is more than a food pantry. The GVSU Replenish Basic Needs Center is a physical (Allendale, Pew and Health Campus presences) and virtual space that supports and promotes equitable access and success for all learners by offering free basic needs items while connecting students to essential services.
The Social Justice Centers can also be a great referral source for students. The LGBT Resource Center, Military and Veteran Resource Center, Office of Multicultural Affairs, and the Center for Women and Gender Equity recognize and celebrate the multiple and intersecting identities of our learners.
Finally, GVSU faculty and staff are the reason students are successful. Our commitment, care, mentorship, and teaching excellence are the core of what we do as Lakers. GVSU is a special learning community, and our efforts matter to all students that choose to be part of this outstanding university. The Division of Student Affairs is committed to partnering with all GVSU Faculty and Staff in creating a sense of belonging and community for all Lakers.
I’m thankful to be doing this amazing work together,
Jenny
