Supporting students during the week of Oct. 7 |
Dear UWM colleagues,
As we approach the one-year mark of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel and bear witness to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, we recognize that this may be a difficult time for many members of our campus community. The ongoing crisis may be causing deep personal loss, along with pain, sorrow and distress, as students process a range of emotions. It is essential that we approach them with empathy and understanding.
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We encourage you to remain flexible and attentive to students’ needs, offering support where appropriate. If a student is struggling, we encourage you to check in with them and direct them to the following campus resources:
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Support U website for a list of various health, financial and other resources and information.
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Dean of Students Office to connect students with campus resources, including when they’re facing challenges, need support, or want to file a report concerning behaviors, misconduct, etc. Can also address a range of matters around student well-being, concerning behaviors, misconduct and activities that may pose a risk to the health or safety to students or the UWM community.
- Student Health and Wellness Center offers several mental health and emotional support services for students, including counseling, “Let’s Talk” sessions and a mindfulness space.
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Hate/Bias Reporting Form for any student or employee who believes they have been subjected to, or who has witnessed, an incident of hate or bias.
- UWM Police Department for any concerns related to campus safety.
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Resources for managing classroom conversations |
To assist you in navigating this period, we encourage you to refer to the following resources that can help with managing difficult classroom conversations:
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Guidance on classroom behavior: UWM offers instructors a training video on behavior cases that impede learning (SAAP 1-5). The UWM policy is intended to help instructors handle behavior problems in the classroom.
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Conflict Transformation Circles: UWM instructors are invited to participate in Conflict Transformation Circles – three sessions that focus on conflict styles, responsive strategies and preparing for conflict. The sessions for instructors will meet on Wednesdays, 12:30-2 p.m., on Oct. 2, 16 and 30. The circles will focus on conflicts in the classroom or other instructional contexts. Find out more and register.
- Discovery Dialogues: UWM faculty, staff and students are encouraged to learn more about civil dialogue and how to practice it well. Two in-person sessions – Oct. 11 and 24 – are now open to faculty and staff. Find the full schedule and registration details.
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Guide to Navigating Difficult Dialogues in the Classroom: UWM’s Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning offers a resource webpage to help instructors facilitate discussions on sensitive topics effectively through active listening and understanding. Explore the guide for practical strategies to navigate classroom conversations. View it here.
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As noted in the campus message last week, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects people from discrimination based on, among other characteristics, actual or perceived faith and ancestry. If you experience or witness discrimination covered by Title VI, you should report it either through a formal complaint or through a hate/bias incident report. This includes, but is not limited to, instances of antisemitism or Islamophobia.
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Expressive activity policy |
We recognize that students, faculty and staff may choose to participate in expressive activity during this time. UWM remains committed to supporting safe and lawful free speech and expression, but UWM also must focus on ensuring the physical safety of our campus community. Expressive activities are governed by UWM’s Interim Expressive Activity on Campus Policy, among other rules.
Encampments and occupation of buildings violate state law. If encampments are erected or university buildings are occupied, UWM will take appropriate action to enforce the rules, including ending the encampment or occupation, issuing citations and initiating student conduct and student organization conduct disciplinary processes. Protests must abide by state and federal laws and university policy.
Faculty and staff are always free to express their thoughts on current events or participate in expressive or political activity on personal time using personal equipment, and not UWM technology and resources.
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Free speech resources for faculty and staff |
As part of our campus education and outreach effort this fall, UWM continues sharing guidance and resources on free speech, lawful protest and campus conduct. We strongly encourage you to take the time to review and familiarize yourself with the following resources for faculty and staff:
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Support resources for employees |
Employees seeking support are encouraged to use UWM’s Employee Assistance Program through Acentra Health. The program is free, confidential, and available 24/7 to all UWM employees and their families. Contact Acentra Health at 833-539-7285 or online at sowi.mylifeexpert.com (UWM password: SOWI).
Thank you for your continued dedication to our students and our community. By approaching this time with care and attentiveness, we can help foster an environment that is supportive and respectful of all.
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| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
2310 E. Hartford Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53211
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