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April 21, 2020In this issue: Academic job search resources, wellness and technology webinar, and more.
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Tips for Grads: Resisting the pandemic productivity pressure
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a trying, stressful, and strange time. There is a lot of noise around us: the news, keeping up with our loved ones, the perpetual guilt for ‘lack of productivity’, the few who have inexplicably reported boosts of productivity and those who have retreated to virtual escapes (Animal Crossing, anyone?).
There is no single right way for graduate students to respond in a global crisis. We are not failing. Our minds, bodies, and souls are tasked to accept major lifestyle and global changes. It may not always be possible to juggle your work and other commitments while you are processing how the world is being restructured – and that is okay. Resist pressure to compare your productivity to others’ and don’t feel like you should be producing more because you’re stuck at home.
Learning about the following stages of adapting to conditions in a crisis validated my experience. I hope they do for you, as well.
Stage 1: We all feel lost, and this is normal. It is okay to stay up until 3am, to play video games, to video chat with old friends for hours, to not take a virtual fitness class. Your immediate focus needs to be on your health and your team, a group that you can get through the coming weeks and months with while social distancing.
Stage 2: As your team forms, stability will return. Your mind and body will begin to adjust to the new conditions. Some forms of productivity will begin to return but now is the time to embrace your honesty and desert the impostor syndrome – ignore the productivity plastered on social media. Notice the little things, take it slow and accept that the world has drastically changed.
Stage 3: At this stage, things will feel more natural and you will start to settle into the “new normal”. Your brain has proved resilient and routine has returned. Weekly schedules, your demanding workloads, waking up early, and exercising will be easier at this stage. This comfort will allow for continual and generative acceptance of mental shifts.
There is no single, correct timeline for moving through these stages and we’re just at the beginning. Be gentle and take care.
GradConnections Weekly is looking for fresh perspectives on the graduate student experience.
If you have advice, counsel, or tips for UW grad students, you’re invited to write a guest column for “Tips for Grads.”
If you’re interested, check out our infographic for details and email gspd@grad.wisc.edu to let us know.
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DiscoverPD is an innovative tool for UW–Madison graduate students to advance their academic and professional goals. Review the nine facets of professional development, complete a self-assessment, and get a customized report and recommendations.
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| | Upcoming Professional Development Events
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We’re spending more time on social networks, viewing media, and checking our notifications, “likes”, and text messages and it’s making us feel unhappy, stressed, and lonely. So how do we “outsmart our smartphones”? How do we stop using our phones in ways that hurt our happiness, start using our phones in ways that boost our happiness, and build the skills we need to cultivate happiness in the context of an increasingly digital world? In this webinar you’ll discover seven science-based steps for boosting happiness in the digital age and learn practical strategies for developing healthier digital habits. To sign up, first activate your National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity account through the UW–Madison institutional membership.
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Special Events & Symposia
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| UW–Madison Earth Week
April 19-24 | Online, times vary
The Office of Sustainability partners with a number of student organizations to offer over a dozen virtual events, including a climate anxiety panel discussion, daily DIY tutorials, podcasts, an environmental justice workshop, and more.
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Assistance specialist available during weekly office hours
Elaine Goetz-Berman, the Graduate and Professional Student Assistance Specialist in the Dean of Students Office, will hold virtual office hours every Wednesday from 2 - 4 pm to meet with students individually to discuss your concerns and how she might be able to assist during this difficult time. To join, visit Elaine's personal room in WebEx anytime between 2 - 4 pm on Wednesdays. She will meet with students one-on-one based on when you enter the meeting. When you enter the meeting, you will be placed in the lobby until Elaine is available to talk. If you face any technical issues joining the meeting, email egoetz2@wisc.edu. If you are unable to make it to the drop-in hours, please email Elaine or call at 608-890-2837 to schedule a time that works best with you.
Be vigilant of phishing attempts
The Cybersecurity Operations Center at UW–Madison is aware of an active phishing campaign targeting Webex users. While UW–Madison is not currently a target (under 10 phishing emails received), please be vigilant if you receive emails stating your Webex software is out of date. Cisco will not contact users via email that their Webex software requires an update. Read more about Webex phishing attempts.
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Badger Recovery program seeks feedback
University Health Services is currently in the planning stages of developing a Collegiate Recovery Program called Badger Recovery. The program wants to understand the academic and social support needs of students. The program is looking for students who identify to be in recovery from substance abuse, are interested in recovery, and/or are recovery allies to give their opinions on the types of services and opportunities that they would like to see the program offer to students. Fill out this short, anonymous survey to share your thoughts. If you have any questions regarding the survey, recovery services, or want to be involved, email recovery@uhs.wisc.edu.
UHS services available remotelyUniversity Health Services is committed to supporting you as we navigate the rest of the spring semester and summer term. Many medical, counseling, and wellness services are available by phone and accessible online. Find out more on the UHS Remote Health and Connection webpage.
Mental Health Resources for Grad StudentsAccording to the 2019 Healthy Minds Survey, 93% of UW–Madison graduate students do not think any less of a peer who seeks mental health care, and 89% of UW–Madison graduate students who used mental health care found it helpful.
- UHS 24-hour Crisis Services. On-call crisis counselors can help address your most pressing concerns, address your safety, and help you connect with follow-up service needs. It’s available every day, including weekends, holidays, and semester breaks. Call the UHS crisis line at 608-265-5600. For situations that are immediately life-threatening, call 911.
- NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health) has published an extensive COVID-19 Resource and Information Guide.
- Crisis Text Line is helpful for panic attacks and other emotionally intense moments. Text HOME to 741741; a bot will provide you with their terms of service and put you on a waitlist to text with a real person. Wait times may be long due to current anxiety/panic about COVID-19.
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The Dean of Students Office provides resources to students struggling with a variety of issues, and can be your go-to spot for assistance as a graduate student. To contact the Graduate and Professional Student Assistance Specialist Elaine Goetz-Berman directly, email egoetz2@wisc.edu.
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Please note: Some graduate students may be ineligible to hold graduate assistantship appointments. Be sure to check with your graduate program coordinator about your eligibility before applying.
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As Wisconsin and the world navigates this pandemic, the Center for the Humanities affirms its commitment to public humanities partnerships as essential projects of hope that reflect the necessity of the humanities and the Wisconsin Idea in challenging times. They are calling for students to serve as "Humanities Responders" by creating remote projects that serve and bolster the current work of community organizations, non-profits, cultural institutions, and public agencies. Apply to be a Humanities Responder through the HEX program. The first step is to contact Assistant Director of Public Humanities Aaron Fai (fai@wisc.edu) to develop your idea for a timely project.
This intensive, 8-week program teaches the latest data science techniques and technologies to master’s, PhDs and postdoc students in STEM fields. They cover the kinds of skills employers are looking for and offer a career services program to help you land a job in data science. Apply today to learn the most in-demand tools and programs from leading data scientists with years of experience at some of the world’s most innovative companies and universities. Only a small number of Fellows are accepted to attend this program tuition-free. See this infographic about funding for more information.
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