In just a few weeks, fall semesters across the nation will start beginning left and right. Here we share some ways to soak up the last few weeks of summer and prepare for being back to work with a buzzing campus.

New Faculty and Staff on Campus

If your institution brought on a number of new hires this summer, this fall may be the first time you are interacting with new team members. You may even be training some new team members this semester. Here are some articles on how to get off on the right foot with new coworkers.

Stop Texting and Emailing and Try Talking for a Change

"Whether correcting a dysfunctional relationship precipitated by poor e-communication or establishing a new relationship to avoid such problems, establish an understanding of how you will address the natural miscommunications and conflicts that arise and how e- vs. in-person communication will play a role."

Mastering the Communication Process to Support Understanding and Avoid Confusion

"When communicating well, it means you are managing the message/feedback loop well and working through any potential misunderstandings efficiently."

Strategies for Effectively Onboarding New Staff

"Some people are easier to chat with than others. Take that fact into account. Think about your experience when you were new. Who was helpful and encouraged questions? Who seemed less open or available? In the first few days, set up meetings with people who are approachable and who you think will go the extra mile to help and welcome your new staff member."

Navigating a Semester Leading Up to a Presidential Election

Political opinions, voices, and tensions may increase this semester with the nearing presidential election. The following are some articles to consider for navigating politics on campus.

Balancing Neutrality and Support: Encouraging Students' Political Engagement Without Getting Political Yourself

"This distinction between political and partisan is key, and it can be tricky to support students' political engagement without falling into the trap of being partisan. This article will explore strategies for achieving this delicate balance."

Understanding the Barriers that Keep Us from Authentic, Civil Discourse

"While we may not be able to directly improve discourse in broader society, we can improve it in our own lives. This starts with understanding where and how our efforts at civil conversation break down."

How to Have an Argument About Politics at Work or to Avoid One

"What do we do when confronted by others wanting to argue about politics and other controversial issues, especially when walking away -- or in today's Zoom world "leave meeting" -- isn't always feasible? What do we do if we must work with such individuals, maintain respect despite their opinions, or simply suffer them? How can we shift to respectful conversation? How do we politely exit when we don't wish to engage?"

Navigating Personal Challenges at the Beginning of a New Semester

If you experienced the loss of a loved one, a traumatic event, or just haven't had time to slow down this summer, remember to take little moments for yourself. Especially during the first couple weeks of the semester when students are adjusting to new courses, have many questions, and need your help, it's important to not forget you can take a break. The following are articles that include advice on managing your own mental health and well-being.

How to Talk to Your Boss About Being Overwhelmed: Steps to Take to Find Professional Fulfillment and Personal Well-Being

"Navigating feelings of being overwhelmed at work is common, especially in higher education, but by addressing these concerns with your boss, you can take steps to find a more sustainable work-life balance. This can be a challenging conversation to have, but luckily, there are steps you can take to make sure you're well-prepared to get your point across."

How to be Emotionally Present at Work When You Have Real Stuff Going on at Home

"We all go through hard times. Whether it's managing an illness, supporting a sick family member, going through a divorce, aiding a struggling child, or dealing with a job loss in the family, weathering a crisis is an emotional and logistical undertaking. Most of us have to work during these difficult stretches, which means we can't navigate them as privately or as independently as we'd like."

Fostering Self-Care on Campus

"With faculty, staff, and administration often prioritizing the needs of others for extended periods, having sustainable self-care practices throughout the semester is important to prevent burnout."

Article Topics

Serving Military in HigherEd Working as a Veteran in HigherEd Workplace Inclusion

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