2021 Cohort
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<big><big>'''UNF 2021 UIF Cohort Strategic Priorities'''</big></big>
''As a Preface: Mental Health is a serious issue on campus that we would like to address, especially after this past year and a half of the COVID-19 pandemic; many of our projects focus on addressing mental health and the struggles that are sometimes inherent to it, in order to provide a grounding for facilitating innovation on campus. ''
<big>'''''Strategic Priority 1: Therapeutics to Promote Morale '''''</big>
''Project Leaders: Kathryn Fox, Keegan Colunga''
One way this could take place is by hosting a dedicated event whereby people can bring 'therapy dogs' on campus - in essence providing a space where students can simply de-stress by interacting with the animals. There is much research to back up its efficacy as a therapy method, and it is also a low-cost and low-commitment resource for students as well. In addition, this could also serve as a forum for those with service animals to educate others on proper etiquette, as an effort to raise awareness. We could also use this idea for self-report data to determine its value, using such metrics as students' stress level and grades, to see if there is any causal relationship between the idea and improved performance in academics or otherwise.
<big>'''''Strategic Priority 2: Allyship as a Vehicle for Inclusion ''''' </big>
''Project Leaders: Kathryn Fox, Jacqueline Small, Keegan Colunga''
In the context of discussing and taking heed of mental health, we believe it is important to set up frameworks for the University at large to facilitate inclusivity and raising awareness. Thus, it is important to establish resources for both students and faculty to have at their disposal when aiming to tackle such a multifaceted issue.
Tangible ways to implement this include:
* Workshops on mental health issues and how to be supportive;
* Opt-in training seminars for professors to tackle mental health issues and implement strategies in the classroom;
* Provide training for student RA's and LCA's on navigating mental health crises; among others.
<big>'''''Strategic Priority 3: Facilitating Solidarity Among Students ''''' </big>
''Project Leaders: Jacqueline Small''
It is our conviction that in order to 'grease the wheels' of the I&E dynamic on campus, we must facilitate a sense of camaraderie amongst students. Fostering a sense of community can help greatly in bringing together the collective strengths students bring to the table. Additionally, in the spirit of tackling mental health, this can also serve as a means to provide a colloquy for students who may need a steady support group.
This would most likely take the form of a recurring fellow-hosted (or appointed student) event whereby students can gather together in a 'vent space' - simply put, a safe space for students to vent their frustrations, or even discuss high points in their personal/professional lives. There is no imperative to frame it negatively; but rather to characterize it as a no-judgement space for students to conglomerate and discuss the state of their mental health. Drawing from candidates' experiences within UNF's Honors College, perhaps the 'fishbowl' conversation model can be implemented.