Resources for Teaching After Crisis

Trauma and Learning - Some tips for Faculty and Instructors

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:19:26 -0500

Some tips for Faculty and Instructors prepared by Toni Tollerud, Ph.D. and Lee Shumow, Ph.D. NIU College of Education, Center for Child Welfare and Education. Dealing with questions like: How does trauma impair learning? What contributes to this impairment that affects the student? As an instructor, what are some ways I could respond to the students in my classes? What about students who might be at a heightened risk? What suggestions can I make?... http://www.niu.edu/facdev/resources/crisis/trauma.shtml

What Helps You Cope With Grief?

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:35:18 -0500

Grief is a normal response to any loss. Each person’s grief journey is unique, yet the process of grief is similar regardless of what was lost: a loved one, a relationship, your health or your loved one’s health,your home, your identity/role related to family or job, your income and/or your hopes and dreams. The intensity of your grief is directly related to the strength of your attachment to what was lost...http://www.niu.edu/facdev/resources/crisis/whathelpsgrief.shtml

Tips For Taking Care of Yourself During Stressful Times

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:34:19 -0500

Tips for individuals coping with stressful situations: http://www.niu.edu/facdev/resources/crisis/tipsforstress.shtml

Stepping Stones Along Your Grief Journey...After the Death of a Loved One

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:32:38 -0500

Everyone's Grief Journey has a different route and many curves and circles as you slowly move forward. In the beginning, you hardly believe you are taking any steps or maybe you take a couple steps that are definitely going nowhere! As you move through the first few months your particular path begins to emerge. Listed below are some of the landmarks that let you know you are moving through your grief... http://www.niu.edu/facdev/resources/crisis/steppingstones.shtml

Responding and Coping...After Traumatic Experiences

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:31:20 -0500

People respond to traumatic events differently. We cannot control how we respond; we can only accept how we are emotionally and physically responding. It is important to work at not giving in to our avoidance tendencies and take small steps to face what we experienced and how we are feeling... http://www.niu.edu/facdev/resources/crisis/respondingandcoping.shtml

Grief Journey Tips

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:30:05 -0500

Grief is a normal response to any loss. Each person’s grief journey is unique, yet the process of grief is similar regardless of what was lost: a loved one, a relationship, your health or your loved one’s health,your home, your identity/role related to family or job, your income and/or your hopes and dreams. The intensity of your grief is directly related to the strength of your attachment to what was lost... http://www.niu.edu/facdev/resources/crisis/griefjourney.shtml

Fear, Anxiety, and Guilt After a Traumatic Event

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:28:25 -0500

When you have lived through a shocking event - you survived a terrible accident, you lost your house in a tornado, you lost a loved one in an accident or severe storm, you or a loved one were attacked, or the place you thought was safe was violated by some form of violence or natural disaster: http://www.niu.edu/facdev/resources/crisis/fear.shtml

Managing Hot Moments in the Classroom

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 10:49:02 -0600

Tip sheet by Lee Warren of Harvard University on turning difficult encounters into learning opportunities addressing important, but hot, topics: http://isites.harvard.edu/fs/html/icb.topic58474/hotmoments.html

Guide to Discussing a Crisis - Washington

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 10:43:18 -0600

Suggestions for discussing crisis offered by University of Washington Center for Instructional Development and Research: http://depts.washington.edu/cidrweb/resources/guide.html

Student Counseling Virtual Pamphlet Collection: Traumatic Events

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 10:38:48 -0600

Collection of online pamphlets from various universities regarding responses to traumatic events: http://www.dr-bob.org/vpc/virtulets.html#Traumatic-Events

Coping and Responding to Traumatic Events - UW-Eau Claire

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 10:33:46 -0600

Self-help information by the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Counseling Services: http://www.uwec.edu/counsel/pubs/coping.htm

Learning to Live Through Loss - KSU

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 10:15:17 -0600

Handout from Kansas State University for teenagers on facing the loss of someone you love: http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/library/famlf2/NCR537B.pdf

Responses to Tragedy - Dartmouth

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 10:09:49 -0600

Information compiled by Dartmouth University Counseling and Human Development on responses to traumatic events: http://www.dartmouth.edu/~chd/resources/tragedy/index.html

Important Message About Hate Protests at NIU

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 11:51:08 -0600

Responding to Hate: A Message about the Hate Protests at Northern Illinois University

Word has spread rapidly about the fringe "religious" group (the WBC) that is bringing its agenda of hate and homophobia to our community as we grapple with the tragic events that happened on our campus.

Many students and others have come together through the Internet to voice their outrage and plan responses to the protestors. We understand that many people are angered and hurt by this blatant homophobia and the appalling attempt to capitalize on the NIU tragedy. The university is heartened and warmed by the outpouring of support from our students and community friends who share our outrage at this intrusion during this painful time.

We want everyone to know that the university’s response to the tragedy includes careful planning for managing the presence of any protestors. We ask everyone’s cooperation in supporting the university’s coordinated response.

A trained group of NIU students and supporters have organized and are working with law enforcement agencies to peacefully shield our grieving community from the presence of any hate protests by blocking the view of the small group of protestors who may be present.

The university requests your assistance in the following ways:

If you are not a member of the trained team of shielders, please DO NOT come to the Convocation Center on Sunday, February 24 with the intent of "counter protesting." The university asks that you help us by not giving the hate protestors the attention, publicity, and credibility that they are aiming for. As much as you might want to physically show your opposition to hate such as this, direct confrontations and "counter protests" only serve the purposes of this hate group.
Instead of attempting to "counter protest," please join our community at the Memorial Program to celebrate the lives of our fallen students, pay tribute to the injured, support our grieving families, and begin the process of moving forward. Please help us keep this occasion a peaceful, calm, and dignified evening of remembrance and healing.
Encourage your friends, colleagues and others at the Memorial Program not to give their attention and emotional energy to the protestors, but to ignore them and move inside the building for the program. Please do not engage with the protesters in any way as this will only encourage them and attract more attention.
Also be aware that protest groups such as this use pickets and an array of intimidating tactics to upset people, instigate violence and create scores of lawsuits that fund their work. Don't become a victim of their tactics.

Please help us spread this message among your friends. We do not want the protestors to overshadow the true purpose of our gathering.

We also encourage everyone to remember that it was violence that brought us to this moment, and that despite how appalled we are by the actions of this hate group, responding with violent words and actions does not help our community heal. We must not be seduced into responding to hate with hate. We call upon all in our community to not let this hate group shift our focus from our mourning, our grief, and our healing. We call upon you to channel your outrage into action for justice wherever you live, study, and work.

For some ideas about how to channel your emotions into other, more productive channels, please visit our website at http://www.niu.edu/LGBT/tragedy/RespondingToHate.shtml for more information.

In solidarity,
Margie Cook
Director
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Resource Center
Holmes Student Center 704
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, IL 60115
Phone: 815-753-5428
Fax: 815-753-2201
mcook@niu.edu
www.niu.edu/lgbt

Tips, Strategies and Resources on Dealing with Aftermath of Tragedy for International Students, Faculty and Staff

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 21:16:21 -0600

Handout addressing questions that may arise for those who share different cultural backgrounds from those typically found in the Midwest of the US:

Counseling Support Workshops Announced

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 17:28:47 -0600

Special sessions have been scheduled on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (February 19-21, 2008) this week to provide support for faculty/staff/TAs in Academic Affairs in dealing directly with students returning to campus.

Please review the following information notices from the Provost's Office providing further details regarding these sessions:

Crisis Intervention on Campus: Current and New Approaches

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 13:57:45 -0600

Article by Bert H. Epstein (2004) discussing the resulting use, potential overuse, and possible misuse of psychological debriefing. Analysis and interpretation of recent scientific data for interventions similar to commonly used methods of campus crisis intervention are provided: http://publications.naspa.org/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1335&context=naspajournal

Coping With a Traumatic Event: Information for the Public - CDC

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 13:52:13 -0600

Information by the Centers for Disease Control on coping with tragic events: http://emergency.cdc.gov/masscasualties/pdf/coping-traumatic-event-pub.pdf

Special Sessions for NIU Teaching Personnel

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 11:24:32 -0600

Special sessions are being scheduled on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (February 19-21, 2008) this week to provide support for faculty/staff/TAs in Academic Affairs in dealing directly with students returning to campus. Colleges and departments will be contacting their faculty, staff and graduate teaching assistants directly with further details concerning these sessions.

Teaching in Times of Crisis

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 00:17:32 -0600

Handout of tips and strategies compiled by the Faculty Development and Instructional Design Center from various sources for teaching after a time of crisis: http://www.niu.edu/facdev/resources/crisis/teaching.shtml

Printable Versions: [PDF] [Word]

Tips for Parents of School Age Children: Helping Your Children Manage Distress in the Aftermath of School Shootings

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 22:09:13 -0600

Tips compiled by the American Psychological Association for helping children manage their distress: http://www.apahelpcenter.org/articles/article.php?id=152

After the NIU Shootings: What Family Members Can Do

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 22:03:17 -0600

Tips for family members seeking to comfort their students: http://www.niu.edu/tragedy/counseling/families.shtml

Tips for College and University Students: Managing Your Distress in the Aftermath of the Northern Illinois University Shootings

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 21:54:55 -0600

Tips for students in coping with distress of tragedy: http://www.niu.edu/tragedy/counseling/students.shtml

Teaching and Learning in a Time of Crisis - Western Kentucky

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 20:16:27 -0600

Resource prepared by The Faculty Center for Excellence in Teaching at Western Kentucky University and periodically updated for new crises: http://www.wku.edu/teaching/booklets/crisis.html

Campus Resources for Faculty, Teaching Assistants, and Students

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 20:09:32 -0600

Counseling and Student Development Center can help students resolve personal difficulties and acquire the attitudes, abilities, and knowledge that will enable them to take full advantage of their college experience and be successful. Information about the Center can be found at http://www.niu.edu/csdc and 815-753-1206.

Employee Wellness and Assistance Office serves to enhance the well being of all NIU faculty, staff, retirees and their families. Information about the office can be found at http://www.hr.niu.edu/departments/employee_wellness and 815-753-9191.

Faculty Development and Instructional Design Center (FDIDC) has a number of resources online on teaching after a crisis. Information about these resources can be found at http://www.facdev.niu.edu/facdev/resources/crisis. FDIDC staff is also available for consultations on strategies for teaching after a crisis and they can be reached at 815-753-0595, facdev@niu.edu (for faculty), and tadev@niu.edu (for TAs).

International Student and Faculty Office (ISFO) advises international students and faculty on ways to succeed academically, socially, and culturally at Northern Illinois University. Information about ISFO can be found at http://www.niu.edu/isfo/aboutus/index.shtml and 815-753-1346.

Psychological Services Center provides high quality mental health resources to students, prepares graduate students in professional practice, and provides opportunities for research on empirically supported treatment outcomes. Information about the Center can be found at http://www.niu.edu/psyc/psc/psc_index.shtml and 815-753-0591.

Helping Students in Distress: A Faculty and Staff Guide for Assisting Students in Need [PDF] - University of Maryland

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 19:49:38 -0600

Recommendations for assisting students in distress, developed by the University of Maryland Counseling Center: http://www.counseling.umd.edu/Infodata/HSID.pdf

Recognizing and Responding to Students in Distress:A Guide for Faculty and Staff - George Mason University

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 19:36:10 -0600

Guide designed to assist faculty and staff in working with students in distress and connecting them to professional sources of help: http://counseling.gmu.edu/dist.htm

Responding to Distressed Students - UC Santa Barbara

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 19:28:18 -0600

Information that may help in recognizing and responding to students in distress and making appropriate referrals, compiled by the University of California, Santa Barbara: http://www.sa.ucsb.edu/distressedstudentsguide/index.aspx

Practical Information on Crisis Planning: A Guide for Schools and Communities [PDF]

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 17:14:35 -0600

Recovery checklist and plan including the entire community (beginning on page 50) developed by the Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools, U.S. Department of Education: http://www.wvdhsem.gov/other_docs/crisisplanning.pdf

Teaching After Tragedy Resources - Iowa

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 07:41:43 -0600

Resources compiled by The University of Iowa Center for Teaching and Learning: http://www.centeach.uiowa.edu/teachingaftertragedy.shtml

Sustaining Academic Community in the Aftermath of Tragedy

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 07:30:57 -0600

Article by Terry M. Wildman, Virginia Tech, focusing on the question of how an academic community can sustain itself and work productively and positively to achieve normally high aspirations for its students and all members of the community: http://www.niu.edu/facdev/resources/crisis/sustainingacadcomm.pdf

When Classes Meet Again: Continuing Our Work with Students

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 07:18:04 -0600

Recommendations compiled by the Center for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching at Virginia Tech: http://www.ceut.vt.edu/april_16.html

Guidelines for Leading Class Discussions in Response to NIU Tragedy

Sat, 16 Feb 2008 16:41:11 -0600

Suggestions offered by Arizona State University for preparing to facilitate class discussions regarding recent tragedy: http://www.facdev.niu.edu/facdev/resources/crisis/leadingclassdiscussions.pdf

Managing Distress in the Aftermath of NIU Shootings

Sat, 16 Feb 2008 16:39:26 -0600

Tips for college and university students compiled by Arizona State University: http://www.facdev.niu.edu/facdev/resources/crisis/managingdistress.pdf

Responding to Crises - POD Network

Sat, 16 Feb 2008 16:38:10 -0600

Resources and useful links on responding to crises, compiled by the Professional and Organizational Development Network in Higher Education: http://podnetwork.org/resources/crises.htm

Teaching in Times of Crisis - Vanderbilt

Sat, 16 Feb 2008 16:37:00 -0600

Recommended steps for teaching during times of crisis: http://www.vanderbilt.edu/cft/resources/teaching_resources/interactions/crisis.htm

Recognizing and Assisting Students in Emotional Distress

Sat, 16 Feb 2008 16:14:52 -0600

Micky M. Sharma, Psy.D., Director of the Counseling and Student Development Center, shares recommendations for recognizing and assisting students in emotional distress at http://www.facdev.niu.edu/facdev/resources/quicktips/#emotionaldistress

Hotlines and Counseling Information

Sat, 16 Feb 2008 13:52:13 -0600

Information regarding NIU hotlines and counseling services available for NIU faculty/staff, GTAs, and students is available at http://www.niu.edu/tragedy/counseling/index.shtml

Dealing with Aftermath of Tragedy in the Classroom

Sat, 16 Feb 2008 08:43:37 -0600

Tips compiled by the NIU Counseling and Student Development Center to help when working with students following tragedy are available at http://www.niu.edu/tragedy/counseling/facstaff.shtml