Message to Students, Faculty, and Staff—COVID-19 Update (April 7, 2020)
As I noted in my message on Friday, the sudden changes to basic aspects of our lives—including the necessity for social distancing and isolation, moving our students off campus, and the shift to remote learning—create significant emotional stress for everyone. Unfortunately, this will likely continue for some time. Please give yourself permission to acknowledge that there is an emotional toll that comes with navigating this unprecedented moment. Please make sure you devote time to taking care of yourself, emotionally and physically. And please do what you can to help family and friends who may need assistance managing these issues. There are a number of resources at the College that are available to assist you in these efforts. They are offered on our social media channels, on YouTube, and on the web, and there’s something for just about everyone. For example:
- The counseling services webpage offers links to specific resources based on need, including some tips for managing the stress, anxiety, and isolation caused by the pandemic.
- Human resources maintains a “Health and Wellness” webpage with links to both internal and external resources, while Peer Health publishes a weekly wellness newsletter. Subscribe here.
- “Sunday Stretches” is a YouTube program put together by Bowdoin athletic trainers. Episode one helps you set up a proper workstation at home with an eye toward avoiding injuries.
- “Mindful Mondays” on Bowdoin’s Instagram channel features weekly tips from one of our wellness experts.
- On Fridays, Kate Nicholson, our assistant director of student wellness programs, offers morning yoga classes on Facebook (9:30–11:00 a.m.) and “Stress Less” classes on mindfulness via Zoom (11:00 a.m.).
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“Senior Conversation Groups” are staff-facilitated opportunities for the Class of 2020 to connect on Zoom around their own set of stressors, concerns, and experiences. (Contact Eduardo Pazos to participate.)
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Zoom is also being used to connect Bowdoin alumni with current Bowdoin students for weekly meditation sessions. They start this Thursday (4/9) at 5:30 p.m. (Contact Megan Retana ’19 or Benjamin Felser ’22 if you want to sign up.)
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Leah Matari ’20, who serves on the residential life staff, has set up evening Zoom sessions to keep students connected and even created an “All Things Bowdoin” crossword puzzle to get our minds off the news. Can you complete it?