To: Colleagues in the P&A Senate

From: Noelle Noonan, chair, P&A Senate and P&A Consultative Committee

Dear Colleagues,

It has been quite a week, hasn’t it?

Whether you’ve been on spring break or still in session, have been enjoying a much-needed vacation or found yourself working on critical and urgent need projects instead of that long-anticipated vacation day (*raises hand), I would say this week has provided many opportunities for practicing self-awareness, patience, and resilience. It has also provided its share of challenges for us all. And, I think it is fair to say that there may be a long road ahead with more to come.

This is an unprecedented and unpredictable time, but that does not mean we are unprepared. As have been referenced in the President’s and Provost’s Office emails, there are robust communications, FAQs, and HR guidance online, which provide up-to-date information that expands upon the email communications we’ve received. There are also existing University emergency contingency plans and policies that could be put into effect should the situation worsen (these are not in effect at this time, but are being reviewed and refined, as needed). Leaders at all levels of the University are consulting within and amongst their various units, with colleagues at other peer institutions, as well as with local and state entities, and with the safety and wellbeing of our collective community at the forefront of thought.

Many P&A employees are directly involved in the planning and discussions, and all of us have the opportunity for proactive efforts within our own spheres, and are likely already doing this work. For example, supervisors may be working with staff to identify core work priorities and coverage or cross-training needs in case any employees are unexpectedly unable to work. Student support personnel and direct service providers may be exploring remote advising options for students or tele-care pathways. I know that our many instructional P&A who don’t already teach online and those staff who support learning - whether online or in the classroom - are putting in many extra hours right now to ensure that students across the system will have access to quality learning environments during this temporary shift to remote instruction. We are all working on this in different ways, but we are also working together, and that is powerful!

That being said, I acknowledge that this situation is deeply disruptive, both professionally and personally. There will likely be more updates, more questions, more stressors, more changes, and more asked of all of us in terms of patience, resilience, creative problem solving, restraint, engagement, and yes, effort. As P&A leaders, I am confident that each of us will be able to embrace this evolving situation and even find ways to thrive. This will be even more true if we continue to communicate well with each other, support each other, and be proactive in our approach to the coming weeks and months.

So, Noelle, what can we do?

From a global public health standpoint, the solutions seem relatively straightforward (good hygiene*, thorough and frequent hand washing, staying home when one is ill, reasonable social distancing, etc.), but the systems we must navigate as a society are so much more complex (adequate/inadequate paid leave, possible K-12 and college closures, childcare, elder care, isolation and depression, etc.). I don’t have good answers here, except to encourage all of us to carry on to the best of our abilities, and to take both personal and collective responsibility for health, wellbeing, and risk mitigation.

It is clear that P&A employees are central to the work of the University through teaching and learning, supporting students, researching, providing direct medical and mental health care, creating and advising on policy, supervising and managing, and so much more. Those of us working in public-serving roles and units may be facing unique impacts, risks, and burdens at this time. It is also clear that we are whole beings with lives outside of work, and we can and should seek support as we may need it. The University’s Employee Assistance Program may be one avenue for support. Other considerations may include taking time off if you need it, or working with your supervisor and/or HR lead on possible teleworking options. The U’s Information Technology unit has put together this site with some valuable information, and specific units may also have guidance available (see this example from CLA).

But, Noelle, what can we do...as a Senate?

I’m glad you asked! Senate work is vital, and never more so than in times like these. 

P&A Senate leaders continue to consult with colleagues in University governance, in the President’s office, and elsewhere across the system. In communicating this week with P&A Senate members and constituents on all five campuses and within Extension, I’ve had the opportunity to hear and gather many concerns and also excellent suggestions. If you choose to engage in Senate work at this time (will full understanding if that is neither reasonable nor feasible given your particular situation), one of the most important things you can attempt to do is keep lines of communication open with each other and with your constituents (you are welcome to forward, borrow, or adapt this email, as may be helpful). We’ve created a short Google form for questions and concerns, which you may complete or share with constituents, if you like. We are also considering other ways to facilitate communication within and across governance.

Know that your colleagues may be understandably anxious, frustrated, even angry. As a Senate, we cannot solve every issue and some previously critical issues may need to be put aside temporarily, but we can listen to concerns, gather questions, validate (if/as appropriate to your role and using your good judgement), refer to resources, communicate timelines and check back in, help resolve at the local level when possible, and/or elevate if/when needed.

We can and should also lead by example. Model both vibrant self care and appropriate empathy (They are not at odds!). Model clear, timely, and relevant communication. Model patience and extending grace. Model adaptability. Model thoughtful and proactive preparedness and constructive feedback/questions of leadership, as needed. Communicate with each other in your unit and with the broader Senate. Share good ideas and successful solutions.

Finally, as we both dig in and dig deep at times like these, it can be easy to put on blinders, and to forget to pause, to breathe, to look around, and to be grateful. Please know of my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for all that you do within the Senate and beyond, and for all that I know you are doing for our students, our University, and our broader communities in these challenging times.

Don’t hesitate to contact me directly with any questions or concerns you personally have or which you would like to elevate. We will work together to figure out next steps.

My best wishes to you and to your families and loved ones.

In Solidarity,
Noelle

Chair, P&A Senate/P&A Consultative Committee

*personal story: In our family, we’ve now fully embraced frequent handwashing and good hygiene (as much as is possible with three very small children under 5), especially since our youngest has a rare congenital heart defect that essentially leaves her with one functioning lung and, as would follow, a high-risk designation for respiratory illness. With our kiddos, we have found the most success by having them sing “Happy Birthday” twice while washing hands, letting the kids pick who gets named each time around. Our four-year-old - the future social justice warrior that she is - complained that it was “way unfair” that one child got left out each time, and we could “easily fix it” by singing “Happy Birthday” THREE times each time we wash our hands. Sold! No push back from this mama on that one, kiddo