Reflections

Earlier this spring, the Office of University Initiatives launched the Action Collab Design Process to discover opportunities and solutions to heighten ASU’s social embeddedness landscape. (For a recap of the first part of this process, read this blog.) On June 19, a second group of community engagement practitioners from across the institution gathered to tackle a design question built upon opportunities presented from the first session:  How might we better track service learning and community-based internships across ASU?

For many, ASU as a New American University is only a concept they have read or heard about either from a speech given by ASU President Michael Crow or from a conversation with a proud ASU affiliate or community member. Throughout the year, the Office of University Initiatives (UI) hosts and interacts with several different guests who are interested in learning more about ASU. UI is consistently included in campus tours because of its one-of-a-kind function as an intrapraneurial special projects unit for the president.

2014 has gotten off to a tremendously busy start—so busy, in fact, that I have fallen behind on my blog posts!

In mid-January, we kicked off the Spring Snacks and Skills with the topic Ergonomics in the Workplace. Rick Bauer, Program Manager in the Office of Environmental Health and Safety, walked our office through the importance of ergonomics, best postures and practices, and preventative measures and resources for optimal health and wellness.

What is ergonomics, and why is it important?

This Valentine’s Day, UI celebrated with a very special Snacks and Skills. Our own resident expert, Trevor J. Eagle, led the group through an introduction of Happiness and Positive Psychology. This discussion provided mindful reflection on how to reach authentic happiness and live a full life.

Components of a Full Life

1. Pleasant life: Acting on what is pleasurable and enjoyable to you.
Activity: Map out your ideal day, then live it out and savor it!

Institutions of higher education are environments of silos, with most units functioning in isolation. ASU is no exception. Faculty and staff remain in their unit, department and college with narrow lenses and even slimmer variety of perspectives. When people do the same things, work in the same groups and tackle problems the same way, repetition impedes innovation.

This month’s Snacks and Skills centered on Stress Management and Resiliency- perfectly timed for the hectic holiday season! I’d like to thank our special guest, ASU Employee Assistance Counselor Amber Wonder, for presenting on the topic.

The conversation centered on a series of questions. What is stress? When do you feel stressed? How do you know you are stressed? Is all stress bad? How do we overcome stress? Amber touched on each of these questions and gave us concrete examples of best stress management practices.

Earlier this month, I had the privilege of presenting at the 2013 Arizona Summit for Volunteerism and Service Learning. This annual event, held at ASU West, sparks conversation and collaboration between people of a multitude of backgrounds, including national service programs and members, youth development organizations, nonprofits, K-12 schools, higher education, government agencies, and service organizations. I enjoyed meeting so many people united in creating a better society through increased and enhanced opportunities to serve.

UI has had a busy fall with Snacks and Skills! Here’s a recap from the past two sessions:

October: A basic lesson to watercolors

This afternoon, I was fortunate to attend the Characters Unite Awards luncheon to honor one of the 2013 award recipients, ASU alumnus Carrie Severson. The Characters Unite Campaign, sponsored by USA Network and programming provider Cox Communications, honors extraordinary individuals who have championed significant efforts against hate, intolerance, bullying, racism, and overall discrimination.

Imagine getting into a passionate disagreement with your boss at work. After volleying back and forth pointlessly, you both decide you are not going to come back to work until one side budges (and it won’t be you.)

Imagine further that no one in your office will go back to work until a compromise is reached and won’t get paid during the break. However, you and your boss still get paid for this time off.