Please Note:
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, but hopefully provides some guidance regarding small tweaks in practice that can have a big impact.
Share and ask for pronouns
Normalize sharing and asking for pronouns, especially during introductions and when sharing rosters. Visit the resources below to learn more about the best practices and how you can update your name and pronouns:
Check in with students regularly
Establish practice for routine check-ins with students and plan for follow-ups/referral as needed. You are not expected to handle it all, nor should you! It's important that you rely on your supports and experts to provide the best care for others.
In addition to notifying your RD when you need support in helping a resident, campus and community resources include but are not limited to:
- Behavioral Health Services: (301) 314-8106
- Counseling Center: (301) 314-7651
- Faculty Staff Assistance Program: (301) 314-8170 or (301) 314-8099
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
- The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386 or text TREVOR to 1-202-304-1200
- Trans Lifeline: 1-877-565-8860
Have proactive conversations about harm reduction and self-care with your residents/chapter members
Harm reduction and self-care are two critical strategies for supporting their overall wellness.
Harm reduction can include anything from using protection when having sex, to wearing your seatbelt when you drive in a car, to eating a protein-rich meal before drinking. The goal is to reduce the harms associated with any activities that involve some level of risk.
Self-care can look like a lot of things, including establishing a regular sleep schedule, spending time in nature, washing your face, etc. The goal is to spend time caring for yourself and recharging your battery.
Encourage a harm reduction plan
When discussing substance use, encourage students to create their own harm reduction plan before engaging in any form of substance use or going out with others who are engaging in substance use, including drinking. Using the Gold Code is a great start!
Provide safer sex materials in your spaces
Looking for a bulk pack of safer sex supplies to distribute to your students or at an event? We’ve got you covered – literally. Fill out the Safer Sex Supply Request Form below and you’ll get an email in 3-5 business days with instructions for pick up.
If you are looking for more information about sexual health or safer sex resources, including some materials you could print or share with other students, please visit our sexual health resource Google folder.
Use social media to share out UHC information and resources
Promote healthy nutrition habits
This is the first time in a student's life that they do not have a school system or parent/guardian scheduling their meals. Encourage your residents to schedule and plan their meals and snacks throughout their day, just like they would classes, meetings, study sessions, etc.
- Remind residents that Food Is Fuel for their brain and body! Just as their car needs gas to perform on the road, they need fuel to perform well in their classes.
- Falling asleep in class, difficulty focusing/comprehension and lack of energy to participate in class discussion are all caused by the brain on “empty”.
- Consider if your class is held over a meal time inviting students to bring their breakfast/lunch. (Note: survey your students first to ensure everyone feels comfortable with people eating in close quarters and if people have food allergies).
Encourage residents to check out the Peer Nutrition Coaching service at the Health Center.
Create a No-Diet/Body Weight Talk zone
Talk of restrictive diets, weight loss, “bad” foods, etc. significantly impacts our relationship with food and our body. At worse, it can trigger eating disorder behavior. Establish a culture of celebrating food and body diversity in your environment.
Our culture has a “good food vs. bad food” message around food and nutrition which raises negative feelings and emotions.
Discuss food in an inclusive way (what to include more of) rather than an exclusive way (what “not” to eat.).
For more resources visit https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/nodietday
If a student isn't feeling well, encourage them to stay home and rest
Resting helps support their wellness, aids in their recovery and treatment, and allows them to more fully engage in coursework when they return to your class. It is also a good public health practice!
Notify students about the Policy on Excused Absence and that the University Health Center provides a template for a Self-Sign Class Excuse Note.