Category Archives: Faculty & Staff
UND launches new webpage as resource to help students in distress
College. Highlights for most students include meeting new friends, getting involved on campus and becoming socially engaged.
While college is a wonderful time for most students, some students may struggle. Distressed students may initially seek assistance from faculty, staff members, their parents and other students. They may be found in the classroom, at home or within residence halls.
UND Cares is a webpage that was created as a resource guide for parents, staff, faculty and students because UND cares about distressed students or students in need. The webpage can be used to gather information about campus resources, make referrals, and demonstrate how to help each other in time of need.
The webpage also helps students, faculty, staff and parents learn about the professional support se
rvices available to students on campus through the Dean of Students and University Counseling Center. Both are available to provide consultation about providing a student with the help that he or she may need.
“Sometimes we may be concerned about a student, a friend or a loved one and we don’t know what to do or who to call,” said Cara Halgren, UND associate vice president and dean of students. “If you are concerned about someone in our community, please call us. We can help.”
According to the UND 2012 American College Health Association – National College Heath Assessment, in the past year:
- 21.3 percent of UND students felt so depressed it was difficult to function.
- 6 .9 percent seriously considered suicide.
- 1.5 percent attempted suicide.
- More than 1 in 4 students indicated that stress interfered with their academic success.
Amberkay Crotts (left), a student employee, and Napoleon Andriopoulos, Ph.D., psychology resident and UND staff psychologist, discuss issues related to student stress in the UND Counseling Center inside McCannel Hall.
Stress has been the No. 1 academic impact cited by UND students since the survey was started in 2000, according to the Dean of Students office.
Identifying warning signs of distress is the first step in knowing how to help. These can include:
- Significant changes in daily activities.
- Cut off or minimized contact with family or friends.
- Significant changes in performance or involvement in academics, sports, extracurricular or social activities.
- Problems that result from experiences with drinking or drugs.
- Withdrawn, volatile, tearful or emotional behavior
- Acting out of character
- Talking explicitly about hopelessness or suicide
- Difficulty in concentrating or carrying on normal conversation
- Excessive dependence on others for company or support
- feeling out of control in regard to emotions, thoughts or behaviors
“At least one-tenth of the student population finds their way through our doors. Maybe they were encouraged, maybe they heard about the Counseling Center. Whatever brought them to us, the counseling center is here for you or someone you care about,” said Myron Veenstra, director of the UND Counseling Center.
Amberkay Crotts (left) student employee, and Lisa Moore, administrative assistant, serve to welcome students and others in the UND community to the Counseling Center inside McCannel Hall.
Services at the UND Counseling Center are free and confidential for enrolled students.
“College can take a while to adjust to; it’s nice knowing that there are people out there that truly care about the hardships you are going through,” said UND student Kyle See-Rockers, president of Sigma Phi Epsilon.
The University of North Dakota has tools to help identify students with those warning signs. It’s important to know where to direct them for help. UND Cares can help improve a college career and even save a life.
“The safety and overall well-being of our campus is a responsibility that is shared by all university community members,” Eric Plummer, UND director of public safety and chief of police. “ Remember if you see something, say something in order for us to work together to make an exceptional UND.”
UND hosts two nationally renowned experts on campus-community alcohol and other drug issues
An Exceptional UND enriches the entire student experience, both inside the classroom
and out. High-risk alcohol and other drug use can compromise student health and wellness and
therefore, student learning. It’s important that we understand what all of us can do as a campus
community to help students make healthy choices. Conversations like this can help.
- Dr. Steve Light, UND Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs
and Dr. Lori Reesor, Vice President for Student Affairs
The University of North Dakota is hosting two nationally renowned experts on campus-community alcohol and other drug issues, Dr. Jason Kilmer and Linda Major, for a series of presentations/open forums. We invite you to learn about what works for other campuses and be a part of the conversation on alcohol and other drug issues at UND.
Student Conversation
Sunday, April 28th, 6:30 p.m.
Memorial Union Badlands Room
Pizza will be served.
Campus Community (faculty, staff, and students) Presentation/Conversation
Monday, April 29, 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Swanson 10-12
Light lunch provided at 11:45 a.m. Presentation begins at noon.
Faculty Presentation/Conversation
Monday, April 29th, 4:00 p.m.
Memorial Union Badlands Room
Community Presentation/Conversation
Monday, April 29th, 7:00 p.m.
Grand Forks City Hall Council Chambers, 255 N 4th Street
Linda Major and Jason Kilmer
Linda Major currently serves as Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Director for the Center for Civic Engagement at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she is responsible for coordinating a comprehensive approach to address high-risk behaviors on the campus and in the community. Dr. Jason Kilmer currently works at the University of Washington as an Assistant Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and serves as an investigator on several studies evaluating prevention and intervention efforts for alcohol and other drug use by college students.
These events are sponsored by the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, the Health and Wellness Unit, Healthy UND Alcohol and Other Drugs Committee, UND Athletics, Dean of Students Office, Greek Life, Residence Services, and the University Police Department. The community presentation is sponsored by the City of Grand Forks, the Grand Forks Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition and the University of North Dakota. For additional information contact the Health & Wellness Hub at 701.777.2097 or und.hwhub@email.und.edu
Community Alcohol Abuse Prevention Presentation/Conversation set for Monday, April 29
Grand Forks area residents are invited to attend an alcohol abuse prevention presentation and open forum by nationally renowned experts Linda Major and Jason Kilmer, at 7 p.m., Monday, April 29, in the Grand Forks City Hall Council Chambers, 255 N 4th Street.
Major and Kilmer will share information about what has worked on a national level and in other communities. Citizens will have an opportunity to voice concerns and learn how they can have an influence this issue in our community.
Members of the Grand Forks community have expressed increasing interest in alcohol-related concerns that face our community, particularly binge and underage drinking and their associated negative consequences.
“One reason we are a great community,” said Michael R. Brown, Mayor, “is that we actively promote the health and well-being of our residents. We appreciate this and future opportunities to partner with the University of North Dakota, the Grand Forks Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition, and other community members on this important issue.”
Lori Reesor, UND Vice President for Student Affairs, explained, “It’s important that we understand what all of us can do as a campus and as a community to help encourage healthy choices. Conversations like this can help.”
Grand Forks Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition chairperson, Mary Lien stated “This is our town, these are our youth, and it’s about our community coming together to recognize the positive and change the negative impacts of the serious consequences of alcohol abuse. Let’s continue to build a better and healthier community for all residents.”
Linda Major and Jason Kilmer
Major currently serves as Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Director for the Center for Civic Engagement at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she is responsible for coordinating a comprehensive approach to address high-risk behaviors on the campus and in the community.
Kilmer currently works at the University of Washington as an Assistant Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and serves as an investigator on several studies evaluating prevention and intervention efforts for alcohol and other drug use by college students.
Sandra Short presents “Couponing: A Contribution to Financial Wellness” Feb. 20
The Dean of the College of Education and Human Development invites the campus community to the next Deans for Wellness Initiative lecture on financial wellness.
Sandra Short, Physical Education, Exercise Science and Wellness, present “Couponing: A Contribution to Financial Wellness” on Wednesday, Feb. 20, from noon to 12:50 p.m. in 113 Education Building.
Mark your calendars from 12-12:50pm at the Education Building, Room 113, to attend all of the Wednesday lectures:
March 20: Tanis Hastmann, “Obesity Prevention: Individual to Community, and Beyond” April 10: Sarah Edwards, “Lifelong Mental Well-Being” May 1: Lars Helgeson, “The Effects of Stress and Stress Reduction”
Please bring your lunch, do some physical movement and enjoy!
Students, Here is a thought: Reasons why YOU should get the flu shot…
There are many excuses one can think of to avoid getting vacinated from the flu such as, “I hate shots,” “I got the flu vaccine last year… I don’t need another one,” or “I’m healthy, so I don’t need a flu vaccine.” But the truth of the matter is that it is no fun being sick on campus without mom or dad to help take care of you. Missing classes, missing work, and missing out on fun social events or club meetings are just among the many negative effects the flu can have on a student who is sick.
Being sick with the flu is bad enough, but did you know that Influenza can lead to serious illness and even death? Influenza can
cause deaths, even in healthy young people. ND flu activity to date is 95 hospitalized, 6 deaths, and 2491 diagnosed cases. Minnesota stats are 2128 hospitalizations and 75 deaths.
According to News 5, a 22-year-old Wright State University student died from flu complications just recently after being hospitalized for four days. Anyone can become sick with the flu and experience serious complications no matter how “healthy” they are. The flu virus is unpredicatable, but the good news is that it is preventable. Getting the flu vaccine is the number one way to protect yourself, friends, and others at the University.
Fast Facts about the flu shot:
- Flu shots have been given for over 50 years and have a high safety ratings (monitored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug administration).
- It is important to get vaccinated every year because the body’s level of immunity from last year’s shot, is expected to decline over the past year.
- Most people say that the minor pain of a flu shot is nothing in comparison to suffering from the flu.
- It takes two weeks for the flu vaccine to provide full protection, so the sooner the better! The flu season reaches it’s peak towards the end of January and the beginning of February, so it is never “too late” to get vaccinated because it will offer you protection all year long!
- The flu vaccine protects against three influenza viruses that current research indicates will be the most common during this season.
- You can get vaccinated for the flu right on campus, the UND Student Health Services offers flu shot service and itis relatively quick and super affordable!
Along with getting the flu shot as the number one way to avoid getting the flu, check out these other awesome prevention tips to stay healthy during flu season:
- Cover your cough
- Clean your hands frequently
- Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth
- Keep your distance (6ft+) when possible
- Stay home when you are sick to get well faster!
Resources:
- To schedule an appointment for your flu shot, you can call Student Health Services at 701.777.4500, or schedule an appointment online.
- Click Here for more information on the flu or flu shot.
- Influenza by the Numbers
Get IN, get OUT, & get on your way!
Its finally time! We are nearing completion of the new Wellness Center Circuit Deck and it is set to be open on Tuesday January 15th at 4:30 PM! Seeing the transition from the lounge space that it was to now a functional 30 minute strength training circuit workout has been amazing. The space features 10 new pieces of strength equipment, a red & green timing light, new flooring, walls, a few pieces of cardio equipment and eventually a video running showing how each machine works. It was created to give people a quick 30 minute workout with some privacy as well.
How the circuit will work is – you can join in at any time – when the light is red just grab an empty machine and adjust it to fit you. When the light turns green you will perform the exercise that the machine is designed for which will run for 1 minute. When the light turns red, you will have 30 seconds to move to the next machine in the rotation and repeat the process moving through each machine – using them each 2-3 times. Fitness staff will be available 3-8pm in the first few weeks to help those who might need a little guidance with how to operate the circuit. This will give you a quick, easy 30 minute workout – so you can get IN, get OUT, and get on your way!
A New Year, and a Healthier YOU!
2013 is quickly approaching..
.this could mean a new year and a healthier YOU! The UND Wellness Center is holding a promotion for 20% off semester and annual memberships.
Payroll deduction is an option for payment for faculty or staff. BCBSND members that have the Health Club Credit benefit can also receive $20 back per month by exercising a minimum of 12 times for that month.
But hurry fast!…the deadline to purchase is JANUARY 31st! For more information please see the Welcome Desk, visit UND.edu/wellness, or contact Deb Kolling at 701.777.0486.
Redeem your Healthy Blue points by Dec. 31st!
Staff, faculty and spouses:
Please don’t forget to REDEEM your HealthyBlue points by December 31st, 2012. It is a use-it-or-lose-it system. NO POINTS WILL ROLL OVER IN 2013. If you have questions, please contact Tara Roberts, the NDPERS/BCBSND liaison at: 701-277-2852 or tara.roberts@bcbsnd.com.
Maintain, Don’t Gain this holiday season!
Maintain Don’t Gain this holiday season!
Healthy UND Challenge
Most Americans gain around a pound of weight every year during the holidays, which doesn’t seem like much, but studies show that the one pound gained during this time of year isn’t lost throughout the rest of the year. Overtime, the yearly one pound addition to body weight can have some serious effects on our health- hypertension, diabetes, etc. Maintain Don’t Gain is an awareness project, hopefully getting people to think about the decisions they make during this time of year, specifically about what they eat and their activity levels. It’s easier to prevent weight gain than it is to lose the pounds later.
No Wellness Center-No Problem
Exercise should still be considered a priority. Not only is it important to maintain activity levels but it can also help deal with any stress that goes along with the holidays. If you keep active over the break it will be easier to get back into your normal routine once you return.
Shoveling snow, outdoor winter activities, indoor body weight workouts
Winter Running/Walking Tips:
- Wear multiple layers, with the first layer being a synthetic material, such as polypropylene, which will helps wick away sweat/moisture. Stay away from cotton because it holds in moisture and will keep you wet.
- Protect your hands and feet with gloves and thick socks.
- Cover your head. About 40% of your body heat is lost from your head, and wearing a hat will help prevent heat loss so your circulatory system will have more heat to distribute to the rest of the body.
- Start your run into the wind, than it will be at your back at the end of the workout, when you’re sweaty.
- If the temperature is at or below zero, stick with an indoor activity.
Holiday Meal Time
Think small. Enjoy the food, but keep the portions under control.
Take breaks. Try not to rush through your whole plate of food, so you can better gauge when you’re full. It can take up to 20 minutes for your stomach to signal the brain that it’s full.
Be mindful of alcohol intake. Alcohol contains useless calories that change your blood sugar levels and, in the short term, can increase hunger levels and cause unnecessary snacking.
Why It’s Important to Track Your Activities
Keeps you honest.
You can see results and progress-good and bad.
Keep track of activities you enjoy or don’t enjoy.
To get registered for the challenge – head to the Healthy UND webpage , stop by the Fitness Desk at the Wellness Center or the Healthy & Wellness Hub in the Union! Stay on track this holiday season!
Keep your holidays healthy!
Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks, but also have a great meal with your family and friends. Even though you may be tempted by some delicious dishes, it’s still important to keep your health in mind. Try to use the “plate method” when dishing up your Thanksgiving meal. This means fill half of your plate with fruits and vegetables, one-fourth of your plate with lean protein, and the last fourth with whole grains.
This can be done at Thanksgiving dinner! Luckily, many of the traditional Thanksgiving foods fit into these categories:
Fruits and vegetables (fill half of your plate):
-Sweet Potatoes
-Cranberries
-Green Bean casserole
-Side Salad
-Cooked vegetables
Lean Protein (limit to one-fourth of your plate):
-Turkey
-Ham
Grains (and starchy vegetables) (limit to one-fourth of your plate):
-Mashed potatoes
-Stuffing
-Whole wheat dinner roll
And Thanksgiving dinner isn’t Thanksgiving without some dessert right? It’s alright to indulge every once in a while, but do limit yourself to only one piece of pie, cookie or bar; and keep your portion size in check!
While you won’t be able to work off everything you ate, you can combat holiday weight gain by taking in a walk with your family before or after those big meals, playing a game of touch football, freeze tag, going ice skating, or building a snowman with your family.
Get as much of your family involved as you can to make it an enjoyable and healthy family get together.
