Lab Staff Weekly Meeting

Our intention is to engage in practices that support mental wellbeing and help build community and connection. Student Health and Wellness Meditation classes are open for all UConn students, faculty and staff. Drop-in!

BLOOM: Undergraduate Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) This group is a space created for female Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) - identifying students to cultivate vulnerability, safety, trust, connection, and growth. Bloom provides a place for group members to discuss issues unique to their experience at a predominantly white institution (PWI), including academic stress, relationships, race/ethnicity related stress, familial pressures and navigating cultural expectations. There will be an emphasis on healing, maintaining healthy relationships and setting boundaries. Bloom means to be open, blossom and to maintain flourishing conditions that help us grow. It's time to Bloom.To join this group therapy session, please call SHaW at 860-486-4700 (tel:+18604864705) This session is held by Chantaul Smith, LMFT (https://studenthealth.uconn.edu/person/chantaul-smith/) For many concerns that students face – like overwhelming stress, anxiety, difficult relationships, depression, academic difficulties, and more – group therapy is the best option for support and healing. Facilitated by Student Health and Wellness (SHaW) counselors, our therapy groups encourage peer support, promote emotional wellbeing, and increase a felt sense of connection. Participants often find that they feel less alone in their struggles, and walk away with newfound support and ideas for coping.

Growth Through Grief This weekly clinical group supports students grieving the death of a loved one and students coming together to support and empower each other during times of grief.To join this group therapy session, please call SHaW at 860-486-4700 (tel:+18604864705) This session is held by Jennifer Fox, PhD (https://studenthealth.uconn.edu/person/jennifer-fox/) For many concerns that students face – like overwhelming stress, anxiety, difficult relationships, depression, academic difficulties, and more – group therapy is the best option for support and healing. Facilitated by Student Health and Wellness (SHaW) counselors, our therapy groups encourage peer support, promote emotional wellbeing, and increase a felt sense of connection. Participants often find that they feel less alone in their struggles, and walk away with newfound support and ideas for coping.

Do you know an outstanding student, dedicated faculty member, incredible staff member, or inspiring community partner? It's time to recognize them! We are accepting award nominations for those who go above and beyond in shaping our campus and community to address critical issues. Nomination Categories: Visit our website to discover each category's criteria and nomination materials and nominate the change-makers in our community! Deadline: January 31, 2025: This is your opportunity to honor the people making a difference. Don't let it slip away! Submit your nomination today!https://outreach.engagement.uconn.edu/awards/ (https://outreach.engagement.uconn.edu/awards/)

The Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center (OAIC) at UConn (P30 AG067988; Kuchel, Fortinsky - MPIs) is one of fifteen such centers throughout the United States funded by the National Institute on Aging at NIH. "Pepper Centers" honor Claude D. Pepper, the late Congressman who advocated for senior health and research to enable older adults to maintain or restore their independence. The overarching goal of the OAIC (Pepper) Program is to enhance function and independence in older adults through research. The UConn Pepper Center is pioneering a theme focused on Precision Gerontology, an approach to aging research and the care of older adults that seeks to render interventions enhancing function and independence more effective through an improved understanding of heterogeneity and more precise targeting (https://health.uconn.edu/pepper-center/). A key component of all Pepper Centers is the Research Education Component (REC), which provides financial support, education, and training to Pepper Scholars who Pepper Center leadership identify as showing particular promise as independent investigators. The REC at the UConn Pepper Center, led by Dr. David Steffens and Dr. George Kuchel, includes senior research leaders at UConn and Jackson Lab who could serve as mentors to Pepper Scholars (https://health.uconn.edu/pepper-center/research-and-education-component-rec/). A mentored research project is a primary focus of being a REC Scholar. We are issuing this solicitation to early stage faculty with an interest in aging-related research. Individuals with experience in this area are encouraged to apply, as are those with research backgrounds in non-aging related fields whose research might be enhanced with a new aging focus. Physician scientists and clinicians in other disciplines are especially encouraged to apply. We anticipate funding two new UConn Pepper Scholars through this competition. Funding for two Pepper Scholar positions would begin July 1, 2025. Pepper Scholar awards are typically awarded for one year, with a second year of funding based on evidence of progress and need. Since this award is taking place in year 5 of the current UConn Pepper Center funding cycle, a year 2 Pepper Scholar Award will also be contingent upon the parent grant's successful competitive renewal. The overall goals of the Pepper Center are focused on improving function and independence among older adults. As such the following criteria for Pepper Scholar Selection were developed to be consistent with these goals: • Trainee potential and commitment to an academic career • Demonstrated commitment to aging research • Alignment of proposed training and work with the broader mission of the NIA OAIC Pepper Center Program and the focus on UConn Pepper Center on Precision Gerontology • Availability and commitment of suitable mentorship • Ability to benefit from OAIC resources As an initial step prior to submitting a full Pepper Scholar application, we are requesting that potential candidates submit a Letter of Intent (LOI), due by 5 PM on January 17, 2025. The LOI should be one single-spaced page consisting of two paragraphs. The first paragraph should highlight aspects of the candidate's educational, training, and research background that are most relevant to the Pepper Scholar program, followed by a statement of how the candidate will benefit from the Pepper Scholars program. The second paragraph should include a brief description of the research project that will be supported by the Pepper Center REC. In addition to the LOI, candidates should submit either an NIH Biosketch (preferred) or a CV. The LOI and Biosketch/CV should be addressed to Dr. David Steffens, REC Core Leader and Dr. George Kuchel, REC Core Co-Leader, and emailed to Ms. Laura Masi at masi@uchc.edu Selected candidates will then be notified by January 31, 2025 and invited to submit a full application for the Pepper Scholar Program for a March 28, 2025 deadline.

Our latest exhibit in Celeste LeWitt Gallery features "Luminous Pastels" by Jane Penfield and "Reflective Moments" by Paul R. Berger.(Note new date for reception.)

If you love Pumpkin Palooza, you will REALLY LOVE HALLS OF WREATHS 1.Gather a Team Form a group with your unit, department, floor, or coworkers. 2.Request a Wreath Email Employees@uchc.edu to request an approved wreath, and we'll send it to you via interoffice mail. 3. Decorate Your Wreath Follow these rules: No live greenery is allowed. Only 20% of materials used can be combustible (examples: paper, wood, fabric, cotton). 4. Submit Your Wreath Drop it off before December 9th at Human Resources, 16 Munson Road, 5th Floor Front Desk OR Main Hospital Cafeteria area 5 table by noon, ONLY on 12/9. Offsite Locations: Email a photo and title of your wreath to Employees@uchc.edu by 12/9 at noon. All wreaths will be showcased across campus and buildings.

Throughout the entire month of November, Sammy (Sigma Alpha Mu) will be raising money for the Judy Fund supporting Alzheimer's research. Check our Instagram story for our venmo!

On the Move is a photography exhibition celebrating the completion of an interdisciplinary inquiry at the unexpected intersection of physical therapy, photography, and art history. Awarded a UConn STEAM Innovation Grant in 2020, three early-career UConn professors created a study aimed at using creative movement and long-exposure photography to improve gait-training, motivation, and quality of life for Parkinson's disease patients. On the Move showcases the photographs created by participants during the study, and points to new horizons for collaborative research in the arts and sciences. The exhibition is funded by a University of Connecticut School of Fine Arts STEAM Innovation Grant to principal co-investigators Clare Benson, Cristina Colón-Semenza and Charlotte Gray.

There are no classes scheduled for students. Please contact your professor if you have any concerns or schedule any academic activities.

UConn Health's Day 1 new employee orientation is a comprehensive introduction to the organization's mission, values, and culture. It covers essential information on benefits, policies, and resources, ensuring a smooth transition for new hires. Sessions highlight UConn Health's commitment to excellence in patient care, research, and education. Interactive activities foster connections among employees. Overall, Day 1 sets the stage for success, equipping newcomers with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in their roles at UConn Health.Activities: Engage in the interactive sessions during the morning, followed by self-paced Saba learning in the afternoon AgendaDay 1Format: In-Person and Self-GuidedTime: The session begins promptly at 8 am Location: UConn Health 16 Munson Rd Training Room and RemoteActivities: Engage in the interactive sessions during the morning, followed by self-paced Saba learning in the afternoon 8:00 am Talent Acquisition/ ID Badge/Parking 9:00 am Your Employee Experience 10:30 am Break 10:45 am Our Patient Experience 11:15 am Union Meeting for applicable attendees Afternoon Remote Saba Self-Guided Learning

Virtual drop in hours (https://career.business.uconn.edu/undergraduate/appointment/) are Monday-Friday via Nexus & In person drop in hours are available Monday,Tuesday and Friday in our Storrs officie. 11am-Noon. You can also make an appointment (https://career.business.uconn.edu/undergraduate/appointment/) with one of our career counselors or email your career questions to recruit@business.uconn.edu. (mailto:recruit@business.uconn.edu) Check our website for more resources: https://career.business.uconn.edu/undergraduate/

Students who may benefit from attending a Let's Talk: Mental Health Office Hours session include:Students who want help connecting to resources but are unsure where to begin Students who are looking for advice on a non-clinical issue Students who are unsure about therapy and are curious about what it is like to talk to a therapist Students who may have concerns about the mental health of a friend and seek advice on how to support their friend If a student is not an imminent risk, and is refusing your support in contacting our office, you may also consider contacting the UConn Student CARE Team (https://studentcareteam.uconn.edu/). Providers rotate weekly on Fridays! Check out more of our mental health providers here (https://studenthealth.uconn.edu/staff-directory/?&group=MENTAL%20HEALTH%20PROVIDERS).

CAM Presentation Speaker:  Title: TBD  Via Webex: https://uconnhealth.webex.com/meet/pmendes (https://uconnhealth.webex.com/meet/pmendes)

Families with Addiction This group is for students who are or have been deeply affected by having parent(s) or sibling(s) struggling with addictions. May also consider situations where the family member's primary issue is a severe psychiatric disorder, but that substance use is also present.To join this group therapy session, please call SHaW at 860-486-4700 (tel:+18604864705) This session is held by Jonathan Beazley, LMFT, SW (https://studenthealth.uconn.edu/person/jonathan-beazley/) For many concerns that students face – like overwhelming stress, anxiety, difficult relationships, depression, academic difficulties, and more – group therapy is the best option for support and healing. Facilitated by Student Health and Wellness (SHaW) counselors, our therapy groups encourage peer support, promote emotional wellbeing, and increase a felt sense of connection. Participants often find that they feel less alone in their struggles, and walk away with newfound support and ideas for coping.

Therapeutic Yoga skillfully blends movement and breathwork, with a meditative focus for a full body practice that calms, nurtures, strengthens and opens one into flexibility of body and mind.Yogais protective and enlivening. Freeing you from habitual patterns of tension, this yoga creates a sense of spaciousness within, dissolves stress, strengthens core muscles, joint health, centeredness, postural alignment and groundedness, increases breath capacity and breath awareness, shifts stagnant emotions into movement and release, and is attentive to the subtle stuff of the mind, helping to free us from the driving forces of unconscious actions and thoughts. You'll practice yogic techniques that you can bring into your everyday experience for simply living a good day, and for increasing your capacity to be creatively present in your life. A yogic attitude toward self and practice is one of kindness, patience, and tenderness. We grow into our best selves in an inner atmosphere of loving care.

Introduction to Mindfulness SHaW's Introduction to Mindfulness is a skill-based workshop meant to support stress reduction and overall wellbeing. Skills and Concepts Introduced: • Definition and benefits of mindfulness • Present moment awareness • Noticing • Accepting DROP-IN (no appointment required)