UGS lecture series 25

Introduction

  • Speaker: Dr. Patty Moran

    • Role: Assistant Dean of the First Year Experience, instructor of "Inside Higher Ed" course

    • Theme: You Belong Here, Connection and Care on Campus

    • Audience engagement and excitement for the event

Event Structure

  • QR code for question submission

  • Format: Three speakers followed by a Q&A session

  • Schedule: Conclude by 7 PM

Speaker Introductions

Dr. Richard Reddick

  • Role: Senior Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education at UT Austin

  • Background:

    • Experience in public school teaching

    • Student affairs roles at MIT and Emory

    • Faculty appointments at UT and Harvard

    • Courses taught: "Black Austin Matters"

Dr. Reddick's Presentation

  • Audience Engagement:

    • Welcoming words and appreciation for the turnout

    • Energizing the crowd with cheers (Texas fight chants)

Topic of Discussion: Mentoring

  • Concept of Mentoring:

    • A subset of developmental relationships and networks crucial for student experience

    • Importance of building connections at UT Austin

  • Personal Story:

    • Reflection on his own college experience from the 1990s

  • Core Values of UT Austin:

    • Learning

    • Discovery

    • Freedom

    • Leadership

    • Individual Opportunity

    • Responsibility

Personal Experiences

  • Family Impact:

    • Recognition of family role in students' academic journeys

    • Encouragement to stay connected with family

  • Texas Union:

    • Tradition and community contribution

    • Activities: concerts, speaker series, community events

    • Inclusive community regardless of major or year

  • Orientation Advisor Role:

    • Personal anecdote on being a first-generation college student

    • Importance of welcoming and supporting new students

Student Engagement Opportunities

  • Getting Involved:

    • Importance of joining organizations or clubs, forming new ones if none exist

    • Personal account of founding Texas Blazers and its relevance today

  • Experiences Outside Academia:

    • Game show participation: Wheel of Fortune

    • Research indicating that working on campus increases academic success

  • Lifelong Connections:

    • Importance of friendships formed in college, especially through RA roles

Tips for First-Year Students

  1. Run Your Race:

    • Emphasis on personal pace and avoid comparison

  2. **Build a Community:

    • Aim to make connections with 2 peers, 2 staff, 2 faculty, and 2 community members each semester

  3. Access Resources:

    • Use paid resources: tutoring, mental health services, etc.

  4. You Belong:

    • Affirmation that each student has a unique contribution to the campus community

  5. Get Involved Fully:

    • Encourage students to bring their authentic selves to all engagements

Transition to Second Speaker

Dr. Noelle Bush

  • Global leader in social work education and advocacy

  • Work on various issues such as human trafficking and community healing

Dr. Bush's Insights

  • Importance of Relationships:

    • Friendships in college and handling awkward conversations

  • Group Activity:

    • Identify with groups based on shared characteristics (e.g., pet preference) to foster connection in the audience

Themes in Dr. Bush's Talk

  1. The Road is Good:

    • Emphasis on personal journey and recognizing challenges as part of the growth process

  2. Crucial Conversations:

    • Effective communication in high-stakes situations

  3. Out of Your Control:

    • Acknowledging factors outside one's control but determining one's reaction

  4. Belonging and Difference:

    • Embracing individual differences and making space for all in a community

Transition to Final Speaker

Dr. Kristen Neff

  • Background: Expert in self-compassion, co-founder of the Center for Mindful Self Compassion

Dr. Neff's Presentation

  • Self-Compassion Explained:

    • Definition: Treating oneself with kindness in difficult moments

    • Distinction between self-compassion and self-esteem

  • The Three Pillars of Self-Compassion:

    1. Mindfulness:

    • Awareness of what is happening without avoidance

    1. Kindness:

    • Drawing on how you would support friends in their struggles

    1. Humanity:

    • Shared experience of being human and imperfection

Research Findings on Self-Compassion

  • Reduces negative mind states (anxiety, depression, etc.)

  • Linked to positive emotions (happiness, life satisfaction)

  • Encouraged for students to lower feelings of homesickness and loneliness

Key Takeaways from the Speakers

  • Affirmation that students belong at UT Austin and should engage authentically

  • Advice on managing fears of missing out and striking a balance between involvement and personal limits

  • Encouragement to treat oneself with compassion and understanding during challenging times

Conclusion

  • Closing remarks: Emotional support from university staff and gratitude for speaker contributions

  • Final Q&A session to address audience concerns regarding social connections and campus involvement

  • Reassurance for introverts and advice on managing fear of missing out

  • Advice on pacing involvement and selectively choosing activities that resonate personally.