A Message for Students

The world is a different place than it was pre-COVID-19. As the pandemic continues to change our world in various ways, we are challenged to explore the notions of community in this new context. There is no doubt that it will take some time for things to seem "normal" again. It seems we are on the right path as Fall 2021 is right around the corner and UNF is ready to welcome back its employees and students to campus.

During this past year, many have experienced loss. It might have been the loss of a ritual, like walking the stage during graduation. It might have been the loss or postponement of an experience, like studying abroad, for example. It might have been the loss of a loved one. At points in time, you might have experienced grief, guilt, fear, frustration, despair, disappointment. These are normal emotions under the circumstances, and you are not the only one to have these experiences. We have compiled some University and other resources for you to explore and to provide support as we begin the process of reentering our University community.

If you have the means and opportunity to help others, then a portion of this web page provides some ways you can assist on a local and national level through virtual formats. If you are ready to go into the community physically to serve, then do so while respecting the wishes and policies of those you are serving.

Individuals have experienced the pandemic differently. For some, their lives might not have changed. For others, their lives are drastically different. How people re-enter the University community will also vary. What is most important to know is that we are here for you. UNF is here for you. If you have suggestions of things you would like to see or that would be helpful, please send them to us at ccbl@unf.edu.

If you would like more information about how UNF is handling COVID-19, we encourage you to visit the University's COVID-19 web page: https://www.unf.edu/coronavirus/

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Virtual Service or Community Engagement Opportunities

Organizations with Service Options - LOCAL

United Way of Northeast Florida has various ways people can still volunteer. If you are looking for something to do to support the local community, please explore some of these options:
Virtual Opportunities
Congrats Graduate card
Guest Speaker
Book Reader
Caring Connector
Drop-off or Mail-In Opportunities
Face Masks and Gown making
Personal Care Kits making
Hope at Hand Lessons Supply
Youth Service America also has additional suggestions that can be implemented locally.

If you are considering serving in any of these capacities, we suggest reviewing the article, 5 Tips for Being a Useful Volunteer: Humanizing Digital Work during COVID-19, from Omprakash.

If you know of other local ways to support the community, share them with us at unfcares@unf.edu so they can be added to this list.
Organizations with Service Options - NATIONAL & GLOBAL

Becoming a Virtual Volunteer: How to Get Involved Online is helpful guide for those seeking to continue service work thru online platforms. These six steps are easy to follow and Student Training & Education in Public Service provides additional resources for those looking to serve in virtual ways.

United Nations Volunteering is offering numerous skill-based opportunities for individuals to assist with various non-profits and governments around the globe. Some options include translation, art and design, technology development, and writing and editing.

Omprakash has numerous opportunities to virtually volunteer globally. In the search function, indicate skills, regions, and/or themes to see the vetted options they have available. They also offer a free online learning network, Facing Pandemic: Solidarity & Storytelling across Differences, to connect, share, and create with others.

Operation Gratitude Volunteers work from home to provide support to military members and first responders by making handmade items for care packages or paracord "survival" bracelets or writing personal letters of appreciation. Volunteers participate in virtual workshops for instructions.

BookShare supports individuals with disabilities by providing access to text. Volunteers select books from a request list to scan, proofread, and/or describe images. Self-paced virtual training is provided. Service activity is tracked.

The Human Voicebank collects voices from volunteers for adaptive technologies for those without vocal speech. While it only takes a few moments, volunteers interested in a more in-depth project can also organize a virtual voice drive, collecting voices from others.

Operation Photo Rescue utilizes volunteers to restore photos damaged, usually by water, in natural disasters. Volunteers must have access to and be proficient with Photoshop.

Shelter the World aims to increase housing accessibility throughout the world. Volunteer activities include social media awareness, web site development, and creative endeavors such as photography.

Mapping Prejudice is a project started by the University of Minnesota focused on creating maps of historical and current racial restrictions in housing. Volunteers read deeds and enter the information into a database by completing a form. Activity is tracked through a volunteer's account.

United Nations sponsors a wide-ranging virtual volunteer program providing opportunity for service worldwide through a network of organizations worldwide. Volunteers have opportunities to help in many disciplines, including education, technology, translation, healthcare, and more. Requirements, commitment level and experiences differ broadly among the possible projects.

Red Cross asks volunteers to monitor social media and report the needs of individuals who have been affected by disaster (including COVID-19). Volunteers must have access to social media platforms, be willing to share important disaster updates and resources and to respond compassionately. On-line training is required.

Smithsonian Institute has an extensive community of virtual volunteers who transcribe historical documents. Volunteers communicate regularly through social media to share tips and reflection.

If you are considering serving in any of these capacities, we suggest reviewing the article, 5 Tips for Being a Useful Volunteer: Humanizing Digital Work during COVID-19, from Omprakash.
Alternative Service or Community Engagement for Courses
Given that community-based service opportunities associated with classes will change, or not happen at all, faculty members might ask you to work with the community in different ways. They will likely ask community partners if any of the following tasks which students can do remotely might be helpful:
- conducting background research or gathering best practices or other information requested the partner(s);
- taping, recording, or streaming performances or workshops to benefit community partner(s);
- creating digital and other social media content, print program materials, or other methods for information-sharing;
- undertaking assessment, evaluation, or feedback via phone or web-based services;
- offering (or compiling, researching, or brainstorming) strategies that provide indirect support from volunteers as a result of coronavirus;
- conducting virtual or phone-based educational supports for youth and adults;
- conducting summaries of case studies or recorded interviews to gain insight on those being served;
- participating in virtual simulations or community-based scenario assignments co-created with community partners;
- Imagine America has also curated a list of ways to continue to support local communities in midst of this crisis.
Most importantly, if you do not feel comfortable accomplishing a community-based task or project because you fear it might risk your health, or the health of others, please ask your faculty member for an alternative assignment. The above list has also been shared with faculty members as ways they can adjust community-based projects to be remote or contact-free.

Additional Resources

UNF Resources

UNF is still here for you and below are how offices and departments are working to support our Ospreys during these abnormal times.

Department of Recreation & Wellness is still offering ways to stay a Healthy Osprey. RecWell has YouTube workouts, wellness guides, Healthy Osprey podcasts, and virtual resources through their social media platforms.

Osprey Life & Productions has weekly virtual events for you to participate. Monday Virtual Trivia on Instagram, Tuesday D.I.Y. Activities, Netflix Parties, and more! The easiest way to learn about these activities is through their social media platforms.

The LGBTQ Center also has virtual events, drop-in Zoom hours, and other ways to stay connected while we are separated. Make sure to follow the LGBTQ Center social media channels for updated information on events, services, and opportunities.

The Counseling Center at UNF is still available to students. They also have curated resources specifically for anxieties or concerns stemming from COVID-19. If you need someone to talk to, they are here for you.

Supporting Our Students (S.O.S.) is a referral program to provide additional support and care for a fellow Osprey. With the sudden transition to online classes and abruptness of having to leave UNF, there is a chance that you have lost touch with a friend or classmate with which you usually had regular contact. If you think that your friend might be struggling, consider filling out a referral through S.O.S.

Dean of Students Office has multiple resources that can be helpful under the current circumstances. If you need additional information about options for academics, finances, or health related issues, the Ombuds is available for you. The Dean of Students Office also administers the Student Emergency Relief Fund.
Reflection

Various resources (questions, videos, writings) to begin to process and reflect on how COVID-19 is affecting the communities we belong to and our lives. The world will not always be like this. Now is the time to consider, what is the world we want to create when we are able to reemerge from this?

Leveraging the Learning Opportunity of a Global Health Situation - Reflection questions developed by Susan Haarman from the Loyola University Chicago's Center for Experiential Learning.

Community Care in the Time of Coronavirus - The U.S. Department of Arts and Culture (USDAC)

Love vs. Pandemic - Center for Story-based Strategy (CSS)

We Need Social Solidarity, Not Just Social Distancing - Eric Klinenberg / New York Times / Opinion

Social Justice in a Time of Social Distancing - Kenneth Bailey and Lori Lobenstine / The Design Studio for Social Intervention (DS4SI)
COVID-19 in Our World

Messages from and for students about how COVID-19 is affecting our world.

Break Away provides a statement about the moment and asks us to continue to pursue active citizenship and what that might mean under the current circumstances.

What Is Left? is a reflective essay by a fourth-year graduating senior from University of Virginia, Derrick Wang.

Stepping Up and Helping Out is an essay on how students are directly assisting the COVID-19 response, whether as front line medical providers, using skills and talents learned from 3-D printing, creating and mixing hand sanitizers, or offering childcare services.

How to Salvage a Disastrous Day in Your COVID-19 House Arrest is an essay from a faculty member, but the suggestions can apply to everyone.

Coronavirus Complicates an Already Tricky Balancing Act for Adult Learners is an essay that reflects the reality and additional challenges facing adult learners and non-traditional college students.

'Do No Harm': The Coronavirus Crisis Calls for Compassion, Say Faculty Members Sharing Advice is a series of video interviews with faculty members from various institutions about the best advice and perspectives they have learned from the dealing with the crisis.

How Health Workers Are Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic is a TED Talk from Esther Choo that includes what is happening from the perspective of a health worker and how non-health workers can help.
Help with Coping

Additional resources from outside of UNF that can assist with coping.

A Care Package for Uncertain Times is a curated list of podcasts, poetry, meditations, and reflection to help processing this moment.

The Importance of Self-Care is a curated list of TED Talks that offer simple ways to stay healthy -- physically and emotionally.

Stress and Coping Resources is from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and provides information about how stress might manifest under social distancing orders and quarantines and options to cope with this stress.

When You Need to Take an Intellectual Snack Break is another curated list of TED Talks for when you just need something different but still want to learn about something.

A Message for Students

Virtual Service or Community Engagement Opportunities

Virtual Opportunities

Drop-off or Mail-In Opportunities

Additional Resources