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Provided based on consultation with Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Affairs, the Office of Human Relations, Disability Programs and Resource Center

 

We are all aware of the profound traumatic events that have occurred. In response to requests for resources and guidance regarding how to handle staff issues, we are providing some strategies and resources that you may find helpful.

1. Take care of yourself. Be sure that you have attended to your own feelings, found personal support and informed yourself about relevant campus resources. Some services to be aware of include Counseling and Psychological Services (338-2208) serving both students and employees, Safe Place (338-2819), Department of Public Safety (228-7200), CEASE (338-1203), Office of Human Relations (405-0434), and the SFSU homepage for current campus information (http//www.sfsu.edu).
2. Balance your typical professional role as a supervisor with the awareness that it is not business as usual for either you or your staff.
3. Balance your willingness to be supportive and helpful with a clear understanding of the limitations of your role or your skills in dealing with people in crisis. Be willing to refer people to other relevant services.
4. Guide your professional speech based on the assumption that you are likely to be talking to someone who is directly affected by this traumatic event.

If you do not feel comfortable conducting an open discussion about these events in your department, consider referring your staff and others to colleagues, an appropriate campus office, or one of the open forums listed below. If you choose to facilitate a discussion, consider the following:

1. Commend those present for coming to such a discussion during such a difficult time.
2. Provide some ground rules to insure a supportive and safe discussion. For example:

1. We will agree that the opinions shared in the meeting will stay in the meeting.
2. Each person should speak for themselves
3. Everyone is allowed to express her or his own feelings and reactions. Each will express their feelings respectfully, and no one will be allowed to criticize another's feelings or reactions.
4. One person will speak at a time.

3. Structure the discussion. For example,

1. Begin with factual information: Where were you when you heard? What did you see or hear? What did you do?
2. Talk about feelings: What were you feeling when you heard? What are you feeling now?
3. Ask about the effects on their life. Have you had any unusual experiences since the time of the event? Has your life (home, school, job, relationships) changed in any way since the event?

4. Following the discussion, tell participants that individuals vary greatly in how they respond immediately to stress and how their reactions may change over time. For some, reactions such as disorientation, anger, frustration, denial, or alienation may occur. Some may experience sleep disturbances, intrusive thoughts, distrust of others, strains on relationships, or increased drinking and substance use.
5. Remind staff of the campus resources listed above.

Open Forums:

"Coping with Current Events"

Student Services Building Room 208

Wednesday, September 12, 2001 9 AM - 11 AM

Thursday, September 13, 2001 9AM - 12 AM

Friday, September 14, 2001 9AM - 11

Please feel free to send comments and feedback by:

• Sending them to the Office of Human Relations at ohr@sfsu.edu.
• Or entering and submitting them here: