NEWS AND EVENTS
Upcoming Events
Research Administration Essentials, March 4-April 15
The spring sessions of Research Administration Essentials, the training program formerly known as NURAMP, launch next week and extend through April 15. ORED staff are welcome to attend the sessions when their schedules allow. For additional details and registration information, visit the program’s website.
Farewells
It’s with sadness for us and excitement for her that Sponsored Programs announces Abby Lien’s resignation from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She’ll be here through the end of February, then on vacation for three weeks and will return for the last week and couple of days at the end of March. She is venturing into the entrepreneurial world, and though we’ll miss her warm and friendly spirit on our team, we know she’ll do awesome things!
WATER COOLER CHAT
Next month is Women’s History Month, a time to honor and celebrate women’s past and present contributions to the United States and world. The concept dates back to 1975, when the United Nations officially started sponsoring International Women’s Day. By 1978, a California-based organization expanded the day into Women’s History Week. An increasing number of states started to celebrate the week, and in 1987, Congress officially declared March as National Women’s History Month.
Each year, the National Women’s Alliance declares a theme for the month. For 2020, that theme is “Valiant Women of the Vote.”
To mark Women’s History Month, tell us which woman, public figure or otherwise, has inspired you or significantly influenced your trajectory. We’ll share your responses in the next issue of OPEN Book.
WELLNESS WATCH
Developing self-care habits at work
Emotional care is an area that has long been ignored, but organizations have taken notice and are now grasping the importance of self-care in the office. Below are seven tips for boosting your self-care at work, adapted from a Feb. 25 article in Fast Company by Harvey Deutschendorf. Thanks to Laurie Sampson for submitting this information.
- Be aware of your stressors. When it comes to what causes stress, not everyone is the same. Know exactly what causes your stress so you can be aware of it when you encounter it. Self-awareness, an essential first step in emotional intelligence, is crucial to knowing what to do to look after your emotional needs.
- Learn to say no. Many believe that saying no means you are not a good team player or you’ll miss out on being promoted. However, it is an essential part of letting people know that you are at your limit. It is important to frame saying no in the right context. You may find that saying no will earn you respect from your colleagues and management and encourage others to do the same.
- Set and keep boundaries. Set boundaries and let others clearly know where those boundaries are. Ask to not be interrupted during or at specific times. Encourage others to let you and others know when they have an importance piece of work and are facing a deadline.
- Protect your energy. When socializing with colleagues at work, avoid talking about subjects that you have strong feelings about. Getting into arguments or getting yourself worked up can drain your energy and make work more difficult.
- Ask for help when you need it. Asking for help when you need it is not a sign of weakness, it is an indication of someone who knows themselves, is open and is a good team player. Meanwhile, let your colleagues know when you have some extra time and are able to help them, too.
- Accept all your emotions, but choose which you will focus on. Instead of wasting energy trying to suppress negative emotions, ride them out, but don’t keep focusing on them.
- Go easy on yourself. When you have given your best effort and things don’t go as planned, practice being gentle on yourself. Ask yourself how you can use the experience to help you improve in the future.
THE MONTH IN PICTURES
On Feb. 14, Chancellor Ronnie Green delivered the State of Our University address at Nebraska Innovation Campus to an audience of more than 400. He outlined the N2025 strategic plan, a five-year plan that is the first phase of a transformative 25-year blueprint for the university.
Many aspects of the plan are relevant to ORED, particularly the target of achieving $450 million in annual research expenditures. Read more about the strategic plan here.
Thanks to all who contributed to this month’s issue. If you have an item you’d like us to include in the next edition, send it to Tiffany Lee.
