CTRL Election Resources

We’ve heard loud and clear that it is very important to our students that faculty create productive in-class spaces to process the election. Especially in the COVID context when students are zoom-fatigued and are not attending many virtual co-curricular events, these in-class conversations become increasingly important to support our students’ learning and mental health.

This election will have long-lasting effects on not just the country but the well-being of many members of our community. There also may not be a definitive result for the presidential race for many days.  It’s important to acknowledge and respect the varying emotions or anxieties that will affect our community. Even though the election may not directly tie-in with your course or programming content, it is still something that will impact us and our students. Start thinking about and processing your own emotions first:

• Unplug from news and social media if it causes you anxiety.
• Our reactions and what we share with students has an impact on them. Be conscious of what you say, how you say it, and non-verbal communications.
• Turn to personal hobbies or coping skills to help you reflect on and control your emotions (art, music, gardening, exercise, games, etc.)

Then, make a decision on how or if you’re going to talk about the election in the classroom.