SEAHO Report - Winter 2020 - 43

SEAHO Feature Articles
and advancement opportunities and providing recognition, brainstorming ways to help alleviate, or at the very
least acknowledge, this struggle became a priority.
The committee devised a plan to create a series of events to allow people official time in the middle of the work
day to take break and work together on something enjoyable and stress-free. Monthly intentional opportunities
to share skills, hobbies, and interests with others called the Breath of Fresh Air series launched only a few
weeks after the initial idea was discussed. These activity-centered sessions are provided to assist individuals
in their self-care, mindfulness, and work-life harmony. The aim of the Breath of Fresh Air series is to create a
space for staff to engage in peer-led personal growth activities; opportunities designed to explore and create a
space for personal advancement and enhancement of morale. {Parker pic}
The first event, Exploring Vital Needs, was held in September and staff members were guided through the
concept of Vital Needs and shown how to apply it to the balance of their own personal and professional lives, as
well as those of the staff they supervise. We utilized worksheets, facilitated discussion, and peer feedback to
determine our vital needs and create purposeful reminders for our daily lives. In October we hosted an
embroidery workshop where participants were given embroidery hoops, needles, and thread for use at home
after the workshop. Participants were taught how to transfer a pattern, some basic stitches, and had a
conversation about how to be intentional about what we do in our free time after work. During the month of
November Living with a Purpose: How to Give Back was a session where participants were able to discuss the
kindness shown to them by others and brainstorm ways to give back to the community and others in need. Our
upcoming spring sessions have staff looking forward to a workshop in February about Self Love and Creating
Sugar Scrubs. In March, we will be learning how to create boutonnieres and other simple floral arrangements,
and in April we will end the series for the year with a session on sustainability and creating recycled crafts.
The Staff Advancement and Morale Committee members are proud of the excellent attendance at each event
and are looking forward to even more success this semester. Sessions are not mandatory, but staff choose to
attend due to the camaraderie, laughter, positivity, and fun provided. A series like this is easy to create and very
low in cost, making them easy to adapt and try on any campus. It is remarkable how one hour of intentional
positive collaboration each month can provide a lasting and encouraging impact on the morale of your team.
Amazing what a little Breath of Fresh Air can do, eh?

Student Affairs around the Region
Auburn University:
Staff Presenting at SEAHO

Alabama Updates

Congratulations to the Auburn University Housing
staff members who will present at the Southeastern
Association of Housing Officers (SEAHO) conference.
Ellori White and Jermaine Ferguson were selected to
present the Best of ALAHO session, "Blemish on the
White Board: How to Support Staff of Color in
Predominantly White Spaces." Ellori and Jermaine
are both Area Coordinators at Auburn. Emily Scarpa,
along with Danny Coradazzi, will present on When
Resident Assistants are the Students of Concern. Emily
currently works as an Area Coordinator, and Danny
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previously served as an Area Coordinator and now
works in housing at Vanderbilt University.
Master Lease
Auburn University Housing is excited to announce that
we will be partnering with a luxury apartment
community to provide students with the off-campus
living experience while also providing them with the
convenience of on-campus housing. This new
partnership will allow students to live within walking
distance of campus and provide them with a variety
of amenities including fully furnished apartments, a
state-of-the-art fitness center, a pool and hot tub, and
an academically oriented environment.
SEAHO Report Winter 2020

SEAHO Report - Winter 2020

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