The Superpower of Kindness by Kate Szetela, Manager, Adjunct Faculty Support I recently attended a World Happiness Summit where thought leaders from around the world offered evidence-based perspectives about well-being including Dr. Kelly Harding, author of The Rabbit Effect: Live Longer, Happier and Healthier with the Groundbreaking Science of Kindness. Dr. Harding’s research is inspired by patients she encountered who defied their diagnoses of serious illness –who are living life to their fullest- even thriving in many respects. So what do rabbits have to do with it? A groundbreaking study occurred accidentally the in 1970s when Dr. Nerem performed an experiment on genetically identical rabbits designed to learn how a high-fat diet impacts heart health. There was one group of bunnies that was significantly healthier than the others. They found that the researcher in charge of those rabbits was picking them up, petting them, and giving them love and kindness. A repeat study showed the same effect. Since then, scientific evidence is now proving what many would say is common sense – kindness and connection not only makes you happier but healthier. Educators play a significant role in boosting health. Dr. Harding found that for every one life saved by biomedicine, it seems as though education saves eight. One statistic suggested that not finishing a high school education was the equivalent of a lifetime of smoking. As teaching is often linked to a purpose or calling, there is increasing evidence that having a life of purpose and feeling optimistic can prolong telomeres that help us live longer and live better when illnesses come. Reference: Harding, K. The rabbit effect: Live longer, happier and healthier with the groundbreaking science of kindness. Atria Press.

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We appreciate the many contributions you offer your students and the institution. This space is devoted to your well-being and inspiration to practice self-care. The best gift you can give yourself is a calm, centered mind and a strong, flexible body. Explore simple ways to take care. Resources Meditation Group Courses & Events Meditation Art of the Brief Time Out Describe your image

Access and Accommodations Fall 2022 Updates As a reminder, Faculty are required by law to implement the accommodations listed on a student’s Letter of Accommodation. Please reach out to the Center for Access and Accommodations if you need support in doing so or would like to propose an alternative method for meeting the student’s needs. Students are provided with an electronic Letter of Accommodation and they are instructed to forward that letter/email to their instructor at the start of term. Letters of Accommodation state the term for which they are applicable near the top, but as always, the Center will be available for consult about or verification of accommodations. If a student attempts to inform you of their accommodations in a different way, or casually mentions having a disability or needing an accommodation - please ask them to forward you their Letter of Accommodation. If a student doesn’t have one, refer them back to the Center for Access and Accommodations immediately. Students can request accommodations and submit their documentation by going to www.cod.edu/access and clicking on the green box labeled: “complete form to request accommodations.” It is very important that any time a student mentions that they need you to adjust something because of an illness, injury, medical condition (including COVID-19), or disability that they be referred to The Center for Access and Accommodations as soon as possible. Please do NOT ask for or accept medical documentation from a student. In reference to COVID-19, do NOT ask for vaccination status or a vaccine card from a student. The Center for Access and Accommodations should be the ONLY entity on campus that accepts private health information for the purpose of accommodating a student in a course. Denying or determining an adjustment or modification without referring the student to our office is a violation of federal law. Please visit our Team Site on the inside.cod.edu portal for additional resources.

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May 2022 Adjunct Faculty Spotlight Meet Mary Ann Johnson, English Language Studies Adjunct Faculty Member! What do you teach? How long have you taught at COD? I have been teaching English Language Studies since 2013. What did you want to be “when you grew up?” I wanted to be a dancer on Broadway. I even majored in dance briefly before finding my true passion for teaching. What is your favorite show/TV series AND/OR What book are you reading now? The best book I've read this year is called Anxious People by Fredrik Backman and I'm currently catching up on the latest season of Barry. Do you have a favorite vacation spot? (from childhood or more recently?) I lived abroad for over 15 years and fell in love with Denmark. I hope to visit again soon. What attracted you to teaching? Initially, I started teaching English as a Foreign Language so that I could travel the world. In what ways does your work help students succeed? I help them succeed by teaching them the specific skills they need to achieve their academic goals. Who inspires you? My mother is without a doubt my biggest inspiration. Even at 80 years old, she is still the best listener, advisor, and teacher.

Academic Calendar Dates Where can I locate a list of important academic calendar dates? Unlocking Classroom Door Your COD faculty ID will open your classroom. If you forget your ID you may call COD police at (630) 942-2000 for assistance. Obtaining ID/Parking Pass Prior to class start, obtain a COD staff ID and parking permit. The ID card serves as your room key, is needed to utilize the printers, and can also be registered with the library to rent materials. Making Copies How can I make copies for my class? Accessing & Checking Email How do I access my COD e-mail and how often should it be checked? Accessing COD Systems What if I have trouble accessing my COD e-mail, myACCESS, or Blackboard? Blackboard Training Where can I find training on Blackboard? Library Information Where is the Library located and how do I obtain a library card?

The BIT Chaired by the Dean of Students, The Behavioral Intervention Team includes representatives from departments throughout the college in an effort to provide students with a holistic support system for students. All members of the college community can make a report to th e BIT if they are concerne d about a student or campus community member and would like assistance. Contact Info: deanofstudents@cod.edu 630-942-2485 Educate Others Review Incidents Risk Analysis Take Action

Accomplished Adjuncts Welcome to our new page, Accomplished Adjuncts! Each month, we will feature our awesome adjunct faculty members and the notable things they accomplish throughout the year school year. Please read on to view what your colleagues have been up to and join us in recognizing this month's Accomplished Adjuncts! Bonniejean Alford , Sociology, was recognized as 2022 NEA Higher Educator of the Year Sarah Magin , English, was the winner of the 2021-2022 College-Wide Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award and her achievement will be recognized at this year's commencement ceremony. Jen Propp , English, was a finalist in the Boston Screenplay Awards for her short screenplay, Party of Four Aaron Bartolome , Philosophy, published his article, " Private evidence for atheism " in the journal, Religious Studies Kimberly Groves , English, was accepted into Michigan State's Doctoral Program for Rhetoric and Writing and was awarded a Fellowship opportunity as well Wendy Throup-Pavlick , Student Success Counselor, completed a Lifestyle Medicine for Coaches course, earning a Lifestyle Medicine Coach certificate through the American College of Lifestyle Medicine Elizabeth Moxley , Nursing, received a fellowship from the Preventive Cardiovascular Nurse's Association David Rokos , Motion Picture/Television, began a new job as Senior Video Editor at Argonne National Labs Christy Carter , Communication Arts, completed a year-long Social Justice and Leadership certificate Melissa Victor , Cosmetology, in addition to her other accomplishments , is graduating this spring with honors with a bachelor's in Business Applied Management from Northwood University Chris Baker , Philosophy and Religious Studies, published a book chapter and has a book coming out next month Elizabeth Kowal , Hospitality & Tourism, in addition to her other accomplishments , earned her 5 year service pin from COD Janet Nogowski , English, completed and received ACUE certification Elizabeth Shaffer-McCarthy , Biology, contributed a chapter to a book and has authored three virtual laboratories for Pearson: Protein Structure and Synthesis, Genetics, and now Cells Carol Nemecek-Kowalski , American Sign Language, received an award from Deaf Women United as Deaf Women United Herstory Honor March 2022 and become an honored member of the Hall of Fame as a Civic Leadership at Illinois School for the Deaf Association Alumni Jim Martincic , Music, among other accomplishments , received the Voice Over IP Telephony Specialist and Internetworking Technician certificates from COD

Practicing Paradox by Kate Szetela, Manager, Adjunct Faculty Support Last month’s Art of the Brief Time Out was devoted to discipline. What happens when we commit to a new habit or practice that takes discipline and we find ourselves struggling or not following through? This is a perfect time to practice paradox. For those that participated in a 4 Connections cohort, your familiar with the practice paradox concept of simultaneously providing structure and flexibility to our students. Just like when students take on a new course, when we take on a new habit or practice discipline, it is helpful to afford ourselves some grace when we don’t meet our expectations. Sometimes it is adjusting our intentions or goals, or merely to start again fresh the next day without carrying guilt or judgement about what has passed. The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, than I can change. -Carl Rogers

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