Friday, September 30, 2011

Tenure Revisited (5/5) - (Freebie Friday) Download a Free Song (or Two) from Amazon.com (Great for Grading and Commuting)!



Readers,

I love listening to music when I grade papers, conduct research, and organize my office. As a result, I was so excited to receive a free offer for a $2 MP3 credit for Amazon.com! For $2, you can download one (or two) songs from the website!

Click here (LINK) and enter FALLMP3S in the "enter your code" box!

Enjoy and take a SMALL break from the tenure process!

Thanks! About.com Guide Stacy Fisher!

Sincerely,

J. Edwards


Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Thursday, September 29, 2011

Tenure Revisited (4/5) - The Barry B. Thompson Service Award & Texas A&M University System's Teaching Excellence Award for Teaching Excellence


Readers,

This past spring, I was very blessed to receive two wonderful awards from my university! These awards were the Barry B. Thompson Service Award (LINK) and the Texas A&M University System's Teaching Excellence Award for Teaching Excellence (LINK). 

            

I hope these awards will help me in the tenure process because I work very hard in the classroom (and on the weekends). A wealth of people supported me in this tenure track process and when I am finally awarded tenure (if I am awarded tenure), I will dedicate this process to my family, colleagues, current/former students, and friends from across the nation.

Sincerely,

J. Edwards


Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Tenure Revisited (3/5) - (Wandering Wednesdays) - National Clearinghouse on Academic Worklife


Readers,

Before this week, I did not know that there was a "National Clearinghouse on Academic Worklife". This website is offered by the University of Michigan Center for the Education of Women" and I look forward to actively exploring this website to read each and every article that they have to offer researchers.

Here are a few of their articles focused on tenure:

This website has the following pieces of information:

- Articles
- Research and Policy Reports
- Policies
- Demographics
- Additional Websites
- Narratives on Institutional Policy Change

Some of the most interesting interactive aspects of the website is the "join our community" and the "suggest resources for the clearinghouse" links.


Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Tenure Revisited (2/5) - "The Faculty Lounge & Other Reasons Why You Won't Get the College Education You Paid For" by Naomi Shaefer Riley


Readers,

A few days ago, my husband and I were persisting through our normal Saturday night activities. These include cooking dinner, grabbing a laptop, preparing lesson plans for the upcoming week, reading tomorrow's Sunday School lesson, and watching TV. This night, we were focused on CSPAN. As we flipped through the channels, we heard a book author on CSPAN mention the tenure process and we immediately stopped on this program. I love the weekend programming on CSPAN and I love Book TV, but this program was slightly different.

This program focused on a recent book titled, "The Faculty Lounge & Other Reasons Why You Won't Get the College Education You Paid For" by Naomi Shaefer Riley. I would  love to read and review this book because it seemed to contain a wealth of information focused on large research universities and it ignored professors who teach at smaller public and private colleges and institutions. Typically, we do not make over $50,000 and we teach more than four courses a semester. We volunteer to advise student organizations and to involve our students in extra curricular activities. For her next book, she should focus on mid-sized institutions and community colleges to give the public a holistic perspective of the faculty experience.

Enough of my commentary, here's the video:

What do you think of the video? I plan to order the book through our library's interlibrary loan program.


Sincerely,

J. Edwards


Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Monday, September 26, 2011

Tenure Revisited (1/5) - My Personal and Ongoing Journey...Persisting Through the Tenure Process


Readers,

During this month, I have been focused on the tenure process. Every year, I set goals for my teaching, research, and service requirements. This year, I am more focused on undergraduate research, large-scale university events, and cross-collaborative research efforts. I hope to start working with a few of the professors from the STEM fields on a grant (or two).

This week's post is focused on the tenure process. Tenure is such a topic of conversation in Texas (as well as the nation) and there are various positive and negative views focused on the tenure process. Despite the attacks to the tenure process, I revisit my tenure portfolio and the tenure requirements for my department to determine how I can exceed my own expectations regarding teaching, research, and service. I attempt to integrate all three of the requirements in every activity that I choose to pursue. 

Despite the individual nature of the tenure process, I try to make each of my research projects and service activities a collaborative process to help early career faculty in their tenure process. Sometimes it is hard for others to persist through this process and I try to help as many people as possible.

Sincerely,

J. Edwards

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Friday, September 23, 2011

Healthy Meals for Professors-on-the-Go (5/5) - Freebie Friday - The Sabra House Party (Intercultural Communication)




Readers,

I LOVE Hummus! This year, I am teaching Intercultural Communication and we have 23+ eager college students who are eager to try the product, integrate the product in their daily recipes, and tweet about the product! Last year, we hosted the Green Works House Party in our department's classes and it was a HUGE hit! This year, we are applying for the Sabra Hummus House Party! Here's our plan:

This year, we are learning about MANY different cultures and hummus has such a RICH history! For example, in our HOUSE PARTY we would:

I. Discovering Hummus - What IS Hummus? (Have you heard of it? Have you tried it? What is the history of Hummus?)
II. Introduction to the Sabra Website (Viewing Youtube Clips, etc.)
III. Trying the Hummus - We will have four different recipes and recipe ideas for the partygoers to try!
IV. Brainstorming about Hummus - How Can People Use Hummus in Easy, Everyday Recipes? We plan to come up with at least 20 different ways and to post these ideas on Facebook, tweet these ideas, and gather additional ideas from others through these social networking websites.
V. Distribution of Hummus Recipes AND Coupons for Sabra Hummus


Then, we will post pictures on our website, blogs, and Facebook profile. In addition, we will interact with others through the #SabraParty hashtag and the Sabra Twitterfeed - http://twitter.com/SABRA.


Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Thursday, September 22, 2011

Healthy Meals for Professors-on-the-Go (4/5) - Academic Travel and Cooking in Your Hotel Room/Eating Between Conference Sessions

Readers,

Every year, I present sessions for at least five to six local, regional, and national conferences. Fortunately, our university offers a slight amount of funding for academic travel, but the other sources of funding have to be either funded by external grants or our personal funds. During my first year out of graduate school, my family had to drastically reduce our personal household budget to accommodate my conference travel. As a result, I have had to adopt a very frugal lifestyle when it comes to attending academic conferences. However, this year I have to focus on living a frugal, yet healthy lifestyle when attending my conferences.

Usually, I travel with the following items:

- At least five pieces of fruit and veggies (bell pepper, avocado, bananas, grapes, etc.)
- A plastic bag filled with Planters Nut-rition goodies!
- A plastic bag filled with five or more Honey 
Ginseng Green Tea packets from the Republic of Tea.
- Instant soup and oatmeal packets.
- An empty reusable bottle.
- Kashi Granola Bars
- My hubby's Texas A&M Coffee Mug (great for instant soup and oatmeal)

This instant breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner kit helps me survive the long conference days and the equally long grading sessions at night for my online classes. It is very interesting how some professors stop communicating with their students and grading papers when attending academic conferences. I set boundaries with e-mail response times and I might have to alter my virtual office hours, but I never stop communicating with students (even when my schedule becomes quite hectic).

Recently, I started exploring additional ways to become more productive in my hotel room while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Here are some great (yet extreme) videos focused on how to cook in a hotel room. Some of these might be great for you! :)




Sincerely,

J. Edwards

Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Healthy Meals for Professors-on-the-Go (3/5) - Wandering Wednesdays - The Healthy Professor Blog




Readers,

Today's Wandering Wednesday's post is focused on "The Healthy Professor Blog". This blog is written by Dr. Nina Marinello for one of her local newspaper's websites. She is the Chair of Nutrition at the Sage Colleges and her posts focus on her classroom, her personal (and healthy) interests, and several tips for the community!

One of her most recent posts is titled "Fatigue, Food, and Friday". Here's the funny thing, I experience this phenomenon every Friday. During my 3pm slump, I have to find some nourishment and my body says...SOMETHING WITH SUGAR PLEASE! So, lately, I have been prepared to answer this daily message from my body with grapes and a cup of green tea.

I can tell that she LOVES her job, but I realize that sometimes we can become so focused on our work that we forget to eat and our bodies can definitely remind us of our mishap by growling or completing shutting down at 3pm/5pm. I can relate to many of her messages and I hope that she will continue posting messages to this blog!

Here's one of her most recent video-based posts. My husband LOVED the video and he plans to use it in his Biology classroom.


Sincerely,

J. Edwards


Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Healthy Meals for Professors-on-the-Go (2/5) - Quick and Easy Recipes in a Mug!

Readers,

Lately, I have been eating breakfast (usually two slices of cheese toast and a glass of water) in the car while commuting to work. However, by 9:00 a.m., my body has used all of the energy from the cheese toast and I am hungry again. So, my doctor wants for me to integrate more protein in the morning to avoid any negative health consequences in the morning. So, my husband and I decided that I need more eggs and peanut butter.

Here's a recipe that I am definitely going to try this week! It is called the Microwave Egg Scramble and I can make it in my office before my morning classes!

recipe image

This recipe is from the Incredible Edible Egg website:

Ingredients Needed:

2 Eggs
2 Tbsp Milk
2 Tbsp Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Directions:

  1. COAT 12-oz. microwave-safe coffee mug with cooking spray. ADD eggs and milk; beat until blended.
  2. MICROWAVE on HIGH 45 seconds; stir. MICROWAVE until eggs are almost set, 30 to 45 seconds longer.
  3. TOP with cheese; season with salt and pepper.
Also, here are some additional "egg mug" recipes from the Hungry Girl website:

- All-American Egg Mug

- Egg Bene-Chick Mug

- The Hungry Girl Special Egg Mug

  • Enjoy!


  • J. Edwards
    Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
    Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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    Monday, September 19, 2011

    Healthy Meals for Professors-on-the-Go (1/5) - Stocking Your Office with Healthy Snacks for Your Busy Lifestyle


    Readers,

    This semester, my health goals have focused on eating fruits, veggies, and fast/healthy goods in my office while working on my action items for the week. For the first few weeks, I started the backwards slide towards sugary items after the 3pm office slump. However, this week I started the week on the right foot and I brought several healthy items to the office including the following:

    - Justin's Almond Nut Butter (Small Packages)
    - Kashi Pita Crackers (A GREAT product!)
    - Planter's Nutrition Mix
    - Green Grapes, Red Plums, and Avocados
    - Two Lean Cuisines - my fridge can only hold TWO meals :(
    - A Large Bottle of Ozarka

    As you can see, this week is dedicated to educators who are actively seeking more energy and small start towards living a healthy lifestyle when they have limited time to do so. This week, look forward to several quick tips and recipes focused on fast meals that you can integrate into your morning and afternoon routines.

    Enjoy!

    Sincerely,

    J. Edwards
    Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
    Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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    Friday, September 16, 2011

    Fun, Organizational Tips for Faculty (5/5) - Freebie Friday - Post-It PopNotes App





    iPhone Screenshot 1

    Readers,

    Today's item for Freebie Friday is focused on the new Post-It note app from the 3M company. Personally, I am a fan of geo-tagging (reading the comments and reviews, not posting comments) when it comes to traveling in my city and outside of the state.

    It would be interesting to see if geo-tagging would work outside of the retail environment and would make its way to college and university campuses across the United States (perhaps even the world). It would be great to visit a university like Harvard and to read the tags for each of the different buildings. It would create a personalized, virtual tour for campus visitors! 

    Just a thought! Enjoy!

    Sincerely,

    J. Edwards

    Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
    Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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    Thursday, September 15, 2011

    Fun, Organizational Tips for Faculty (4/5) - Faculty Development Modules for Online Teaching (Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board)




    Readers,



    Lone Star College, Sam Houston State University, and Spring ISD recently created a repository of learning modules focused on online teaching and learning.


    Here is a link to the Faculty Development Modules - LINK.

    These learning modules are focused on the following topics:

    1 - Introduction to Online Learning

    2 - Flexibility and Time Management

    3 - Learning Styles

    4 - Classroom Management and Communication

    5 - Cultural and Global Considerations

    6 - Legal Issues

    7 - Collaboration and Community Building

    8 - Trends in Online Learning

    9 - Assessment

    10 - Web Literacy

    11 - Vertical and Horizontal Alignment

    12 - Student Retention and Faculty Development

    This project is funding by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB)


    Enjoy!

    Sincerely,

    Dr. Edwards


    Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
    Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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    Wednesday, September 14, 2011

    Fun, Organizational Tips for Faculty (3/5) - The Teaching Professor Blog!

    Readers,



    This week's Wandering Wednesday post is focused on the Teaching Professor blog. This blog always features great ideas for college faculty who teach and who research. The Teaching Professor blog is filled with amazing ideas and focuses on the following subjects:

    • the scholarship of teaching and learning
    • classroom policies
    • active learning
    • assessment
    • generational differences
    • student performance

    All of these ideas can definitely help college faculty become more organized and to help more students in less time!


    Enjoy!


    J. Edwards

    Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
    Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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    Tuesday, September 13, 2011

    Fun, Organizational Tips for Faculty (2/5) - Using Pinterest to Discover and Organize Your Creative Ideas!




    Readers,

    One of our social media interns told us about Pinterest in during our TSMRI retreat and I did NOT know about this AMAZING website. That night, I signed up for Pinterest and I had to wait for an approval e-mail confirming my membership. On Sunday, I received that wonderful invitation and I was able to start my Pinterest journey.

    Pinterest is a great website focused on bookmarking through pictures. For example, you can visit a website and you can find an amazing picture (recipe, bulletin board, idea, etc.) to PIN on your board. Then, people who have similar interests can follow you or your board OR you can follow others' boards. This is an amazing way to plan neat events, organize your research, brainstorm ideas, and to do something stress-free!



    Follow Me on Pinterest! - http://re.pn/b/KpZT

    My Boards:
    - Fantastic Food Ideas for Meetings
    - Academic Life and College

    - Make and Take Crafts (for my daycare)
    - Fun Gift Ideas (for my classes)
    - Preschool Science Activities (for my childcare training business)

    Enjoy!
    Sincerely,

    J. Edwards


    Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
    Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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    Fun, Organizational Tips for Faculty (1/5) - Using Google Docs to Plan the 2011 Social Media Conference @ Tarleton State University




    Readers,

    This semester, I have had the best experience working with a group of wonderful ladies (undergraduate students, faculty, and staff) in the newly-formed Texas Social Media Research Institute (TSMRI) at Tarleton State University. We formed the institute last spring and this fall we are working on the upcoming 2011 Social Media Research Conference that will be held Friday, December 2, 2011 at Tarleton.

    The undergraduate students are TSMRI interns and they are divided into three teams: Social Media, Training and Development, and Conference Planning. Each team has one to three faculty mentors (who are also the TSMRI co-directors) and they have a intern coordinator (who was also my Undergraduate Research Assistant this summer). Last of all, there is me and I function as a faculty mentor and the TSMRI Director.

    Each Monday, we meet, eat, and brainstorm. There is one word that truly epitomizes this weekly activity - SYNERGY! I have never experienced ANYTHING like it! These ladies are all amazing and I enjoy their neat ideas and energy! We will have an amazing conference!

    Here's the fun organizational tip - We use Google Docs for EVERYTHING!
    1 - Registration Form - Created Using Google Forms
    2 - Conference Planning Toolbox (Backwards Plan, Contact Sheet, Logo, etc.) - Created Using Google Spreadsheets
    3 - Call for Proposals - Created Using Google Spreadsheets



    Become a fan of TSMRI on Facebook! - http://www.facebook.com/TSMRI/
    Follow TSMRI on Twitter! - http://www.twitter.com/TSMRI/


    Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
    Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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    Friday, September 9, 2011

    Faculty Work-Life Balance Series (5/5) Freebie Friday - Complete Small Activities on Recycle Bank for Free Points Towards High-Value Coupons and Free Products for Classes!




    Readers,

    I love saving money and I tend to spend A LOT of money on my classes (and our department's conferences), but I try to maximize my dollar by using coupons and contacting individual companies! 

    Last year, when planning the "Environmental Communication Week", I was not familiar with this wonderful website, Recyclebank. This website enables users to complete quick quizzes, take green pledges, and read informative articles for Recycle Bank points. Here's the neat aspect, the points can be used for high-value coupons ($2.00 off Kashi Products, etc.) and even free products at McDonalds (i.e. - a free ice cream cone).

    Professional Life
    I am glad that I found this website last month, because I will be able to share the wonderful information with people who are interested in "Environmental Communication Week 2012". Another cool feature to add to the website! :)

    Personal Life
    This website is beneficial for our household because I am still planning to increase the amount of money that we save each month. September is always crunch month for our household (tuition, etc.) and this will be a great way to plan for future money emergencies. Faculty have to budget as well! :)

    Sign up for Recyclebank today! :)

    Enjoy!

    Sincerely,

    J. Edwards


    Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
    Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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    Thursday, September 8, 2011

    Faculty Work-Life Balance Series (4/5) - Yoga and Higher Education (Celebrating National Yoga Month)!


    http://www.flickr.com/photos/myyogaonline/457354375/
    Readers,

    I am excited to tell announce that this month is National YOGA month! This exciting because many Yoga studios are offering FREE classes this month! Enter your information in the National Yoga Month website to find classes near you!

    This summer, I started practicing yoga to become more flexible (I hate injuries), to gain a stronger focus on my work and family life, and to minimize the impact of stress on my life. Life for faculty and students is a hard life and many people outside of higher education do not realize the stress level of both of these groups.

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/mortonfox/
    Through yoga, I have met a wonderful group of older and younger women (and men) who embrace fitness and health. The older women use the balance balls in the back of the room and the rest of us are on double-mats. I try to avoid double-mats, but the nice women who are taking the class with me make sure that I have an additional mat before the class begins. God bless them!

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/sisterbeer/
    During the summer, we had 105+ days in July and August and this prevented me from walking to the local gym to persist through my yoga class. However, the meteorologists predict that September is the month to expect cooler weather (and possibly rain). So, later this month, I plan to continue my yoga journey and to meet my old (no pun intended) friends again.

    Do you practice yoga or another fitness activities to relieve your stressful days? Please share! :)

    Sincerely,

    J. Edwards

    Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
    Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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    Wednesday, September 7, 2011

    Faculty Work-Life Balance Series (3/5) - Wandering Wednesdays - "Too Hot To Teach" Blog



    http://www.flickr.com/photos/dogwelder/
    Readers,

    This is our second week of school and I am very excited to share a neat blog with you. This week's Wandering Wednesday's Blog is focused on work-life balance and it is written by three lovely academic bloggers (Professor KM, Miss Kat, and Part-Time KC). Most of their posts focus on the celebrations and perils of being young, fierce, female and faculty. Wow, I remember those young and fierce days, now I feel almost tenured and _______ (insert adjective here).

    Their blog helps me reflect on my first six years of teaching in higher education. Yes, it has been SIX YEARS! Here are the categories that are featured on their blog:


    Their blog features a WEALTH of personal/professional reflection and an equal amount of neat teaching ideas. 

    Visit their blog here - http://toohottoteach.com/.

    Sincerely,

    J. Edwards



    Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
    Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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    Tuesday, September 6, 2011

    Call for Articles - International Higher Education Teaching and Learning (HETL) Review


    Readers,

    Here's a publication opportunity! The International Higher Education Teaching and Learning (HETL) Review (http://hetl.org) is now accepting article submissions for 2011. See http://hetl.org/introduction-submissions/ for submission requirements.

    Special theme for 2011-2012: University 2.0.Theme topic areas include:
    - University 2.0: using Web 2.0 and other digital media technology in higher education.
    Examples: virtual worlds, blended learning, social media technology, mobile learning.

    - University 2.0: internationalization of teaching and learning.
    Examples: multicultural learning, collaboration between universities, education for agency.

    - University 2.0: social learning theories, instructional design, and learning outcomes.
    Examples: assessment and evaluation of teaching and learning, syllabus/course design, curriculum design, program design.

    - University 2.0: social, institutional, and policy-making challenges and opportunities.
    Examples: managing learning communities, managing centers for teaching and learning, higher education reform.

    Sample of on-going themes:
    - Best practices in teaching and learning.
    - New pedagogical approaches in teaching and learning.
    - Innovation and the future of teaching and learning.- Comparative studies in teaching and learning.
    - Interdisciplinary teaching and learning.
    - Internationalization of teaching and learning.
    - Faculty development and learning communities.
    - Cooperative learning and collaborative learning.
    - Active learning and student engagement.
    - Group-based learning, project-based learning, inquiry-based learning, case-based learning, and problem-based learning. 

    Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
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    Faculty Work-Life Balance Series (2/5) - Tips for Faculty Work-Life Balance (A Few Neat Resources)




    Readers,

    Work-life balance is one of my favorite subjects to research in my organizational communication endeavors. I usually research millennial employees and their perceptions of work-life balance, but I really think that I should apply the work-life balance research and issues to my own life. 


    Here's a great TED video from Nigel Marsh on How to Make Work-Life Balance Work:






    If you need to discover exactly HOW MUCH time you are spending on each of your daily activities, here's a neat calculator from CNN:
    http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/worklife/06/04/balance.calculator/

    Also, CNN has a neat quiz focused on Weisure (the combination between work and play):
    http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/worklife/05/08/weisure.interactive/index.html


    Here are a few additional resources that would help male and female faculty members survive the work-life balancing act. 


    San Francisco State University - Top Ten Tips on Finding Personal and Professional Balance 


    A More Family-Friendly Ivory Tower
    http://www.apa.org/monitor/2010/01/flexibility.aspx

    Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
    Become a fan of Millennial Professor on Facebook - http://goo.gl/gnN41
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    Monday, September 5, 2011

    Faculty Work-Life Balance Series (1/5) - 10 Ways to De-Stress This Semester!!

    Readers,

    This semester (and other semesters) are usually filled with stress (at one time or another). This year, I plan to minimize my stress as much as I possibly can by doing the following: practicing yoga, eating healthy foods, maintaining an increased level of organization between work and home, attending church, and maintaining a positive attitude. 

    In addition, the local public library is sponsoring a reading challenge for adults during the fall semester and I cannot wait to start reading my fiction and non-fiction books related to non-academic issues (a slight break). I plan to read at least one book a week (or every two weeks). We shall see!

    During the labor day weekend, I started planning my fall garden and reading the forgotten magazines from the summertime. I am finally finished reading my issues of Self, Glamour, Family Circle, Better Homes and Gardens, Inc. (one of my favorites), and Woman's Day. I enjoy reading magazines because this slight break enables me to refocus on my academic schedule during the week. 

    In the September 2011 issue of Self, there was a great mini-article titled, "Self's 10 Quickie Ways to...Get Rid of Your Stress". Here are the quickie ways:

    1 - Download the Just Inhale App (4.5/5 Stars)
    This app is FREE and it encourages users to practice several breathing exercises.
    Breathing Zone Free - Relaxing Breathing Exercises

    2 - Chomp on Chocolate

    3 - Strike a Yoga Pose
    *Oh yeah, this month is also National Yoga Month. Find a FREE Yoga class near you!

    4 - Say NO! 
    *This semester is going to be an extremely busy semester for me and my daily mantra is focused on the word, "no". I will NOT do anything that will not benefit my tenure portfolio this year.

    5 - Give Back by Volunteering
    *As academics, I think that we have the volunteer aspect covered, but just in case you need some additional service on your plate, you can search for local volunteer opportunities on http://www.volunteermatch.org/
    VolunteerMatch

    6 - Pucker Up
    *Kisses actually help humans release feel-good hormones. :)
     


    7 - Play Away Angst (DOWNLOAD a GAME)! :)
    *Right now, I love the Angry Birds Game - Rio Edition. :)

    8 - Light a Lavender Candle
    *I love lavender, but unfortunately we are not able to have candles in our offices. As a result, I purchased a few Glade Sense and Spray devices which spray a beautiful fragrance when I enter my office in the morning. In addition, this device is GREAT when a student enters the office as well. Sniffing lavender can help us lower levels of stress-related chemicals. :)

    9 - Plan a Vacay
    *This is one thing that I have NOT planned this semester. Most of my travel plans involve academic travel. I need to plan a short vacay for a few days around Thanksgiving. Any ideas?


    10 - Pet a Pooch
    *Our family has a miniature schnauzer that makes our lives complete! There is nothing like coming home to a furry dog that is excited that you have arrived back home after a long day! :)

    Millennial Professor - Jennifer T. Edwards, Ed.D.
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