Practicing Inclusiveness and Ensuring Access during Uncertain Times with COVID-19
The health, safety, and personal well-being of each individual in our Mines community is our priority. During this difficult time of uncertainty and stress, we want to praise each of you for your continued dedication to our mission and for treating each other with respect, empathy, and understanding. Other institutions have unfortunately reported a rise in xenophobia and anti-Asian sentiment disguised as fear of COVID-19. We are proud that our Mines community has not participated in these kinds of behaviors. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reminds us that diseases such as COVID-19 can make anyone sick regardless of their race and ethnicity; fear and anxiety about COVID-19 outbreaks can lead to these social stigmas and others including disrespect of those who recently traveled and healthcare providers.
We want to thank you for being remarkable representatives of the Mines community and for treating others with the consideration and regard that we all deserve. Below you will find resources related to DI&A for the Mines community grappling with COVID-19.
- For basics about Mines and COVID-19, see the landing page for important information.
- Fact Sheet: Here are published facts from the Center for Disease Control to answer your questions about COVID-19.
- Stigma and Resilience: This page discusses stigmas and potential discrimination during public health emergencies. Check this out for information about how to counter stigma and discrimination during disease outbreaks.
- Mental Health: Everyone has different amounts of stress during public health emergencies. Individuals from certain populations may respond more strongly to stressful situations. This link from the CDC helps inform readers of potential challenges.
We care about you! Stay healthy. Be well.
Student Resources
Access to Internet or Computing
Having problems with access to the internet or technology to finish the school year? You can borrow a laptop from ITS. Contact your professor if you’re experiencing connectivity issues.
Distance Learning
- Concerned about distance learning, making time for class, juggling childcare or family? Contact your instructor with any issues immediately.
- Here are more tips for managing distance learning.
Food and/or Housing Insecurity
- Concerned about hunger? Any student experiencing food insecurity may come to Mines Market for a meal, regardless of your meal plan status or ability to pay.
- Concerned about homelessness? Email housing@mines.edu and fill out this form to petition to remain on campus.
Health and Wellness
- The Student Wellness Center at Mines has resources for students.
- The Recreation Center has ideas to keep you active. Subscribe to their newsletter.
Can’t find what you need?
If you need help with any issues relating to COVID-19, contact the Student Life Office.
Faculty & Staff Resources
Distance Teaching
- Preparing for distance teaching? Trefny has everything you need.
- Here is Trefny’s Top 10.
- A free webinar recording and presentation for online learning from Innovative Educators.
- Check-in with all your students and be flexible with deadlines and attendance.
- Put students’ health and wellness first. Check on your students with disabilities; their needs may have changed. Submit any concerns to CARE.
Health and Wellness
- The Colorado State Employee Assistance Program has resources for Mines Faculty and Staff.
- For subsidized family care, see Bright Horizons Care Advantage.
Promotion, Tenure, and Annual Evaluations
Concerned about how COVID-19 will impact your annual evaluation or P&T? Join the discussion here.
Working Remotely
- Promote flexible and understanding work environments. Not everyone has the same experience and abilities to work remotely. Individuals may be juggling full-time family care with full-time work.
- Check in with your employees and staff to make an individualized work plan based on their circumstances. Contact DI&A in Teams with concerns about working environments.
- Check out this Working from Home and Managing Childcare blog.
Resources to combat DI&A issues
- This Google doc from Professor Jason Oliver Chang at the University of Connecticut provides a working list of resources to combat DI&A issues during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- From Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers: “To prevent stigma and discrimination in the workplace, use only the guidance described below to determine risk of COVID-19. Do not make determinations of risk based on race or country of origin, and be sure to maintain confidentiality of people with confirmed COVID-19. There is much more to learn about the transmissibility, severity, and other features of COVID-19 and investigations are ongoing.”
- Social inclusion and health equity for vulnerable groups: Social exclusion = consisting of dynamic, multidimensional processes driven by unequal power relationships interacting across four main dimensions – economic, political, social and cultural – and at different levels including individual, household, group, community, country and global.
Virtual Communities & Events
Guided Meditations
30 minute meditation via Zoom led by Roel Snieder, Science & Spiritually professor at Colorado School of Mines.
Tuesdays
Thursdays
Fridays
Sundays
8:00-8:30 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://mines.zoom.us/j/947607571
Or iPhone one-tap: 16699006833,947607571# or 13462487799,947607571#
Or Telephone:
Dial: +1 669 900 6833 (US Toll) or +1 346 248 7799 (US Toll)
888 788 0099 (US Toll Free)
877 853 5247 (US Toll Free)
Meeting ID: 947 607 571
International numbers available: https://mines.zoom.us/u/adnNVwz6mf
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30 minute meditation via Zoom led by the Wellness Center.
Mondays
3:00-3:30 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
Calm and re-center your mind. Whether you’re brand new to meditation and mindfulness or already have an established practice, we’d love to have you! All Mines students, faculty and staff are welcome – come as you are!
Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://mines.zoom.us/j/7734970667
Or Telephone: +1 669 900 6833 (US Toll) or +1 346 248 7799 (US Toll)
Meeting ID: 773 497 0667
Safe Zone Online Workshops
These workshops are offered free of charge. Registration and seating is limited.
Level 1: This workshop describes key LGBTQ+ terms and concepts, explores LGBTQ+ identity development and the coming out process, and offers simple strategies for being an ally and building an inclusive environment. Register now!
Date and Time: March 31, 9 AM – 11:30 AM
Facilitators: Tony Butterfield, Bryce Hughes
Level 2: This workshop describes the concepts and implications of privilege and bias, discusses the climate for LGBTQ+ individuals in STEM, and explores techniques for creating inclusive classroom environments. Register now!
Date and Time: April 2, 10 AM – 11:30 AM
Facilitators: Robyn Sandekian, Alisha Sarang-Sieminski
Join the Discussion
Microsoft Teams monitored by a Mines DI&A staff member Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM- 4:00 PM, MST
Rise up! Help support orediggers in need
Your Rise Up for Mines gift will provide just-in-time assistance to Orediggers experiencing financial hardship such as household loss of income, an unhealthy living situation, effects from a natural disaster, or impacts felt from an unprecedented circumstance like the COVID-19 pandemic.