In response to the tragedy at NIU, the NIU Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning has compiled the following information and resources for faculty as the campus community heals. These shared resources remain archived here.
Tips and strategies compiled by NIU for teaching after a tragedy.
Information by the Centers for Disease Control on coping with tragic events
Article by Bert H. Epstein (2004) discussing the resulting use, potential overuse, and possible misuse of psychological debriefing. Analysis and interpretation of recent scientific data for interventions similar to commonly used methods of campus crisis intervention are provided.
Suggestions offered by Arizona State University for preparing to facilitate class discussions regarding recent tragedy
Recommendations for students compiled by Arizona State University
Information that may help in recognizing and responding to students in distress and making appropriate referrals, compiled by the University of California, Santa Barbara
Article by Terry M. Wildman, Virginia Tech, focusing on the question of how an academic community can sustain itself and work productively and positively to achieve normally high aspirations for its students and all members of the community
Recommended steps for teaching during times of crisis
This guide aims to provide support for grieving students and those who care about them.
Tips compiled by the American Psychological Association for helping children manage their distress
When you have lived through a shocking event…you survived a terrible accident, you lost your house in a tornado, you lost a loved one in an accident or severe storm, you or a loved one were attacked, or the place you thought was safe was violated by some form of violence or natural disaster....[PDF] [Word]
Grief is a normal response to any loss. Each person’s grief journey is unique, yet the process of grief is similar regardless of what was lost: a loved one, a relationship, your health or your loved one’s health,your home, your identity/role related to family or job, your income and/or your hopes and dreams. The intensity of your grief is directly related to the strength of your attachment to what was lost. [PDF] [Word]
NIU hotlines and counseling services available for NIU faculty/staff, GTAs, and students
People respond to traumatic events differently. We cannot control how we respond; we can only accept how we are emotionally and physically responding. It is important to work at not giving in to our avoidance tendencies and take small steps to face what we experienced and how we are feeling. [PDF] [Word]
Everyone’s Grief Journey has a different route and many curves and circles as you slowly move forward. In the beginning, you hardly believe you are taking any steps or maybe you take a couple steps that are definitely going nowhere! As you move through the first few months your particular path begins to emerge. Listed below are some of the landmarks that let you know you are moving through your grief. [PDF] [Word]
Handout of tips and strategies compiled by the Faculty Development and Instructional Design Center from various sources for teaching after a time of crisis [PDF] [Word]
Handout addressing questions that may arise for those who share different cultural backgrounds from those typically found in the Midwest of the US [PDF] [Word]
Tips for individuals coping with stressful situations [PDF] [Word]
Some tips for Faculty and Instructors prepared by Toni Tollerud, Ph.D. and Lee Shumow, Ph.D. NIU College of Education, Center for Child Welfare and Education. Dealing with questions like: How does trauma impair learning? What contributes to this impairment that affects the student? As an instructor, what are some ways I could respond to the students in my classes? What about students who might be at a heightened risk? What suggestions can I make? [PDF]
Grief is a normal response to any loss. Each person’s grief journey is unique, yet the process of grief is similar regardless of what was lost: a loved one, a relationship, your health or your loved one’s health,your home, your identity/role related to family or job, your income and/or your hopes and dreams. The intensity of your grief is directly related to the strength of your attachment to what was lost. [PDF] [Word]
Counseling and Consultation Services can help students resolve personal difficulties and acquire the attitudes, abilities, and knowledge that will enable them to take full advantage of their college experience and be successful. Information can be found at http://www.niu.edu/counseling and 815-753-1206.
(CITL) has a number of resources online on teaching after a crisis. CITL staff are also available for consultations on strategies for teaching after a crisis and can be reached at 815-753-0595 or citl@niu.edu.
(ISFO) advises international students and faculty on ways to succeed academically, socially, and culturally at Northern Illinois University. Information about ISFO can be found at https://www.niu.edu/isfo/aboutus/index.shtml and 815-753-1346.
Psychological Services provides high quality mental health resources to students, prepares graduate students in professional practice, and provides opportunities for research on empirically supported treatment outcomes. Information about the Center can be found at https://www.niu.edu/psyc/psc and 815-753-0591.
Additional information or resources?
Do you have an additional resource to share with NIU faculty? Email the URL, title, and brief description of suggested resources to citl@niu.edu for consideration.
Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning staff are available for consultations on strategies for teaching after a crisis and can be reached at 815-753-0595 or citl@niu.edu.
Phone: 815-753-0595
Email: citl@niu.edu
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