MSU All Staff Council Newsletter April 2023

Current Council Update

The proposed MSUASC DEI Statement was read in during the April 19th council meeting. Motions were received and the council voted to adopt the following statement.

MSUASC DEI Statement

All Staff Council supports the MSU Diversity framework and believes that when people feel accepted, respected, and included, they can be more creative, innovative, and successful. We want all our staff at Montana State University to feel safe, valued, and appreciated. Together, we strive to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the diverse voices of our staff, faculty, and students at Montana State University. 

The National Month of Hope lends a hand in lifting our spirits as we transition from the gray days of winter.

Bringing hope to someone can take many forms: be a positive role model in a child’s life; mentor a colleague; lift the spirits of a friend suffering from a medical issue or volunteer at a local homeless shelter. We are each able to bring a ray of hope in our own way by contributing wisdom, time, kindness, and community service.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMonthOfHope

• Spread a little sunshine and bring some hope into lives through kind deeds and smiles.
• Volunteer your time and expertise to create a better future.
• Experience meaningful and healthy communication with loved ones, family, friends, co-workers,
  and colleagues.
• Post words of hope.
• Share your story of overcoming adversity with those who are going through hard times.
• Lend a helping hand to those in need.
• Clean up areas where there is trash such as parks and trails.

Stress Awareness Month

April is recognized as Stress Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness and promote stress management techniques. Stress is a common experience that can have both physical and mental impacts on our health. It can manifest in many different ways, including headaches, muscle tension, anxiety, irritability, and depression.

The goal of Stress Awareness Month is to encourage individuals to take time to recognize their stress and take steps to manage it. This includes engaging in activities that promote relaxation and stress relief, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time outdoors. Additionally, it's important to prioritize self-care activities like getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and taking breaks throughout the day.

It's also important to seek support when needed. This can include talking to a trusted friend or family member, reaching out to a mental health professional, or utilizing one of the many resources at MSU focusing on Wellness.  The MUS Wellness program has many resources and tools to help you prioritize your mental and physical health.  You can find more information on the website: https://wellness.mus.edu/

By acknowledging stress and taking steps to manage it, we can improve our overall health and well-being. As we navigate the ongoing challenges of daily life, let's prioritize self-care and stress management strategies to promote our mental and physical health.