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Managing the trauma of tragedy 
NOTE: This message refers to sensitive details that may be triggering regarding the violence our community experienced. Resources and assistance are available through multiple campus programs. 
Zakia Alavi, an associate professor of psychiatry in Michigan State University’s Department of Pediatrics and Human Development in the College of Human Medicine, answers questions about dealing with trauma after a tragic incident, how to deal with returning to normal routines, and how to deal with the feelings of grief, anger and fear that follow.  
How can those who have experienced tragedy return to campus and classrooms shortly after? How can they help manage anxiety?   
Anxiety, fear, anger, worry and a whole gamut of intense feelings, given the current conditions, are natural responses to a traumatic event. To some extent, it is also natural to feel uncomfortable revisiting the scene of a traumatic experience. However, studies show that the best way to move forward is to move back to the familiar routine that existed prior to such an event. That said, taking time to process, to grieve and to mourn the losses is important. 
The university and our health team have multiple resources available that have been publicized. Please do not hesitate to seek help. It does not have to be a long-drawn-out process. Even a few visits virtually or in person can be helpful. 
Is there a time frame for grief and healing when it comes to returning to a place that was the root of the anxiety? 
The time frame to grieve and to recover from such an event is variable and depends on many factors — both on the individual level and an environmental level. However, in most cases the first few weeks and up to the first three months can be particularly taxing. Getting back to a routine, being in familiar surroundings and spending time with peers and colleagues brings a sense of safety and a sense of community, which can go a long way toward mitigating the loss of trust and safety in public places. 
Students have expressed a variety of emotions related to returning to campus:  
“I can’t isolate yourself forever, but all I want to do is stay home.”  
“I feel like a coward. Should I force myself to go?” 
What is your advice to them? 
First, know that you are not a coward and that people grieve and react differently to trauma and loss. Sometimes a situation, such as this tragedy, also can reactivate previous traumas and previous losses that were experienced earlier in our lives and were not addressed or were too painful to have been addressed at the time. 
The best course of action is to find comfort in community and camaraderie with your peers and your academic colleagues. Help is available if you find it difficult to take that next step. Making time to be with friends, family, as well as peers and colleagues, is a pathway to healing and honoring the lives that have been lost. 
As an educator, how can you take time to process this tragedy yourself while still being there for your students? 
Educators are the backbone of an academic institution such as ours. Processing trauma takes many different forms. For some of us, it can be as simple as returning to class, connecting with our students and colleagues and finding the comfort of the familiar routine of academia. For others, it may mean going back to our families, spending some extra time with our loved ones and reassuring ourselves that there is safety and comfort and love in our own immediate families. Taking time as an educator to find your balance to ground yourself is important, and it should be a priority for all of us who are educators. 
As faculty encounter an influx of student worries and anxiety, how should they thoughtfully respond? 
First, take care of yourself; you can’t pour from an empty cup. Going back to class or your other duties on campus can evoke a multitude of feelings ranging from grief, anger, helplessness to sadness and a desire to avoid being in a space where such difficult and traumatic events took place. It is good to acknowledge these mixed feelings when talking to each other and especially when talking to your students, who are likely to be going through similar experiences themselves.  
Many survivors report being jumpy and wary in public following a traumatic event. Is this hypervigilance? Is it related to PTSD? 
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a well-studied and well-known condition. There are three major domains of symptoms for PTSD — hypervigilance, which can surface as being jumpy or easy to startle; hyperarousal, which can present as difficulty falling asleep or difficulty experiencing a calm state of mind; and emotional detachment or numbness that can alternate with periods of intense emotional reactions.  
During the first few days, even the first 90 days of such a traumatic experience, most of us will experience some elements of these symptoms. The important thing to remember is that most individuals recover from these temporary symptoms, heal and move on without developing a fully realized PTSD diagnosis.   
Over the next few weeks or months, you should begin to experience an equilibrium in your emotional, mental and physical functioning. Everyone is different, though, and will require different time frames to do so. However, if time progresses and you find things are getting worse instead of better, then please seek professional help as your next step in healing.  
  
  

Resources in Response to the Michigan State University ShootingThe recent shooting at the Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan, has evoked a range of emotions and concerns of safety across the United States. This shooting occurred on the eve of the 5th year anniversary of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting and occurred not far from Oxnard High School where a shooting took place in 2021. The close proximity of these other shootings has created additional questions about safety and additional loss and trauma reminders for those communities who have experienced previous mass violence. In response to this event, the National Child Traumatic Stress Network has developed resources to help children, families, and communities navigate what they are seeing and hearing, acknowledge their feelings, and find ways to cope together. These resources include:

College Students: Coping After the Recent Shooting
Coping After Mass Violence
Parent Guidelines for Helping Youth After Mass Violence
Talking to Children about Mass Violence
Talking to Children: When Scary Things Happen (En Espanol)
Psychological Impact of Mass Violence
Helping Teens with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers (En Español)
Helping School-Age Children with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers (En Español)
Helping Young Children with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers (En Español)
After a Crisis: Helping Young Children Heal (En Español)
Age-Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event (En Español)
Once I Was Very Very Scared – children’s book for young children
Tips for Families on Addressing the Anniversary
Creating School Active Shooter/Intruder Drills
I Don’t Know How to Address Worries About My Child’s Safety at School (webinar)
Pause-Reset-Nourish (PRN) to Promote Wellbeing (En Español) (for responders)

Psychological First AidThe NCTSN also has resources for responders on Psychological First Aid (PFA; En Español). PFA is an early intervention to support children, adolescents, adults, and families impacted by these types of events. PFA Mobile and the PFA Wallet Card (En Español) provide a quick reminder of the core actions. The PFA online training course is also available on the NCTSN Learning Center. PFA Handouts include:Additional PFA resources for schools include:

Psychological First Aid for Schools (PFA-S) – Field operations guide
Providing PFA-S: For Health-Related Professionals – handout
Providing PFA-S: For Principals and Administrators – handout
Providing PFA-S: For School Support Staff – handout
Providing PFA-S: For Teachers - handout

From the National Mass Violence and Victimization Resource Center & Partners

Transcend (mobile app to assist with recovery after mass violence)
Rebuild your Community: Resources for Community Leaders
Media Guidelines for Homicide Family Survivors
Timeline of Activities to Promote Mental Health Recovery
Self-Help: Resources for Survivors
E-learning Courses: Trainings for Clinicians
Resources for Victim Assistance Professionals
Emergency Management Virtual Toolkit for Institutions for Higher Education

Disaster HelplineSAMHSA has a Disaster Distress Helpline – call or text 1-800-985-5990 (for Spanish, press “2”) to be connected to a trained counselor 24/7/365.Additional ResourcesFor those that are needing technical assistance or additional resources, please don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Melissa Brymer at mbrymer@mednet.ucla.edu.

Trauma Informed Practice: Resources for Best Practices in the Classroom (msu.edu)This resource is meant to put information about trauma informed practices into the hands of faculty and instructors. Please see the digital flyer for more information. The references were used in the creation of the flyer. Special thank you to Cheryl Williamns-Hecksel, Apryl Pooley and the Mental Health Committee (JED) for support in creating this resource.View resources

What's next to learn? If you're interested in learning more about dealing with conflict and transition, try the "Managing Professional Transitions" playlist.
 
If you're interested in more resources about wellness and supporting your mental/emotional (and physical) health in grad school, try the "Managing Stress" playlist or the "Sustaining Support Systems" playlist.
 
If you want to consider a totally different facet of grad life, try the "Preparing for Your Job Search and Postdoc" playlist or the "Using Your Teaching Skills" playlist.

What's next to learn? If you're interested in learning more about what comes after comprehensive/qualifying exams, try the "Approaching Dissertation Research" playlist.
 
If you're interested in more resources to support your mental and emotional health as you take your comprehensive/qualifying exams, try the "Sustaining Support Systems" playlist or the "Managing Stress" playlist.
 
If you want to consider a totally different facet of grad life, try the "Using Your Teaching Skills" playlist or the "Applying Transferable Skills" playlist.

Resources for Moving Forward after Tragedy and Trauma 
Adapted from materials curated with love and solidarity by Kaitlin Popielarz, PhD  Dr. Popielarz is an MSU alum and you can contact her at: kaitlin.popielarz@utsa.edu
How to Respond in the Classroom

Teaching on the Day After a Crisis 
Navigating Discussions Following a School Shooting 

When Bad Things are Happening
Showing up strong for yourself—and your students—in the aftermath of violence 
A love letter to teachers after yet another school shooting

On Days Like These, Write. Just Write. 
Resources for Talking and Teaching About the School Shooting in Florida
PERSPECTIVE: Teaching Through Trauma
Support Students Who Experience Trauma 

Online Learning

Trauma Informed Distance Learning: A Conversation with Alex Shevrin Venet 

Self-Care for Educators and Students

College Students: Coping After the Recent Shooting
Slowing Down For Ourselves and Our Students 
Helping Teachers Manage the Weight of Trauma: Understanding and mitigating the effects of secondary traumatic stress for educators
Coping in the Aftermath of a Shooting 
Coping after Mass Violence
Tips for Survivors: Coping With Grief After Community Violence
Tips for Survivors of a Disaster or Other Traumatic Event: Managing Stress

Resources for Parents and/or Focusing on Children

Helping Your Children Manage Distress in the Aftermath of a Shooting 
Resiliency After Violence: After Uvalde 
Responding to Tragedy: Resources for Educators and Parents 
Managing Fear After Mass Violence 
When Bad Things Happen: Help kids navigate our sometimes-violent world 
Childhood Traumatic Grief: Youth Information 

Further Reading: Trauma-Informed Resources

#EnoughisEnough Syllabus: Responding to School Violence in the Classroom 
Teaching on Days After: Educating for Equity in the Wake of Injustice

[book/ebook available at MSU Libraries; preview on Google Books]

Restorative Justice Resources for Schools
Restorative Justice: What it is and What it is Not 
Transformative Justice, Explained 
Transformative Justice: A Brief Description 

[External] Mental Health Resources

American Psychological Association
American School Counselor Association 
African American Therapist Database 
School Crisis Recovery and Renewal 
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network 

The NCTSN has prepared resources in response to the MSU incident here


GLSEN

Links for Taking Action (Particularly Related to Days After Gun Violence) 

March For Our Lives 
Everytown 
Sandy Hook Promise 
Moms Demand Action 
Mothers of the Movement 

***This is part of a series of articles compiling useful resources and information for new graduate students. Some of the information in this series will be relevant for anybody new to MSU, including undergraduates, postdocs, faculty and staff. The topical areas range from settling into East Lansing and Michigan, getting to know which services can be found on campus to administrative steps and information needed throughout a graduate program at MSU. For the full series, see this playlist dedicated to (international) graduate students.***
 
Libraries
The biggest library on campus is the Main Library, located on West Circle Drive near Beaumont Tower, though there are a few other specialised libraries, e.g. the Schaefer Law Library or the Gast Business Library at other locations.
The main library offers many services besides being a space for studying and finding books. For example, there are the Digital Scholarship Lab (to explore new technology for use in research and teaching, e.g. VR or a 360-degree visualization room) and the Hollander MakeCentral Service Desk (for printing, plotting, publishing and even passport (photos) services).
If you can’t find a book at the MSU Library, there is a service called the Interlibrary Loan Service through which you can access books/ resources at other libraries.
The library also offers workshops, e.g. an introduction to the MSU Library Services, using different citation software and data/ content management.
There is a 24/7 Support Line for general library questions (and D2L support). Call (800)500-1554. Or “Ask A Librarian” using this link: https://www.lib.msu.edu/contact/askalib/
Skill Building
There are a range of units on campus dedicated to helping you develop skills.
Writing
The Writing Center provides one-on-one and group writing consultations and writing groups (“write-ins”) for graduate students and faculty. They also offer workshops including those on “Navigating the Master’s degree/ PhD” and incorporate issues like time management and writing strategies. They are available to help you with any type of writing project you may have, academic or not.
“Write-Ins” are offered through different units besides the Writing Center, e.g. by the Graduate School and provide a dedicated time and space (as well as some support if needed) to make progress on any of your writing projects – from class work to dissertation chapters.
Workshops
A myriad of workshops is offered throughout the semester.
Topics include anything from departmental/ research specific seminars to writing and time management strategies (as mentioned above) to improving mentor relationships to wellness/ mental health workshops (see the Health article in this playlist for more information). The organizing units differ depending on the topic area. A good starting point is the Graduate School’s events calendar.
Statistics
Besides course offerings to learn about statistical methods, there are a few resources available to help you with your statistical skills and projects.
The Center for Statistical Training and Consulting provides statistical support for your research projects (they won’t do it FOR you but they will help you figure it out!) and teaches workshops on statistical methods.
Check with your College if they have a dedicated statistical support unit. For example, the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources has a Statistical Consulting Center.
Want to improve your statistics, data science and programming skills in R? Have a look at what the R-Ladies East Lansing are up to these days. There may be a workshop just around the corner.
English Language
The English Language Center at MSU is a good place to improve your general English skills, learn about English for the classroom, i.e. if you are teaching, and to get support for your writing projects if English is your second language.
A note on skill building and other workshops…
I know we all get a lot of e-mails, but it is worth at least scanning each one because a lot of the workshops, seminars and service that MSU has to offer are advertised that way. They might provide that motivation or accountability to get you started on your next dissertation chapter.
 
Other support resources
Legal Support
MSU offers some free legal support for students. Check out this website for their services.
Family Resources/ Support
The Student Parent Resource Center offers support and resources for students with children.
Work Life Office
The Work Life Office is a one-stop destination for your needs regarding work life fit, including career transitions, community connection, workplace assistance and family care among others. Though their target group at MSU is faculty and staff, as an employee of MSU (TA or RA) you are more than welcome to use their services.
 
Sports and Wellness
Gyms
MSU has 3 gym buildings: IM West, IM Circle and IM East. Traditional gyms with workout machines are found at IM East and West. All buildings also have spaces for different types of sports, e.g. basketball, soccer, squash, tennis, gymnastics, etc. There are swimming pools at IM West and IM Circle which you can use for free. However, you will have to register your student ID online in order to access the building/ locker room (at IM Circle).
Too cold for running outside in the winter? Make use of the free running track in IM East (above the basketball court). You don’t need a gym membership to use this, just a valid student ID to get into the building.
Gym memberships are organized through Recreational Sports and Fitness. There are also a variety of group exercise (fitness classes) options available, both in-person and through an online platform called Fitness-on-Demand. Since a fee is automatically collected each semester, all you need to do is activiate your StudentID card on their website and your ready to work out.
You can also sail (and paddle board and kayak) at MSU! The MSU Sailing Center on Lake Lansing is your address for water-based sports.
Other Fitness options
Health4You offers fitness and wellness options throughout the year, including a lunchtime fitness series (Yoga, Pilates, TaiChi, etc). Make sure to look at their calendar of scheduled events and workshops.
A fan of shooting sports? Check out MSU’s Demmer Center that offers indoor and outdoor shooting ranges and classes for firearms and archery practice.
Want to get on the ice? No problem, you can ice skate at Munn Ice Arena.
Sports teams
Want to join a sports team? There are different avenues for that at MSU.
Club Sports are Registered Student Organizations and compete regionally and nationally.
Intramural Sports offer the opportunity to participate both competitively and recreationally in your favorite sport. There is a set list of sports types and you can join or create your own team to participate in campus competitions.
Spartan Fit
The Spartan Fit program aims to support you in your fitness and wellness journey. They offer assessments and programs to help you achieve your goals, including using exercise as medicine.
Watching sports
College Sports are a big deal in the US - think football, baseball, basketball or ice hockey for example. MSU is no exception, with Sparty being our mascot and helping us cheer “Go green, Go white!”. As part of the MSU community, especially as students, you get reduced rate tickets to the student sections for football, men’s basketball and hockey. The other sport events are free to attend. Check out the MSU Athletics website to purchase tickets. Also note that COGS sometimes has special deals for graduate students.
 
Food on Campus
There are many options to eat on campus – from the little Sparty’s stores where you can buy snacks to full dining halls with several different food options, you’re sure to find what satisfies your appetite. Your go-to website for anything food related on campus is Eat@State.
Coffee and Snacks
Sparty’s are little campus stores that usually offer filter coffee and snacks, including packaged sandwiches and in some instances even warm foods like soup or sausages. They are located all over campus. There is also a Sparty’s Market – a small grocery store at 1855 Place.
There are a few Starbucks on campus (1855 Place and main library) and a Panera Bread in the Edward J. Minskoff Pavilion (Business College). Both offer a variety of coffee specialties as well as sweet and savory foods.
Cafeterias and Dining Halls
Look at Eat@State for a full overview of dining halls/ cafeterias and available meal plans (you can pay for a whole semester or a set number of meals in advance, but you can also pay for a single meal when you enter the dining hall). I just want to mention a few highlights here.
Brody Square at Brody Hall is probably the biggest one, offering a variety of cuisines from stir fries to pizza to (vegetarian) burgers and salads.
The Edge at Akers Hall is another big dining hall offering a great variety of cuisines and has its own Tandoori oven.
Thrive at Owen Hall is a recent addition and focused on providing allergen-free food.
Dairy Store
The Dairy Store is an MSU business and produces ice cream and cheese from our own cows! You can buy packaged cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches, soup (changes daily) and delicious ice cream. It has two locations, one inside the MSU Union building and one in Anthony Hall (entrance on Farm Lane). In the summer month, they usually also have an ice cream food truck outside.
MSU Student Food Bank
If you need some support in procuring sufficient food for you (and your family), please make use of the MSU Student Food Bank. It is a volunteer-based organization on campus providing free foods and related items, helping you to cut your food bill down to half. Please make sure you are eligible and bring your student ID.
Social Life
There are many different ways to socialize and make friends on campus. Here are just a few formally organized ways.
OISS hosts weekly coffee hours, usually on Fridays. Meet and mingle with fellow international students. OISS also sometimes organizes sightseeing trips. Keep an eye on the e-mails they send.
The Council of Graduate Students (COGS) puts on social events like tailgates (a type of get-together with lawn games before a big football game), trivia nights and free dinners for graduate students.
There are a lot of different Registered Student Organizations (RSO’s) that bring together groups of students with similar interests, anything from cultures to sports.
Your department will probably have a Graduate Student Organization that might put on events or gatherings. They are a good way to connect with people and get involved in your department.
Looking for volunteering opportunities? One way to start might be to sign up to the volunteering listserv of the City of East Lansing. You can check out opportunities and sign up here.

The Basic Needs Series includes 4 presentations and will culminate with a live educator training. In this first presentation, we explore what are essential/basic needs, how lack of basic needs impacts student success, what resources are available to advisors, faculty, and students, and initiatives for the future. The Basic Needs Series is open to anyone that works directly with students and is interested in learning more about basic needs and resources that support students that may be experiencing food, housing, financial, and mental health concerns.
Upon completion of this learning experience participants will be able to:

Have a clearer understanding of what basic needs are.
Know a variety of different resources that are available at MSU.
Understand how to refer students to resources that support students in meeting their basic needs.

Learn more about this important topic by viewing the video below. Access the PowerPoint slides here.