Burnt Out & Overburdened: The Faculty Experience 2022

Concurrent Session 7

Brief Abstract

Though not new factors, stress, anxiety, and fatigue have reached exacerbating levels that have resulted in a burnout crisis beyond what academia has experienced prior. The resulting sense of hopelessness has led to a majority of faculty considering leaving higher education – many having already done so. While some of the contributing factors may be beyond our control, there is much to be done to provide a greater sense of care and commitment to this essential workforce of the higher education mission. Join us for this dialog around newer models of critical care, compassion, and support.

Presenters

Lead Presenter: Carrie O'Donnell, O'Donnell Learn+ISG

For over 25 years, Carrie O'Donnell has been a change-agent in the education industry, focusing on digital learning solutions for the workplace and higher education, and on using customer insight to build great learning experiences. Her firm, O’Donnell Learn, is a leading learning experience (LX) design agency in higher education. Founded 30 years ago as a virtual company, the team includes hundreds of learning designers who partner with institutions and their faculty to improve virtual or blended learning.

Co-presenter: Eddie Vela, O'Donnell Learn LLC

Dr. Eddie Vela serves as the dean of the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences at California State University, Chico. Dr. Vela completed his undergraduate work in 1980 at the Texas State University with majors in Psychology and Philosophy. He received his master's degree in 1987 from Texas A&M University, where he subsequently earned a Ph.D in Cognitive Psychology in 1989. He came to CSU, Chico as a faculty member in the Department of Psychology in the fall of 1989. Dr. Vela served as associate dean for the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences from January 2008 through June 2013 and served as interim dean in June 2013. Dr. Vela has held several leadership positions throughout his career at the University, notably as chair of the Student Evaluation of Teaching committee for many years and also as Director of the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching from 2006-2007. He has received several awards and honors for excellence in teaching, including selection as a Master Teacher in 2000 and receiving the 2002-2003 CSU, Chico Outstanding Teaching Award.

Extended Abstract