5 things you need to know this week

A weekly series designed to highlight events, benefits, perks, and items of interest for University of Miami faculty and staff.

Learn about best practices in virtual learning. 
Wednesday, May 20
As part of a virtual series, the Hemispheric University Consortium will host two sessions—in English at 1 p.m. and in Spanish at 2:30 p.m.—on Wednesday, May 20. Moderated by Lourdes Dieck-Assad, Ph.D., the University’s vice president for Hemispheric and Global Affairs and secretariat of the Hemispheric University Consortium, a panel of educators from institutions across the wesetern hemisphere will discuss the transition to online learning based on their experiences. Register now to attend a session using the links above.

Ask the experts about family caregiving and stress.
Friday, May 22, at 12:15 p.m.
Caregiving can be a rewarding but challenging experience that can often lead to stress. Tune in for an interactive virtual presentation on Friday, May 22, at 12:15 p.m. Speakers Patricia Arena, Ph.D., and Vanessa Payne, LMHC, both of the University of Miami Counseling Center, will discuss family caregiving and share ways to manage the unique stressors experienced by those caring for loved ones.⁣ ⁣Register to attend.

Watch a virtual film to support the Cosford Cinema. 
Multiple titles released weekly
The Bill Cosford Cinema—the longest running art house cinema in the city of Miami that is located on the Coral Gables campus—has launched virtual rentals to provide viewers with independent and art house films as the facility remains closed following public health restrictions. While waiting to get a chance to see a feature on the big screen again, you can support the cinema—which gets a portion of the proceeds—by renting a movie at home. Visit the site to view the calendar and line-up. Learn more.

Commemorate mental health month.
Multiple dates
Take a moment from your week to attend a webinar or discover other supportive mental health resources offered by the University’s Faculty and Staff Assistance Program. Participate in a 30-minute guided breathing exercise seminar on Tuesday, May 19, or virtual mindfulness practice using works of art from the University’s Lowe Art Museum on Thursday, May 21. Check in on your mental health by taking an anonymous self-assessment and find resources for available support. UHealth professionals can participate in a series of educational group activities on a variety of topics, which are available to University faculty, residents, nurses, and staff members. Learn more.

Practice mindfulness.
Multiple dates through May
Cultivate calm and focus by joining a mindfulness session. Scheduled for every Wednesday at 4 p.m. through May 27, each 45-minute session will introduce the fundamentals of mindfulness with periods of guided practice and opportunities for reflection and questions. Register to attend this free program, which is hosted by the University of Miami Libraries and open to the University community. On Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. through May 28, drop in for a 15-minute guided meditation session to promote inner happiness. These sessions—led by Lunthita Duthely, Ed.D., M.S. RYT, an assistant research professor for UM’s Miller School of Medicine in the department of obstetrics and gynecology—are hosted by the UHealth Fitness and Wellness Center.