Guidance for educators

Following is guidance from the Office for Resource and Support Coordination (ORSC) to help educators throughout the academic year.

General educator guidance post-mass violence:

• Educators should refrain from references, language, humor, and “off-topic” examples related to mass violence, unless directly relevant to course work.
• Educators should avoid open-ended, classroom-wide discussions on the topic and not invite students to share their experiences, thoughts or feelings related to Feb 13 or other mass violence events, unless directly relevant to coursework.
• Providing narratives or listening to others’ stories can be quite activating for those who have experienced trauma.
• Without the support and direction of mental health professionals, this type of exercise can create additional distress, often unexpectedly.
• Educators are encouraged to review course material ahead of time for potentially disturbing images or references to gun violence, except in instances where that is directly warranted by the course subject matter.
• If these topics are relevant to course material and assignments, educators are encouraged to provide statements and content descriptors that prepare students and consider options for student engagement where possible.
• Remember and acknowledge that cultural differences in response to mass violence exist.
• Share resources and information about the anniversary of a traumatic event.
  • Trauma Reminders: Anniversaries (National Center for PTSD)
• Provide links to on-campus MSU supportive offices and safety information:
  • Counseling & Psychiatric Services
  • Office for Resource and Support Coordination
  • MSU DPPS Safety Tips
• Provide educational links related to coping with trauma:
  • APA: Managing Distress in the Aftermath of a Shooting
  • SAMHSA: Coping with Grief After a Disaster or Traumatic Event
  • NCTSN: College Students: Coping After the Recent Shooting
• Consult teaching and educator wellness resources for yourself as an educator to build comfort and confidence in supporting your students and your own journey following Feb. 13. 
• Do not neglect your own emotional health and wellbeing. All these resources are intended to support you and others within our community, as well.
• Lean into your existing processes and experience in classroom management to help resolve matters as they arise.
• This situation is unique, but the resolutions do not have to be. Your department, school, college, and university have existing resources, policies, practices, and procedures for handling classroom needs, use them as needed.

As there is limited research on the effects of commemorations of traumatic events, the information provided here is intended to serve as a guide. The research that does exist points to the complicated nature of commemorating mass trauma and acknowledges how different responses to commemorations are influenced by individual and social factors.