President’s Corner Vic Costello – February 3, 2022

President’s Corner

Vic Costello – February 3, 2022

My hope for all members of the BEA family is that the new year is off to a great start and that the burnout, stress, and fatigue that characterized life for so many of us in 2021, will deescalate in 2022, in much the same way (or faster, even) than the currently downward trending Omicron dashboard metrics. My thoughts, prayers, and best wishes go out to all of you who have experienced additional disparate effects from the pandemic, including the loss of friends and family members during this time.

One of the things I enjoy about being a college professor is the opportunities the academic calendar offers to reset and begin anew after a particularly challenging semester or year. As for me, the renewal period between iterations of teaching seems to grow shorter and less sufficient each year. This most certainly is the result of added stressors from working, teaching, and living in a pandemic; but more so for me, perhaps, because I’m now in my 27^th year of full-time teaching—and frankly, my stamina is not what it used to be. Power naps after an hour and forty-minute class or at the end of a long day have become essential components to maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

An article I read on the American Medical Association’s website noted that one aspect of pandemic fatigue involves “being excessively tired despite adequate rest.” Dr. Carl Lambert, MD, assistant professor of family medicine and director of the Family Medicine Leadership Program at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago went on to say,

“if you have increased isolation from loved ones, co-workers and people who you used to have bonds with, burnout and fatigue can make you feel like those things aren’t really worth it anymore.”

The bottom line from AMA experts? “Find ways to stay connected” and preserve a “sense of community.”

As many of you may agree, BEA has been particularly good medicine for those of us working in media education since entering pandemic mode in March 2020. Despite multiple unsuccessful attempts to meet in-person during two annual conventions and On-Location conferences, hardly a week goes by when I’m not on the phone or in a virtual meeting or pop-up with BEA colleagues and friends from around the world. The BEA community has provided me with constant opportunities for support, encouragement, and professional development—to not only cope during this extended season of heightened stress and fatigue, but to grow, flourish, and maintain my sanity. Thank you BEA!

Well, as they say, third time’s the charm! BEA 2022, A Hybrid Conference is scheduled for April 19-20 (virtual sessions) and April 23-26 (in-person at the LVCC), providing two distinct opportunities for collegial community. For those of you who may be leery about registering early for the in-person convention because of past cancellations, rest assured, BEA has your back. The early-bird registration period has been extended this year to April 1—and if at any time and for any reason, you need to cancel your registration, BEA will refund 100% of the cost or allow you to apply it to a future meeting. No questions asked! More than anything, we are committed to remaining nimble and flexible for our members in 2022.

Fostering Community Engagement
In an effort to stay better connected and engaged as a community, below are two NEW opportunities for community engagement in BEA that I hope you will consider joining.

BEA Faculty Lounge (second and fourth Fridays):This is a bi-monthly meet-up for BEA faculty colleagues to virtually connect and converse about teaching and all things academic, while getting to know each other in a spirit of mutual support and encouragement.

Upcoming Schedule for the BEA Faculty Lounge
February 11 at 12:00 PM (EDT)
February 25 at 12:00 PM (EDT)
March 11 at 12:00 PM (EDT)
March 25 at 12:00 PM (EDT)
April 8 at 12:00 PM (EDT)

Graduate Student Opportunities
For those of you working at a graduate-level institution, please help us in promoting the Grand Plans and Great Expectations Digital Poster Session scheduled for Tuesday, April 26. This event is for graduate students only and features rolling admissions—meaning, the earlier they submit, the better the chances are of being accepted. The deadline for graduate student submissions is February 28.

Finally, BEA is considering the creation of a new institutional membership category for graduate programs, that for a modest additional cost, would extend FREE memberships to graduate students in the same way we currently do for undergraduate students attending member institutions. We think this has great potential for increasing graduate student membership in BEA and enhancing their engagement in the association and program offerings. If you have ideas for additional benefits for both undergraduate and graduate student memberships, please let us know.