Morale-building efforts put the U of A in the national spotlight
By Andy Ober, University Communications
The College of Social and Behavioral Sciences uses this kindness board in the Douglas building to help spread kindness to passersby.
The Chronicle of Higher Education has featured the University of Arizona as a national example of how colleges and universities can improve morale and employee engagement. The article, "How a University Is Boosting Morale," was part of a special publication, Strengthening Faculty Morale. The piece highlights the U of A's efforts to strengthen campus culture through leadership outreach and universitywide engagement initiatives.
Members of the UCATT Multimedia Team happily display awards they recieved for participating in an epic round of Kindness Bingo.
Gabriel Romero
Read the article by visiting the Innovation in Faculty Affairs page and clicking the “Strengthening Faculty Morale” link. Please note that you will need to log in to your Box account to view the article.
The article notes that morale became a priority for university leaders during a period of significant institutional challenges and changes. President Suresh Garimella identified improving morale as one of his top priorities after taking office in 2024.
Among the efforts highlighted in the piece was Be Kind, Bear Down, a collaboration with Ben's Bells that encourages acts of kindness across campus. The campaign has grown quickly, with more than 150 faculty, staff and students serving as kindness ambassadors.
The movement has inspired a variety of grassroots efforts, from an appreciation wall at the Student Union Memorial Center to kindness bingo cards and book clubs.
Adriana Grijalva, then president of the Associated Students of the University of Arizona, also worked with Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs Andrea Romero to explore ways to strengthen a sense of belonging across campus.
A bulletin board in the College of Pharmacy offers a starting point to spread kindness to students, faculty and staff.
The Chronicle concluded that "Arizona underscores how a real shift in morale requires a mix of big and small actions."
These efforts unfolded alongside larger-scale institutional steps, including closing the budget deficit, providing employee raises and developing strategic imperatives to guide the university's vision.
In the article, Garimella acknowledged that continuing to build employee morale will take ongoing work, mentioning his visits to 20 colleges throughout the university and frequent breakfast events with faculty members. The Chronicle highlighted those efforts, along with the everyday contributions of faculty, staff and students, as examples of how campus communities can strengthen morale and foster a sense of belonging.
Those interested in becoming kindness ambassadors can contact Marilyn Taylor on the Be Kind, Bear Down advisory council to learn more.
Read more about Be Kind, Bear Down and view a gallery of campuswide moments of kindness in this Lo Que Pasa story.