As 2024 comes to a close, give thanks through the Gratitude Project
With the holidays coming up and the semester coming to an end, it's the perfect time to give thanks to campus community members who have made a meaningful difference on you this year through the Gratitude Project. The initiative from Student Success and Retention Innovation allows students and faculty and staff members to send personalized virtual cards to those who have helped them thrive.
University employees and students have sent more than 10,000 thank-you notes through the Gratitude Project since 2018. See some of the messages on Instagram (@uagratitude).
Last year, community members sent more than 1,800 thank-you notes to more than 1,100 individuals. Since the initiative began in 2018, employees and students have sent more than 10,000 notes of gratitude, with half of those from employees.
Users can send an unlimited number of cards to U of A community members by completing an online form.
"We often see notes from students referencing previous semesters or even years, where a staff or faculty member had a significant impact on them," said Jenny Nirh, director of collaboration, communication and outreach for SSRI. "Similarly, we hear from staff and faculty about the long-term influence their colleagues have had on their careers. Through the Gratitude Project, we are offering individuals an opportunity – and a reminder – to reflect on those who have helped them, people they may not otherwise have thanked."
Jenny Nirh, Director of Collaboration, Communication and Outreach, Student Success and Retention Innovation
Nirh said research has shown the importance of gratitude, citing a 2023 U.S. surgeon general's report on loneliness, which states that regularly expressing gratitude can help build and strengthen relationships with others.
Employees and students who participate may feel a stronger sense of belonging on campus, Nirh said.
"This is my last semester as an undergrad at the U of A, so I hope you know that this will be a semester I'll never forget," a student wrote to a faculty member in a recent note. "A class I'll never forget. An instructor I'll never forget. ¡Mil gracias!"
While the Gratitude Project originally focused on sending virtual cards during the beginning and end of each semester, users can submit a form and send thank-you notes anytime during the year.
People are also welcome to submit anonymous thank-you notes or leave the message portion of their submission blank and let SSRI send a general message on their behalf.
Members of the campus community can find weekly prompts on gratitude – plus highlights from the Gratitude Project – by following the Gratitude Project on Instagram,
Want to keep the good feelings going all year long? Check out the gratitude journal template SSRI has provided in Box or visit the Gratitude Project website.