For safety reasons related to COVID-19, many of us have been working from home or in offices with greatly reduced staffing since March 2020. Although we can communicate with colleagues and see them daily via Zoom, that experience is not the same as interacting with them face to face. As a result, you may be feeling disconnected or isolated from the Pack. Here are some ways you and your co-workers can try to stay connected with NC State:
Wear Red
Nothing shows how proud you are to be part of the Pack like wearing red. Organize a “wear red” day for your office. It doesn’t matter what you all wear, as long as you wear something red — a blouse, a tie, a face covering or gear with NC State emblazoned on it. If you prefer to show your support for NC State by wearing university gear, check out the clothes and other items available at Wolfpack Outfitters.
Plan a Virtual Group Lunch or Coffee Break
It’s hard to re-create office banter and fun debates about sports when everyone is working remotely. You and your co-workers can meet up for lunch or a coffee break via Zoom.
If you are working on campus, plan to do the same. NC State Dining has instituted a host of safety protocols at on-campus dining locations and is encouraging patrons to get to-go meals or have their meals delivered. You can order a meal for pickup or delivery through the NC State Dining Grubhub app. You can set up the app to accept payroll deduction and get a discount.
To learn more about the app and safety protocols for on-campus dining, go to the NC State Dining website.
Volunteer
NC State employees are encouraged to give back to their communities through volunteering. Consider donating time to Feed the Pack, the on-campus food pantry.
Get a Cool Treat
We know it’s winter, but ice cream isn’t just a summertime treat. OK, it is mostly, but not at NC State. Pick up some Howling Cow ice cream on campus or on our dairy farm at the Howling Cow Dairy Education Center and Creamery, 100 Dairy Lane in Raleigh.
Visit the University Calendar
There’s no better way to reconnect with campus and meet new colleagues than to attend a university event. The University Calendar is a central hub for in-person and virtual events. You can find all sorts of things to do on the calendar, from attending a series of talks on New Year’s resolutions to participating in a celebration of Black history.
Get Involved
Join an organization that supports the university, like the NC State Alumni Association or the Wolfpack Club. You don’t need to be a graduate of NC State to join the Alumni Association or the Wolfpack Club.
Try a Team-Building Activity
Because many teams on campus are still working from home or are slowly and cautiously returning to work on campus after teleworking for months, a team-building activity might be a good way to rebuild team chemistry. Learning and Organizational Development, Wellness and Recreation and the Crafts Center are among the university offices that offer team-building activities.
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