This workshop introduces four communication paradigms that shape how meaning is constructed across roles and generations, with a specific focus on how everyday communication choices affect staff and faculty's well-being. Participants will examine common campus scenarios to identify when communication unintentionally requires employees to absorb confusion or conflict just to get through the day, versus when adaptive communication supports sustainability, shared responsibility, and professional satisfaction. This workshop shifts the focus from managing misunderstandings to reducing cognitive and emotional strain, strengthening trust, and creating healthier working relationships—helping faculty and staff move from coping and overextending to working in environments where they can more fully thrive.

This session is facilitated by Colleen Ehrnstrom, PhD, LCP. Colleen is a licensed clinical psychologist at CAPS (Counseling and Psychiatric Services).