Do not be afraid to ask for help.
It is a simple statement, but one of profound importance. Even within an institution of Higher Education, where the mission of fostering learning is at the forefront, societal messages regarding self-sufficiency and fear of asking “stupid questions,” are ingrained in our consciousness. We need to recognize that and give ourselves permission to ask for help.
Even if you are afraid you will find the answer to your question on your own right after I pick up the phone.
Even if you have contacted me multiple times this week (or today).
Even if you are sure it is just a checkbox that you are not seeing, or you cannot remember which tab to click.
Give me a phone call or shoot me an email- no apologies needed! This is what I’m here for! Sometimes, you just need that second set of eyes or a pointer to help you put together your course page or project website a little faster. There is a lot to learn when it comes to the myriad of technology available in today’s world, and the realm of Academic Technology is no exception. I work with and support technology every day, and every day, I still learn something new about it myself.
Yes, even us “technical people” have to call the Help Desk! Our computers have bad days too. None of us can be an expert in everything, but that is why we are all here for each other.
This difference in our strengths is what makes us all that much better together as a University. So please, do not be afraid to ask for help with your Academic Technology issues! Let me use my strengths to help you so that you, in turn, can share your own strengths with our students and campus community.
It takes all of us. I’m looking forward to helping you!
You can reach Dawn via email at atsi@up.edu or by phone at 503-943-8774.
