Be Kind, Bear Down
Be Kind, Bear Down is a new campus-wide initiative, created in partnership with Ben’s Bells and supported by the Office of the Provost, Human Resources, ASUA, Faculty Senate, Staff Council, and other campus partners.
This initiative engages students, staff, and faculty in creating environments where people feel safe, valued, and cared for. Kindness communicates that safety and care, and research shows it also strengthens connection, improves well-being, and boosts productivity.
Kindness Ambassadors
Each academic and administrative unit will have the opportunity to designate one Kindness Ambassador. If your unit does not have a Kindness Ambassador yet, please contact your supervisor to volunteer and participate. If you are a supervisor of a unit and you would like to nominate a Kindness Ambassador, please sign that person up here.
Kindness Ambassadors will lead by example and implement a series of facilitated activities provided by Ben’s Bells to foster a culture of compassion, connection, productivity, and well-being across campus. We ask that all Kindness Ambassadors attend the Be Kind, Bear Down Launch Event.
Leaders play a vital role in shaping culture and climate. By supporting a Kindness Ambassador, supervisors help set the tone for their unit, showing that kindness is not an extra—it’s a powerful norm that strengthens well-being, productivity, and creates community.
Be Kind, Bear Down Launch Event
Help us kick off this exciting initiative!
Date: Wednesday, October 15th
Time: 11:30 am- 1:00 pm
Location: Bear Down Gym
Lunch provided
Join students, staff, and faculty for an inspiring program featuring:
A dynamic presentation from Ben’s Bells
Guest speakers from the Science of Kindness Community Collective
Student representatives from Kind Cats
Hands-on activities and opportunities to connect
This event is free and open to all. Please complete the registration form by October 6 to reserve your spot.
We are deeply thankful to the following sponsors of this initiative: Student Affairs, Native American Initiatives, Staff Council, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences-Faculty Affairs, Provost Investment Fund, Faculty Senate, and Faculty Affairs.
Be Kind, Bear Down Resource Hub
Access tools, activities, and research-based practices to help our community infuse kindness into everyday campus life. Become a Kindness Ambassador!
Ben’s Bells
Ben’s Bells educates communities about the benefits of kindness and the skills we need to make kindness part of our daily lives.