Invitation to Participate - Research on Mindfulness-Based Training and College Educator Well-being
Invitation to Participate - Research on Mindfulness-Based Training and College Educator Well-being
We are recruiting participants for the following research study: Exploring the Effects of Participating in a Mindfulness Practice Community on College Educators’ Mental Well-being, conducted by Robbie Pock, doctoral candidate in Pacific University’s PhD in Education and Leadership program, under the supervision of Dr. Mark Szymanski (Primary Investigator). Note: this study has been approved by Pacific University Human Research Ethics Committee.
As the title suggests, the purpose of the project is to explore the effects of mindfulness-based training (MBT) on college educator mental well-being. Specifically, this project pilots an approach to delivering MBT through a free mobile app within a mindfulness practice community (MPC). We are seeking 20-30 Pacific University educators (faculty and/or staff) to receive app-based MBT through a 5-week virtual Mindfulness Practice Community, October 12 through November 20, 2026.
Here is what the commitment will look like for participants:
- Respond to Pre-survey (~10 minutes)
- Download Healthy Minds Program app (free) and complete prescribed sequence of lessons and guided meditations
- < 20 minutes/day, 5 days a week, 4 weeks
- Attend (5) synchronous Zoom sessions of the MPC*
- Week 1: 60 minutes, Weeks 2-5: 30 minutes
- Respond to Post-survey (~10 minutes)
*Weekly sessions will be offered at multiple times each week (participants need only attend one session per week). Specific days/times to be determined based on participant availability.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible to participate in this research study, participants must meet all of the following criteria. If even one criterion does not apply, we ask you not to participate in this study.
- At least 18 years of age
- Able to read and write in English
- Currently employed at Pacific University
- Working in an educator role (ex. professor, instructor, lab coordinator, instructional librarian, academic advisor, academic coach, etc.)
- Access to a mobile phone or tablet (ex. iPhone, smartphone, iPad, tablet)
- Willing to download and use the free Healthy Minds Program app
- Access to an internet-connected device (to join synchronous virtual sessions via Zoom)
- Available to attend the Introductory session (60 mins) and at least 3 of the 4 weekly synchronous sessions (30 mins)
If you are interested in participating, you can follow this link to learn more about the study and complete the informed consent survey. If you have any questions, please contact Robbie Pock (pockr@pacificu.edu) or Mark Szymanski (marks@pacificu.edu).
Thank you for considering this opportunity. Feel free to share this with other faculty/staff at Pacific U. who might be interested (note: this study is limited to Pacific University and affiliated programs).
Robbie Pock, Doctoral Candidate
Mark Szymanski, PhD