Dear Student Affairs Family,

We’re excited to launch the 1st annual Cougar Kindness Exchange — a lighthearted and inclusive way to share appreciation, connection, and joy across Student Affairs. This activity is open to all professional staff and faculty within the division. It’s a simple way to spread kindness and a reminder that small acts of care go a long way in strengthening camaraderie.

What is it?

A simple “secret appreciation” activity designed to help our division build community and share small moments of encouragement during a busy time of year. Each participant will be anonymously paired with a colleague in the division, someone you do not work with often, and you’ll have the chance to brighten each other’s days through small, thoughtful gestures.

How to Sign Up

Sign up by completing this short Getting to Know You form. You’ll share a few fun details (like your favorite snacks, drinks, or hobbies) to help your Cougar Kindness partner personalize their gestures.

How the Exchange Works

Between December 1-9, you’ll deliver two to three small tokens of appreciation to the colleague you were assigned — such as a favorite treat, a warm drink, or a handwritten note. Please keep all all deliveries and notes anonymous. Gestures can be purchased or handmade; the goal is simply to brighten each other's days. Please keep total spending to no more than $20 for the entire exchange. At the 2025 Student Affairs Winter Gathering, you’ll have the chance to reveal yourself to your Cougar Kindness partner and celebrate together! 

Key Dates

Sign-up deadline: Tuesday, November 18

Receive your assigned colleague: Thursday, November 21

Exchange period: December 1-9

Reveal: Wednesday, December 10 (at the Student Affairs 2025 Winter Gathering)

We hope you’ll join us!

Warmly,

Viridiana Diaz, Ed.D.

Vice President for Student Affairs