Post-Election Tips and Resources for Navigating Thoughts, Conversations and Information

Participating in an election and the days and weeks following can be exciting, but an election also can be emotional and even stressful. Amidst any uncertainty, it is important to focus on the steadfast nature of God; spiritual, mental and emotional well-being; and fostering a caring campus community.

Baylor political science professors Patrick Flavin, Ph.D., and Rebecca Flavin, Ph.D., reminded the Baylor Family via video that this year’s votes may take longer to count, but that is expected and not something to worry about.

“We’re here to tell you to expect the counting of votes to take a little longer this year. We may not know the winner of the Presidential election on election night, maybe not even the day after, and that’s ok because your vote will be counted,” Patrick said.

Mia Moody-Ramirez, Ph.D., chair of Baylor journalism, public relations and new media, created a video offering six quick tips on selecting credible news sources.

“This is particularly important as we are deep in the election news cycle,” Moody-Ramirez said.

Six tips for selecting credible news sources:
1. Look for information that is shared by universities, scholars and reputable institutions
2. Steer clear of commercial websites, sites that encourage clicking on links and that have a lot of ads
3. Check the date to make sure the information is current and was published recently
4. Consider if the site looks professional and tasteful
5. Avoid websites that include information published by an anonymous source
6. Get news from various outlets

In addition to keeping in mind the uniqueness of this year’s election and tips on selecting credible news sources, the list below provides resource options for coping with, processing and navigating the complex thoughts, feelings and conversations that may follow the 2020 election.

Around the Table: Virtual Processing Spaces

The Baylor Counseling Center’s Around the Table is a series of virtual spaces for Baylor students that provide easy access to support and consultation with peers and Counseling Center staff. Each processing space is focused on a specific topic, identity or concern. All virtual processing spaces are hosted via a secure and encrypted connection link provided through Zoom once you have registered.

Around the Table events are not a substitute for counseling and do not constitute mental health treatment.

Upcoming events:
Navigating Election Stress 2020
• Wednesday, Nov. 4 — 5 p.m.
• Thursday, Nov. 5 — 6 p.m.
• Friday, Nov. 6 — 1 p.m.

2019-2020 Baylor Conversation Series

Last year’s Baylor Conversation Series focused on civil discourse and featured faculty members and special guests who shared insights about how people with significant disagreements can have meaningful discussions. Recordings of these conversations can be found through the links below.

• Christian Leadership in a Time of Crisis
• Faculty Panel on Civil Discourse
• Drs. George and West on Civil Discourse

Baylor Counseling Center

The Baylor Counseling Center offers a variety of mental health services for students seeking confidential help. The Counseling Center also offers 24-hour crisis intervention services for Baylor students or for those concerned about an enrolled student.

Call 254-710-2467 to schedule an appointment or for 24-hour crisis services. Visit baylor.edu/counseling_center for more information.

Baylor Spiritual Life

The Office of Spiritual Life offers programs, people and resources to help Baylor students develop and nurture their faith. During difficult times, Spiritual Life can offer care and support.

Contact Spiritual Life at 254-710-3517, or email University Chaplain Burt Burleson at burt_burleson@baylor.edu.

For more information and resources, visit baylor.edu/spirituallife.