Stempel College has partnered with the FIU Office of Engagement to help inform the community on the latest issues affecting public and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. 
305 Cafecito Chats were developed to ensure that as an institution we are continuing to engage our FIU and community partners and colleagues as we all adapt to this new virtual workplace, community, and world. As Saif Y. Ishoof, vice president of Engagement, frequently shares, "Social distancing does not mean social isolation." Through these 30-minute conversations, Saif and guests explore meaningful topics and answer questions posed by viewers. We encourage all speakers to grab their favorite cafecito cup or mug, as we use this engaging chat to replace the connections we might usually make at the ventanita.
The expert line-up includes:
Monday, April 6:Victoria Gray, clinical instructor in the School of Social Work, spoke to Saif about recognizing the signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression during this time of social distancing on 305 Cafecito Chat. Gray discussed tips for dealing with fear and uncertainty, how to develop healthy coping strategies, and ways to protect yourself against long-term mental health impacts.
> Watch is again on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/308138029223952/videos/215394106222396/
Thursday, April 9:Dr. Andria Rusk, research assistant professor, spoke to Saif about demythologizing some recent confusions around individual preventative actions, such as wearing a mask, social distancing, and what it actually means to "flatten the curve."
> Watch is again on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/308138029223952/videos/542681163343110/
Thursday, April 23:Dr. Catherine Coccia, associate professor in the department of Dietetics and Nutrition, spoke to Saif about the important role that healthy foods play on your mental and physical health. Coccia gave snacking tips to keep you from putting on those extra pounds while stuck at home as well as advice on building your immune system.
> Watch is again on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FIUEngagement/videos/272844610549732/
Thursday, April 30:Pete Gomez, senior director at the Academy for Disaster Preparedness; and Bridget Pelaez, assistant director of the Department of Emergency Management; spoke to Saif about the role of government during an emergency. Gomez and Peleaz gave a breakdown on the expected roles of the federal, state and local government agencies while also giving insights from the testing centers and new protocols.
> Watch is again on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/308138029223952/videos/262833731522972/
Thursday, May 7: Join Dr. Sharon “Sherry” Aaron, director of the Victim Empowerment Program, talked to Saif about domestic abuse and the impact of social distancing and isolation in the time of COVID-19 and shared resources that can help.
> Watch is again on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=2672179306387888
Thursday, May 21: Join Dr. Mario De La Rosa, principal investigator for The Center for Research on U.S. Latino HIV/AIDS and Drug Abuse (CRUSADA), spoke to Saif about how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting under-represented communities in South Florida.
> Watch is again on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=1263818917146158
Thursday, June 18: Join Dr. Cristina Palacios, associate professor in the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, as she talks to Saif about nutritional guidelines to help frontline workers protect their health and boost their immune system during the COVID-19 pandemic.