Over at Inside Higher Education, Teresa Mangum addresses the importance of playing well together–perhaps even sharing your snack–during trying times.

Remember what a privilege and a joy it is to learn and to teach and to do so with others, I long to say. Steer clear of the selfishness and competitiveness that corrode collegiality — especially in tough economic times like these. Take your students and colleagues with you whether you’re traveling through new ideas, building new platforms on which to share those ideas, or creating networks to connect all who value ideas. Remember that the life of the mind needn’t be purchased by the death of joy or generosity. Keep your head and your heart open for unanticipated moments when the interests and values you share with a colleague beckon you across that threshold to friendship. Even when the winds of recession blow and career disappointments batter, that fixture will steadfastly remain.