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Toolbox for Fostering a Curiosity Mindset

Launched Fall 2025, UT Office of Ombuds Services’ “Be Curious” campaign is aimed at all members of the UT community – all campuses and all stakeholders.

Our goal is to provide everyone with a toolbox of strategies and tools to help you approach situations of tension & uncertainty with a “curiosity” mindset.  Core to this project are quick, easy-to-use & carry cards with reminders of simple constructive behaviors steps to help you stay curious even when emotions are strong.

Ombuds “Be Curious” Quick Reference Cards

Under development is our first set of pocket-sized “Be Curious” reminder cards, encompassing these constructive behaviors: Mindfulness, Dignity, Psychological Safety, and Growth Mindset.

Be Curious Set #1

Mindfulness is the process of paying full attention to the present moment—your thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surroundings—without judgment or evaluation. It’s about observing what is happening right now with curiosity and acceptance, rather than instinctively reacting to strong emotions or perceived harm.

Our Mindfulness card lists strategies for handling difficult emotions in that moment when they are strongest and may overwhelm your thinking. Using a PAUSE mnemonic, we remind you to:

  • Pause to Breath
  • Avoid Judgement
  • Use Curiosity
  • Seek to Understand, and/or
  • Engage Empathy






The Be Curious Card Set #1 as a fold out set of 4 (coming Summer 2026)