Dear Denison Students,
Happy March! We are approaching the semester's midpoint, and it has been great to witness how our campus comes alive in the spring. I write you today with some brief March campus updates:
Distinguished Leadership Awards: For decades, Student Life has historically recognized seniors who have made a lasting impact on our campus. Over the summer, Student Life reimagined that process--wanting to expand how we recognize and celebrate student leadership. Last week, we recognized many forms of leadership across class years--from wellness champions and student employees, to student organizations and engaged citizens in residence halls. Read more here to see your peers who were recognized for their leadership on campus.
Meal Plans & Dining: Students have been sharing some really great feedback about the new meal plans and ideas for your overall dining experience. We are spending the remainder of the Spring working closely with students about how you want the dining experience improved. We’d like to gather more student voice around a few topics, and we invite any interested student to these specific conversations. If you would like to participate in any or all of these, please sign up here.
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Wednesday, March 22 at 4:30PM: Improving overall food quality
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Thursday, March 23 at 11:30AM: Hours of operation and late night options
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Tuesday, March 28 at 11:30AM: Supporting the international student dining experience
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Tuesday, March 28 at 4:30PM: Dining hall experience (ambiance, atmosphere, environment)
Upcoming Community Events: Here are a few March events I want to highlight:
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March 8: First Year Council Craft Night
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March 20: Lunchtime Curtis Cookout to celebrate the arrival of Spring
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March 24: Moon Hall Roller Disco
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March 24: Hair Care Vending Machine Ribbon Cutting
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March 25: empowHERment conference
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March 26: ‘26 Connect Trip to North Market & Columbus Museum of Art
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March 29: Karaoke with Community Values
As we approach Spring Break, I encourage you to spend it in a way that prioritizes your own wellness and begin to reflect on how you’d like to make the most of the remainder of the academic year. I’m excited to spend my break traveling to New Orleans with 10 Denison students for an immersive and fun experience.
Over the last few weeks, I have been reading James Clear’s ‘08 Atomic Habits and have been reflecting on habits in relation to my own wellness. As a campus community this year, we have been talking about how each of us is the agent of our own well-being--and how that looks different for each of us. For me, that looks like:
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going to the gym daily or doing some form of physical activity
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being mindful about what and how much I eat and drink
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being by sunlight as much as I can
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praying and meditating
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reading books and articles for my professional and personal development
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being self-aware to know when I need to unplug or disconnect to recharge my mind
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finding daily inspiration--whether through a quote, a conversation with a student or colleague, or something I’ve read
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actively find a reason to laugh hysterically at least three times a week
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reflecting at the end of each day about what went well and what could’ve gone better
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traveling--whether near or far-- to reflect, think deeply about issues, and gain some perspective
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connecting with friends, family, or colleagues regularly
I encourage you to reflect and identify what activities are restorative to you. As you look at WhatToDU, there are so many events that occur weekly that you can participate in to prioritize your wellness: from student-led spin classes, knitting, journaling, outdoor nature walks, intramural sports, Pilates, mindfulness, shopping shuttles, and more. I challenge you to pick something and do it for you. Maybe even ask a roommate or friend to join you.
I wish you a safe, fun, and restorative Spring Break!
All my best,
-Alex