Dear Denison Students,
I enjoyed seeing you and meeting so many of your families throughout Big Red Weekend, and taking in so many different events--from athletic competitions to performances. It was great to see so much energy and so many people in the stands at Saturday night’s football game. It was certainly an energizing start to October!
Here are a few other updates for the month of October:
· Student Life offices and student organizations have planned opportunities for students to get off campus. I know 74 students went to Cedar Point this weekend. Upcoming opportunities include a ‘26 Connect Trip to the Columbus Zoo and the Columbus Museum of Art, and Gaming Guild’s trip to a Renaissance Fair. And a special invitation to apply here to participate in the Student Life Spring Break Trip to New Orleans.
· Student organizations are hosting many exciting campus events this month--including Anchor Splash, Kickball & Canes, Campfires and Smores, DFS Film Screenings like High School Musical 2 and Batman, Outdoors Club Whitewater Rafting Trip, and many Halloween-themed events. I challenge you to check out WhattoDU and attend a few events this month to meet new people.
· In August, we hosted an amazing grand opening of our new wellness center. On Friday, October 21 at 4pm, we will host the official dedication of the Hoaglin Wellness Center, where we thank the donors who made it possible. You’ll receive an invitation in a couple of weeks, but just wanted to share the date with you now.
· We have two very important campus leadership opportunities available to students, and I’d encourage you to consider applying:
· The Office of First-Year Experience is looking for their next Orientation Leader team! Orientation Leaders will serve for Summer 2023 June-O and Aug-O programs. Applications are open on Handshake until October 21, 2022. Questions about the application or selection process should be directed to Abby Valentine, valentinea@denison.edu.
· Are you interested in the possibility of serving your fellow Denisonians as a Community Advisor? Residential Communities and Housing is hiring Community Advisors for the 2023-2024 academic year. All interested students can apply here. The application closes on Sunday, October 9.
Last month I shared the Division of Student Life’s Strategic Plan with you. Each month, I hope to update you on the progress we are making together and the opportunities for our community. This month I would like to share our progress on Goal Two: Foster a sense of belonging & inclusion: Advancing the University’s Commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Antiracism(IDEA). Through this goal, we aim to create a welcoming community, build awareness, elevate IDEA, and expand campus resources.
We have multiple opportunities coming up for students to participate in and engage in this work.
· IDEA Certificate
In alignment with Denison Forward, the IDEA Student Certificate Series is a hybrid educational experience that provides students with virtual and in-person learning opportunities that enhance their ability and commitment to creating a community of inclusion and belonging on campus and beyond. Students who complete the certificate will be invited to a spring ceremony to recognize their accomplishments. Sign up today!
· Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from September 15th through October 15th. I encourage you to take time to celebrate and honor the heritage, arts, culture, customs, and contributions of all Latinos and Hispanics, who continue to enrich and strengthen our campus and country.
· National Coming Out Week
Campuses and community organizations across the country celebrate National Coming Out Week in October each year leading up to National Coming Out Day (October 11). At Denison, National Coming Out Week is observed as a time to reflect, celebrate, and demonstrate ongoing support for the LGBTQIA+. Click here to see a list of events!
· Preferred Name Policy/Pronoun Stickers
We recognize that some students prefer to identify themselves by a First Name other than their Legal Name. For this reason, the University will enable students to use a “Preferred/Chosen Name” where possible in the course of University business and education. Under our Preferred Name policy, any student may choose to identify a Preferred First Name in addition to the Legal Name. You may request this service via this form, which requires Denison credentials to access.
Additionally, pronoun stickers for IDs are now available. These stickers are available in the Curtis Community Center during business hours.
I hope you have a great week!
All my best,
-Alex