College's Countermeasures Amidst Nationwide Turmoil and Unrest
Holy Cross College Addresses Student Well-being and Safety Amidst Socio-Political Challenges
In the face of political and global division, Holy Cross College has taken proactive steps to support student well-being and safety. President Vincent Rougeau's communications and related college resources have highlighted a comprehensive approach to this challenge.
Creating Supportive Spaces
The Wellness Club, specifically designed for Allied Health Sciences students, provides a supportive environment where students can share experiences, build connections, and prioritize personal well-being. This initiative reflects an emphasis on emotional and mental health support.
Fostering Constructive Dialogue
Holy Cross promotes the active exploration of ideas through resources and guidelines that support students' rights to free expression and constructive dialogue. This empowers students to navigate political and social divisions respectfully and thoughtfully.
Investing in Physical Wellness Facilities
The establishment of a new Athletic and Wellness Center is a significant commitment to holistic student wellness. This facility contributes to physical health and provides a venue for wellness activities.
Encouraging Involvement and Community Building
Through various student government, performance groups, and volunteer organizations, Holy Cross helps students find community and shared passions. This can bolster a sense of safety and belonging.
On February 6th, President Rougeau sent out a school-wide email titled "Remembering Our Identity Amid Uncertainty", discussing recent governing decisions made by the nation. The email validated community member concerns and reaffirmed the values of Holy Cross.
Ongoing Initiatives
In addition to these initiatives, Holy Cross began an initiative in November to assign a college leader to an issue that could affect the college. These leaders monitor developments, assess potential implications, and propose strategies to address challenges in six categories: financial, JEBI-related, international and immigration, operational and workforce, legal and compliance, and reputational and strategic.
Early in the academic year, on September 27th, a group of 45 freshmen visited the Joyce Contemplative Center. This visit was part of the college's effort to encourage community building and open dialogue.
Holy Cross values academic freedom, allowing for all viewpoints to be equally taken into consideration and heard. The college holds firmly to its core values and commitments, including a responsibility to justice for the poor, powerless, and marginalized.
The winter solstice, the day with the least sunlight throughout the year, usually falling around Dec. 21, can make people, especially students, experience increased levels of fatigue, depression, and irritability due to early sunsets and chilling temperatures. However, Holy Cross' ongoing programs collectively reflect the College’s strategy to support students amid division, combining mental health support, physical wellness resources, and facilitation of open, respectful dialogue.
[1] Wellness Club Initiative
[2] Athletic and Wellness Center
[3] Student Organizations
- In line with the Wellness Club initiative, efforts are directed towards addressing the mental health of Allied Health Sciences students, offering a supportive space for shared experiences, connection, and personal well-being prioritization.
- The construction of the Athletic and Wellness Center exemplifies a commitment to physical wellness, providing facilities that contribute to maintaining good health and hosting wellness activities.
- Student organizations encourage community involvement and shared passion development among students, potentially reinforcing a sense of belonging and safety on campus.
- To further promote constructive dialogue and critical thinking, President Rougeau's school-wide emails delve into current political issues and reaffirm the College's values and beliefs.
- In November, Holy Cross instigated a campus-wide initiative, assigning leaders to address various challenges in areas such as finance, operations, legal compliance, and more, with a focus on upholding the college's values and commitments.
- Back in September, a group of freshmen began the academic year by visiting the Joyce Contemplative Center as part of the college's on-going efforts to foster community, dialogue, and emotional well-being.
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