Head Resident Update
February 10 2014
"Do Not Stand At My Grave and Weep"
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.
-Mary Elizabeth Frye
Coping with a Loss in a Community
Everyone handles tragedies differently. Kristan informed that our staff did a phenomenal job this weekend managing the crises. I am grateful and appreciative of you all. In the coming weeks, people may have more time to process and internal responses can include feelings of:
· Guilt (“Maybe I could have done something to prevent this.”)
· Helplessness (“I care about this but what can I possibly do to make any difference or to help?”)
· Hopelessness (This is often tied to a student’s previous attitudes regarding death.)
· “Survivor’s guilt” (“Wow, I was having fun at the very same time this was happening to him.”)
· Indifference (“I barely knew him and don’t see any reason for this to be such a disruption.”)
Keep me informed of any student who is struggling and I will follow up as needed. It is important we try our hardest to get back into a normal routine while honoring David's life. If you have questions or concerns, never hesitate to contact me.
Important Resources:
Counseling Services in Whisler Hall (x.6647)
Center for Religious and Spiritual Life (Mark Orten, x. 8504).
Academic Support & Enrichment Center (x6666)
counselors will be available on a walk-in basis every day this week from 8:30 -9:30 am and from 11:30 am until 1 pm in Burton Morgan 405.
DSF Applications are Due FRIDAY!
Wellness Wednesday-Rescheduled for 2/12/2014
Do you know a student who applied to be on June-O or Aug-O Staff?
Community Meetings are Coming!
Smith Hall: 3/3 8:00pm, Location: TBD
Curtis East & West: 3/5 9:00pm, Location: TBD
Shorney Staff: Please let me know when you will have your community meeting asap. Thanks!
The spring community meeting should focus on needs of your individual community. Head Residents will create the topic and powerpoint. You will delegate tasks to your Resident Assistants.
Suggestions for topics include:
Safe Spring Break
Sustainability Fellows-You can invite them to present on their Party With Consent Campaign
Housing Lottery
Academic Success (possibly invite Mark Moller)
Once you all meet as a group, you break out into floors and simply do a check in with your residents. We can certainly talk more about community meetings during your individuals.
Staff Meeting Schedule
2/20: Morgan will engage us in a staff development activity related to MOTIVATIONAL LEADERSHIP
2/27: Staff Reading (we will choose an article related to motivational leadership)
3/6: Reflection on Motivational Leadership & Kate's staff development activity on DIRECTIONAL LEADERSHIP
3/13: Administrative Meeting: Prepare for Spring Break Closing, Review Housing Lottery, Discuss Staff/Building Concerns
3/20: SPRING BREAK!!
3/27: Tom's Staff Development on Organizational Leadership
4/3: Staff Reading: (we will choose an article related to organizational leadership)
4/10: Eddie's Staff Development on Engaged Leadership, Reflection on article from last week
4/17: Lunch-LAST STAFF!!! (We will order in from your restaurant of choice)
IMPORTANT DATES:
Housing Lottery:
- Saturday, March 29th: Senior/Special Interest Lotteries
- Saturday, April 5th: Junior/Sophomore Lotteries