Dear Students,
This is the first Dean’s Friday letter of 2024. Have you missed it?
Well, we are back with important information for the spring semester. The Dean of Students office has been busy meeting with students and working on a number of topics. Here are some updates:
New Staff! Our new Associate Dean for Residential and Community Life, Dr. Brittany McDaniel, is making her way through the residence halls so if she attends Tea in your building, please stop by to say hello.
Also, you are aware that Chief Ken Walsh served as an interim Director of Public Safety for several months and now is in the role permanently. Please invite Chief Walsh to your club meetings or to tea in the halls so that he can get to know your engaged, diverse community.
Policy Updates: We continue to meet with CG representatives to discuss the impact of the Policy on Demonstrations and Free Expression. At their suggestion, we are working on a form for reporting demonstrations. It is important to remember that following the policy is essential to our ability to support your efforts to have a successful demonstration.
We’ve heard from students that they have concerns about the honor code. You took an oath to uphold the honor code and the code of student conduct. The code affords both accountability and fundamental fairness. This is a reminder to read the document and if you have questions, ask the Chief Justice at chiefjustice@wellesley.edu.
Residence Life Guest Policy: Are you aware of the guest policy? During the pandemic we had very strict rules and while we have adjusted them regarding health concerns, there are still policies regarding guests in the residence halls. See the full policy. Your safety and the safety of all in our community requires that we all follow these policies.
Camellia Student Leadership Awards: The Camellia Student Leadership Award nominations have launched! Nominate your sib leader on WEngage and give them the recognition they deserve! The ceremony is on April 29 from 4-6pm in the Alumnae Ballroom. Mark your calendars!
Tell us about your health: You have one week left to take part in the National College Health Assessment, which closes on 3/1! Check your email for a unique link to the survey; all participants will receive a wellness bag and be entered to win GrubHub and DoorDash gift cards. Your experiences are key to helping us better understand how to support our diverse and vibrant community!
First Years!!! Thinking about next year already? You should! You have an amazing opportunity to participate in the Clinton Fellows Program. Don’t miss the deadline: Click this link for more details.
Groups want to talk? The Office of Intercultural Education invites student leaders and their e-board members to a workshop to encourage dialogue, foster unity, and promote inclusivity within their organizations. The workshops will run each week between Feb. 20th and March 29th. Snacks will be provided, and seats are limited to 15 members. To register, you can sign up here. In addition, consider the valuable workshop titled: “Creating a Compassionate Community” to learn more about religious diversity at Wellesley College. You can register here.
Study space on campus: The recent closure of Clapp Library has caused concern that there might be a lack of study space on campus. There are lots of spaces to study in the mods, and there are spaces being created in some residence halls. Please do not turn the living rooms into study spaces. The living rooms must remain a place for social engagement, connection and relaxation.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Sheilah Shaw Horton
Vice President and Dean of Students
