Dear Students,
I hope that your first week back from spring break has brought a renewed focus as we take on the last few weeks of the academic year. This week’s Dean’s letter has three very important updates, so please read to the end.
Title VI training required for all students. As you may be aware, all faculty and staff have been required to attend a video training session to better understand our community’s rights and responsibilities under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This is to ensure the College meets its legal obligation under Title VI and our policy to provide a safe and welcoming educational environment for every student. We have a shared duty to work to prevent harassment and discrimination on our campus, including preventing antisemitic, Islamophobic, or anti-Israeli, anti-Palestinian, or anti-Arab bias.
Since we all contribute to the social climate and culture on campus, all students must also understand our responsibilities as members of the Wellesley community. To that end, the College is requiring all students to view a 25-minute video (available here) by April 22. The video will help you understand the ways that Title VI protects students from discrimination or harassment based on shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics, or based on their citizenship or residency in a country with a dominant religion or distinct religious identity. To view the video you will need to be signed in to your Wellesley Zoom account. (Before you click on the link, be sure you’re signed in to your Wellesley Zoom account by going to MyWellesley and selecting the Zoom icon at the top right in the blue banner.)
I am calling on student leaders to help ensure that you and your fellow students are informed and understand the expectations of the community here at Wellesley. Clubs and orgs, student leaders and athletes—together let’s learn what our obligations are so that we can ensure that our community is safe for all. Please note that sophomores, juniors and first-years who plan to live on campus next fall must view the video before April 22 in order to be eligible for room selection.
Update to demonstration policy: As mentioned in previous Dean’s letters, the demonstration policy has been updated with a link to a form that can be used to notify the administration of an upcoming demonstration. The CG COIL can facilitate the completion of this form if you prefer. Reach out via coil@wellesley.edu. I look forward to working with any students who intend to take on activism this semester so that we can support your efforts while maintaining College business.
Health and wellness updates: I hope you saw the message from the College noting that we are adopting the CDC’s change in isolation guidance for COVID-19. Also, as we move closer to final exams, stress will mount and the need for access to spaces for relaxation will increase. Here is a list of spaces on campus where you can find resources for relaxation, stress reduction and fun!
- Enjoy a moment of relaxation with the massage chairs and video meditations in the Wellness Corners in Billings and Science Center.
- Do a walking meditation through the labyrinth by Paramecium Pond.
- Find a moment of quiet and reflection in the Multifaith Center or Chapel.
- Watch the sunset at Tupelo Point.
- Take a walk through the Edible Ecosystem.
- Relax with friends in the Penthouse (4th floor of Billings).
- Cozy up by the fire in the Anderson Forum.
Have a nourishing, restful and blessed weekend for those who are celebrating religious observances.
Sheilah Shaw Horton
Vice President and Dean of Students
