Dear Students,
The past week has been very busy on our campus, and the upcoming MarMon weekend promises to bring good weather and spring joy. Here are your updates for the week:
Title VI training reminders. Each student must watch a video on Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Doing so helps the College meet its legal obligation under Title VI and ensures we are affirming our policy to provide a safe and welcoming educational environment for every student. 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.) 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. (This does not mean that you will not receive housing, but you will not be able to participate in room selection at your desired time.)
If you have any problems accessing the Title VI Video, here are some troubleshooting tips from the LTS Department:
If you receive the message “You cannot view this recording. No permission.” you did not sign in to your Wellesley Zoom account correctly. When you click on the hyperlink to access the video be sure to sign in with SSO. Do not sign in using the email and password fields. If you are unable to sign in with SSO please contact the Help Desk at helpdesk@wellesley.edu or 781-283-3333.
Honor Code concerns
There has been a lot of misinformation circulating among students regarding honor code charges related to conduct during the Renewing Democracy Summit that was held on campus last weekend. I want to clarify a few points.
First, with regard to the process, administrative resolution is not new, but has long been authorized and used for appropriate conduct matters. The high profile security nature of this event warranted this approach.While the typical honor code procedures do not apply to an administrative resolution, the process does provide fundamental fairness, including notice and an opportunity to tell your story.
Second, the charges related to the summit were based on conduct. Interrupting and disrupting an event is a clear violation of the demonstration policy (which has been in place since 2019) and the student code of conduct. It is not referring to the content of the speech — it is the interruption that is the violation. The interruption impacted the experience of others in the audience as well as the presenters.
Many students protested outside for hours – they were able to use their voices to make their views known. Because they did not disrupt the event, provided notice in compliance with the policy, and complied with reasonable time, place and manner guidance, they were not charged. The rules for the event and the consequences for violating those rules were communicated clearly in advance.
MarMon Update
We are so fortunate that we get a front row seat to the Boston Marathon, and proud that the Wellesley Scream Tunnel is a longstanding tradition and a celebrated part of the event for runners, students and spectators. In the past, there have been Wellesley students who choose to allow the runners to kiss them. For the health of the runners and yourselves, please refrain from doing so. Runners have been advised of this as well from the Boston Athletic Association. As alternatives, the Office of Student Wellness will have kiss stickers, chocolate kisses, and bubble wands for you in the Hazard Quad to help you still spread the Scream Tunnel cheer, without spreading germs.
With all of the fun of Spring Weekend, we want you to enjoy the traditions and events, while keeping yourselves and your sibs safe. If you choose to drink or use substances, remember that overconsumption can have serious consequences in terms of health, safety, and the honor code, so please remember to utilize harm reduction strategies to stay safe while having fun. The Office of Student Wellness has prepared some wellness and harm reduction tips for you to review; you can also pick up various wellness items throughout the weekend including sunscreen, safe pour cups, snacks, and more.
Barbecue:
The Patriot’s Day lunch will be held on Marathon Monday from 11:30am-2pm at Munger Meadow. All students must have their Wellesley ID to get into the barbecue. To accommodate this, the culinary centers will be closed from 10am-5pm.
Spring Weekend:
Don’t forget, SBOG will be hosting their annual spring weekend programming, kicking things off with Freaky Friday tonight. Saturday afternoon, food trucks will fill the tennis courts for Plazapalooza, followed by sign making for the Marathon on Sunday evening.
The Lake Path will also be open on Saturday from 8am-6pm. On Monday, there will be activities in the Hazard Quad to celebrate the Marathon, as well as snacks and drinks so everyone can stay hydrated!
Stay safe Wellesley, and enjoy your weekend.
Sheilah Shaw Horton
Vice President and Dean of Students
