Springfield College Connect: Weathering the Remainder of Winter and Looking Forward to Spring

Volume 1, Issue 6 • February 28, 2022

This newsletter is published by the Division of Student Affairs as a communication tool for our parents and families to stay informed.

Vice President for Student Affairs Slandie Dieujuste and students Vanessa Baldwin (left) and Gwen Smith (right) at the newly opened Pride Pantry (across from the Career Center on the first floor of the Flynn Campus Union). The pantry is available for all undergraduate and graduate students and employees Mondays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesdays from 4-7 p.m., and Fridays from 2-5 p.m.

Greetings from the Vice President for Student Affairs

Dear Parents and Families:

There are days when it feels like winter has overstayed its welcome, and other days when we are left wondering where it all went. We have weathered so much together as a community and our students continue to show grit and resilience. As they prepare to go on spring break, we reflect on how remarkably different last March looked for them. We are grateful for progress towards normalcy and the fact that many will have the opportunity to travel during their break this year.

Looking beyond spring break, we are excited to announce that tennis legend and champion for social change and equality Billie Jean King will be our undergraduate Commencement speaker on May 15. King’s appearance comes just before our year-long celebration of 50 years of Title IX, the landmark federal law that prohibits gender discrimination in educational programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. Learn more about this wonderful opportunity for King to address our students and about her incredibly successful and impactful career.

We hope you find the content of this newsletter helpful. As always, we are a phone call or email away.

Sincerely,

Slandie Dieujuste, PhD

Follow me on Instagram @Dr.Slandie.

COVID Updates

We recently communicated changes to our COVID-19 policies, which includes a shortening of the current isolation period from 10 to five days. Individuals are required to produce a negative antigen test taken on day six or later. Those with a negative test result who are feeling well enough will be released from isolation and required to adhere to strict mask protocols until day 10. Due to the City of Springfield lifting its mask mandate effective today (Monday, Feb. 28), Springfield College will be updating its mask mandate. In addition, guests are now allowed in the residence halls provided they follow established policies. We respectfully request guests on campus are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccination (including boosted, if eligible) or meet the requirements of a medical or religious exemption.

Please help us by reminding your student that if they wish to have overnight guests, they must receive prior approval from their roommate/suitemates. No individual resident may have more than one overnight guest at any given time. Students are required to register their guests and attest that the guest is vaccinated and is prepared to show proof of vaccination. Per policy, residents are held responsible for the behaviors of their guest(s), which includes all COVID-related requirements for masking. The Office of Housing and Residence Life staff has communicated the process for registering guests directly to students and has posted flyers with instructions and QR codes in each building.

More information about these changes and other COVID policies can be found on the COVID Web page.

The College is continuing with our free, optional COVID testing for all students and employees for the spring semester. While testing provides a “snapshot” in time, we hope this information helps students feel more confident they are doing all they can to protect their family, friends, and campus community, especially as they depart for (and return from) spring break. All testing will take place in our testing center (239 Wilbraham Ave.).

Mondays: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Wednesdays: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Thursdays: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Results should be available 24-36 hours following the test. As a reminder, if your student is feeling ill, please encourage them to not go to class and engage in activities. Have them consult the Health Center staff or their primary care provider.

an overhead view of two residence halls on the Springfield College campus in winter

Housing News

All residence halls will close for spring break at 5 p.m. on Friday, March 11, and re-open at noon on Sunday, March 20. If a student needs to stay on campus during any part of spring break, they must submit a Break Housing Application (via their PrideNET account) by 4 p.m. on Friday, March 4. As the residence halls are not accessible to students during the break, we encourage everyone to make sure they bring all necessary items (passports, medications, laptops, etc.) with them when they leave for break. Dining services will not be available during break. There are no guests or alcohol permitted during the break (regardless of age). There is a charge to stay over the break of $200 (non- prorated).

The housing selection process for the 2022-23 academic year is underway and open to all undergraduate students. In order to participate, all students will need to electronically sign their housing contract through their “My Housing” tab on PrideNET. Once they have completed the contract, they will be able to group and participate in their eligible online selection processes. Please encourage your student to check their Springfield College email regularly throughout the process as this is how we communicate more detailed information, including their individual or group selection date and time for any process for which students are eligible.

If you or your student has any questions about spring break or housing selection, please contact our office staff at (413) 748-3102 or [email protected], Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Planning for Summer and Fall Classes

Advising and registration planning for summer and fall 2022 will begin on Monday, March 21, with registration beginning the week of April 4. All students are required to meet with their academic advisor to receive registration clearance prior to their registration date and access time. Students also must resolve all absolute holds (visible on PrideNET, My Profile, My Registration, Absolute Holds) in order to register.

Upcoming Events, Activities, and Athletic Competitions

With the increasing hours of daylight, your student may be ready for opportunities to get out and about. If your student is looking for something to do, encourage them to visit the athletic calendar and the programming calendar for ideas.

photo of a corner of an office with a tan chair dark brown bookshelf and light brown table with the words Counseling Corner in white on a maroon strip at the bottom of the picture

When parents are asked “What do you want for your child?” most answers include for them to be happy and healthy. Here at the Counseling Center, we want that as well. While many students take advantage of our services throughout their time at Springfield College, we know that there are more avenues for us to help students than individual or group counseling. To that end, our staff have been working with students and colleagues across the campus to provide additional resources and programs for students.

Our longest standing activity, Fresh Check Day, is a cooperative effort among staff and members of the Counseling Center, Department of Athletics, Housing and Residence Life, and many clubs and organizations, including Minds in Motion–a student group dedicated to destigmatizing mental health issues. This event gives students the opportunity to learn about mental health in a fun, relaxed environment.

Another student-led initiative and partnership with athletics that will roll out this upcoming year is Pride Cares, a peer-to-peer support opportunity. While not a peer counseling program, students who participate in a series of training sessions will be better equipped to actively listen, encourage coping skills, and provide resources to their peers. In addition to training opportunities for students, the College community will soon be able to receive Mental Health First Aid training. This nationally based curriculum teaches participants to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use issues.

We know the importance of connection and community and look forward to bringing these resources and support to students.

a photo of two spotlights shining on the words Spotlight on student affairs

We’re excited to share with you the wonderful work that students and staff within the Division of Student Affairs are doing. Each issue we’ll share highlights with you.

Lauren Gray, LICSW:

A veteran staff member and outreach coordinator for the Counseling Center, Lauren has recently been certified as a Mental Health First Aid trainer. In addition to her work directly with students as a counselor and advisor, this certification will allow Lauren to provide the nationally known and recognized Mental Health First Aid training to employees and students.

Student Advocates for Wellness:

The Springfield College Student Advocates for Wellness team recently received the Outstanding Peer Education Program Award at the annual National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) general assembly peer education conference.