The start of the fall semester has been particularly exciting this year. I always enjoy the energized atmosphere students bring with their return to campus. The air vibrates with the anticipation of students and staff who are eager to share programs, classes, and experiences. This year that vibration is even more palpable.
As I walk by the new banners on Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. or see the large signs around campus, I can’t help but echo the sentiment that President Satterlee expressed in his fall address when he said people are feeling positive about Idaho State University. The president mentioned the evolution of our brand and I have certainly seen that happen in my short time here. I would venture to say that evolution has gone one step further and note that it hasn’t just occurred in terms of our new brand, but also our re-energized Bengal spirit. Whether I am walking across the Quad, attending a meeting, or hanging out in the SUB, the positive attitudes, sentiments, and actions on campus are clearly evident. It has made me realize that we are not simply beginning a new year, we are starting a new
ROAR
!
This renewed pride in the University has been on display over the past several weeks and Student Affairs has engaged in numerous activities to support the new
ROAR
. Our
ROAR
echoed throughout the residence halls as Student Affairs and Enrollment Management staff lent students a helping hand with move-in. Staff created an immediate first point of contact and their assistance carried the
ROAR
that we are here to help and support.
I heard most of ISU
ROAR
when the president announced on-campus mail delivery had returned. Students drive the mission of Student Affairs, but we also work to form
ROARing
relationships with
the entire campus. Recently, our division has grown with the addition of Bengal Card Services. This continues to strengthen our relationships with campus and we are honored to play a role in these important services.
I had the opportunity to watch our new students flex their
ROAR
before March Through the Arch. New Student Orientation began building the foundation of a tradition by inviting students to Cadet Field to form the spirit mark. This new tradition enabled our students to physically connect to campus and also serves as a visual reminder that students are why ISU
ROAR
s.
Throughout our division, we work hard to establish connections with students. We do this through the interactions we have and create. I encourage each of you to continue to make and take the time to connect with students. Take the time to listen to, and understand, what is important to them; what challenges and concerns them; and what they are celebrating. The phrase “see something, say something” resonates with who we are and what we do. Let’s make sure students are getting the assistance and support they need. Think back to your pledge on the Super 6 Initiative. What will you do to connect with a student this week? I have renewed my conversation challenges for this semester and hope they will be a helpful resource as you look for ways to connect with students. ISU has a new look, renewed spirit, and passionate staff. As we work together I know that everyone will hear us
ROAR
.
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Veteran Student Services Center to Receive $15,000 Grant
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ISU Veteran Student Services Center (VSSC) has recently received a grant from the Idaho Division of Veteran Services. VSSC was awarded a $15,000 grant and will be using the funds to provide more opportunities to veteran students at the University.
Director Todd Johnson said, “These funds allow us to build support and the veteran community.” Johnson stated that the funds allow the VSSC to ensure that veterans have the academic support and supplies to be successful. These funds will directly contribute to veteran tutoring, Veteran and Military Appreciation week, spring registration, the Military Ball, and other programs and academic support.
Johnson talked about how the funds will build community within this group of students, but he noted that ensuring veteran students have the tools to be academically successful is equally important. VSSC utilizes their computer lab to ensure that veterans have a place to take online classes and complete class work. VSSC has made sure that class specific software is installed on these computers. They provide noise cancelling headphones for students who are utilizing the computers in the lab. The funds from this grant will continue to improve these services and other programs of the VSSC.
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Rec Your Stress: A Unique Collaboration Between Counseling and Testing and Campus Recreation
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There's an exciting new collaboration happening in Student Affairs. Campus Recreation and Counseling and Testing (CATS) have teamed up to help students
rec their stress
! Centrally located in Campus Rec, CATS staff will be on-site to engage students and promote mental and physical health. This collaboration keeps ISU at the forefront of developing trends in student wellness. Mental health struggles are more common than ever on college campuses and leading universities are working to integrate mental and physical health as a prevention strategy for bigger problems down the road.
CATS is currently focused on implementing a Single Session Program and referrals to wellness programming through the Rec Your Stress location inside Campus Recreation. Future plans include talk-walk-talk programs and connections to create workout groups. Students seeking an action plan from a single visit with a counselor should reach out and get connected. Meetings are by appointment only and can be scheduled by calling 208-282-2130. If anyone just wants to drop by and learn more, please come by whenever the door is open. The space is staffed M,T,W,F afternoons and Thursday mornings. Be well, be fit, and ROAR!
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HAPPENING IN STUDENT AFFAIRS
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STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS
Admissions is excited to announce that two new individuals have been hired in the role of Advisor/Recruiter. Please help us welcome Alyson Walker and Bianca Ridley. They are a great addition to our department and we look forward to working with them.
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Alyson Walker
Advisor/Recruiter
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Bianca Ridley
Advisor/Recruiter
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Lindsey Stevenson will be moving from the Meridian Campus to North Idaho. She will be acting as the regional representative for prospective students and transfer students in the North Idaho, Oregon, and Washington region.
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ITEM OF INTEREST
In the spring of 2019 Campus Recreation conducted a use and utilization survey. The findings of this survey indicated that students were interested in expanded hours at Campus Connection. As a result of those findings Campus Recreation has expanded hours as follows:
Monday-Thursday: 6am-11pm
Friday: 6am-9pm
Saturday: 8am-9pm
Sunday: Noon-9pm
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ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Jeff Christensen received the Idaho Career Development Leader of the Year Award. He was chosen as the winner at the April 2019 Idaho Career Development Association (IDCA) conference in Boise.
EVENTS
Sept. 4:
Resume Round Up, 11 am-1pm, College of Business Lobby
Sept. 5:
FBI Information Session, 11:30 am-1 pm, Wood River Room
Sept. 12:
JCPenney Suit Up! (includes BBQ for students, alumni, and staff) 5-8 pm, JCPenney
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STAFF ANNOUNCEMENT
Counseling and Testing Service is happy to announce the addition of Cliff Rone, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist to the Meridian office. He will begin on September 16.
EVENTS
CATS Connections
-This is an opportunity for students to come together to learn and support others with similar aspects of identity. Meetings are held weekly for one hour and facilitated by a counselor. Populations served include international students, students on the Autism Spectrum, LGBQ and Transgender students. More information can be found
online
.
Idaho State Connections Week:
A collaboration with the College of Arts and Letters aimed at creating opportunities and connections during the entire week.
Sept. 3:
Community Vision Board, all day, Pond Student Union
Sept. 4:
Game Night and Dinner, 5-7 pm, Ballroom-Pond Student Union
Sept. 5:
"This is Real" video screening, discussion, and lunch, 12-1 pm, Quad Lounge-Pond Student Union
Sept. 6:
Idaho State Connections Fair, 10 am-1 pm, Quad
Sept. 13:
Respond Training, 8:30 am-4:30 pm, Contact
nelsrobi@isu.edu
to register. More information can be found
online
.
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