Dear Class of 2022,
I hope you all enjoyed Pup Cup, Spring Weekend, and the Spring Concert. I am grateful to CAB, SGA and all of the Student Affairs for their hard work in planning and implementing an important weekend tradition.
Continuing to listen to students to enhance your Assumption experience is a priority for everyone at the University. Since my arrival in January of 2020, I have heard from students the need to revamp our Student Code of Conduct and some of our practices for Assumption to feel more like home and the community that we strive to be. Throughout my time, I have worked with the Student Affairs Team along with the Policy Review Committee (which has representation from a variety of student groups on campus) to review the Student Handbook. Over the course of the past two years, we have accomplished the below:
- Eliminated the internal guest pass system so that students can freely visit friends in other residence areas without requiring registration.
- Changed card access to front doors of residence halls so that students can access same class year halls freely during the hours of 7 a.m. until midnight.
- Rewording of the overnight guest policy to be more inclusive of our LGBTQIA+ community.
- Invitation of entertainment on campus that includes comedians, performers, hypnotists, musicians, and magicians.
- Having a bar at Spring Ball and bringing beer trucks to campus for Spring Weekend and Senior Week in the Valley.
- Having student representation on all search committees within Student Affairs and strategic work groups related to the student experience.
- Promotion of additional mental health and well-being services through the University’s Student Assistance Program.
I am pleased to share additional changes you can expect upon your return to campus in the fall. For this fall, students can anticipate:
- The elimination of the “points system” and the addition of educational and restorative justice practices.
- These practices include reflective conversations, community restitution, informal resolution/mediation and other creative sanctions that work toward re-engagement with our community and civic responsibility.
- The elimination of “in the presence of alcohol” as a violation of the Student Code of Conduct.
- Responsible hosting guidelines for gatherings.
- A student bill of rights at it relates to sexual misconduct.
- A thorough review of our Title IX policy and procedures including a climate survey and educational programs aimed at all students, not just new students or athletes.
- Providing alcohol at student events when appropriate for those over the age of 21 to model appropriate social drinking.
- Adding two additional interns to the Counseling Center Staff with expertise in supporting ALANA students.
- Adding laundry facilities to the 5 person area with five washers and five dryers.
Finally, we look forward to a memorable and fun-filled Family Weekend from October 14 to 16.
I continue to be grateful for student feedback, the Policy Review Committee, and the Student Affairs staff in enhancing the student experience. If you have other ideas and/or feedback, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at stulife@assumption.edu.
Best of Luck on your final exams,
Deb Cady Melzer, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students
