Parents » Deirdre Rosenfeld

Concern about High-Risk Drinking

Deirdre Rosenfeld — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:39:38 +0000

Earlier today each student received the following message from the Dean of Students:

March 10, 2010

To: Gustavus students
From: Jeff Stocco, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

Gustavus is a caring community. I write today with serious concerns regarding the problem of high-risk drinking on campus. Recent and other campus incidents this year involving alcohol remind us of the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption.

Our community is not immune from the possibility of tragedy associated with high-risk drinking. Short of death from alcohol poisoning,excessive and destructive drinking can result in risk to health,academic standing, and finances. In addition, high-risk drinking can adversely affect innocent bystanders, including family, friends, and fellow campus community members as well as anyone potentially harmed in the event of driving under the influence.

The fact that national trends point to increased high-risk drinking at colleges and universities is not an excuse for us to accept it here at Gustavus. Nor can we be complacent that on our campus, fewer students choose to drink than in years past, and only a very small number of individuals choose to engage in dangerous drinking. Because every person’s welfare matters at Gustavus, we must all work together to confront this difficult and complex issue.

What can you do?

• If you drink, be very careful about how much and how quickly you consume.
• Encourage your friends to make safe decisions.
• Never leave a friend alone to “sleep it off”- the consequences could be disastrous.
• Call Campus Safety, 911, or a Residential Life staff member if ever you are concerned about another student’s well-being.

The Dean of Students Office, in conjunction with the Office of Alcohol and Drug Education, will sponsor a series of meetings in April to discuss this issue. It is extremely important that as many of us as possible engage in a conversation about how this community might address this growing problem. Your participation and input is critical and will be greatly appreciated.

In the meantime, enjoy spring, and stay safe.

–
Jeffrey L. Stocco
Dean of Students
Vice President for Student Affairs
Gustavus Adolphus College
St. Peter, MN 56082
507-933-7526
stocco@gustavus.edu

The Gustavus Student Rhythm in March

Deirdre Rosenfeld — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:27:57 +0000

Housing selection starts. Students feel the pressure of mid-term exams. Many students start to think of summer employment and seniors continue to work on plans for post-graduation. Some students are concerned with winter weight gain and are making plans for spring break. In the spring, sophomores begin to declare majors; students should start looking for summer or fall internships; and seniors look toward graduation with mixed emotions.

Graduation is Around the Corner

Deirdre Rosenfeld — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:27:23 +0000

It is time to think about Commencement. In March, junior students are each sent a form to complete to apply for graduation. This tells the College if a student plans to graduate in 2011. ALL students must apply for graduation with the Office of the Registrar in their junior or senior year. On April 7, seniors will attend “Grad Finale” on campus. This is the time to pick up the cap and gown and Commencement tickets, order graduation announcements, and/or purchase a class ring. If your student is not available for “Grad Finale,” all supplies will be available in the Book Mark or Office of College Relations until graduation. For more information on the Commencement ceremony, visit the Frequently Asked Questions website.

Academic Assistance Available

Deirdre Rosenfeld — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:26:31 +0000

Mid-term exams typically occur just before and just after Spring Break. Therefore, now is a good time for students to be seeking assistance with any academic challenges. Tutors are available for many departments and programs. Look here for a complete list. Also, the Writing Center on campus (located in Confer Hall 232) provides help because Gustavus expects all students to be comfortable writing, despite their past experience or declared major.

2010-2011 Financial Aid Renewal Process

Deirdre Rosenfeld — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:25:34 +0000

In late February students received information for the 2010-2011 Financial Aid renewal application process. Detail explanatory information is available from Financial Aid. Award letters are not mailed to current students. An email was sent to students at their Gustavus email account instructing them to go to WebAdvisor to view their award letter. Any subsequent revisions to an award letter will also be sent via email. Using this email process is an initiative to save paper and mailing costs.

Residence Halls Closing for Spring Break

Deirdre Rosenfeld — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:24:36 +0000

The halls are closed during Spring break. Students who are not able to leave campus for the break due to distance from home may be housed on campus with permission from the Residential Life Office. Information about and applications for break housing can be found online. Halls will close at from 9:00 AM on Saturday, March 26, 2010 to noon on Sunday, April 4, 2010.

15th Annual Building Bridges Conference March 13

Deirdre Rosenfeld — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:23:11 +0000

Building Bridges is a student-initiated, student-led diversity conference dedicated to addressing today’s pressing global and social issues. This year’s conference, “Immigration: Surviving the Land of Opportunity,” will focus on the two sides of immigration: the struggles immigrants face and the strength required to survive these struggles every day. For more information and to download a registration, visit the Building Bridges website. Tickets may be purchased online at gustavustickets.com.

2010 Gustavian Yearbook Orders

Deirdre Rosenfeld — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:21:35 +0000

Orders are now being accepted for the 2010 Gustavian Yearbook. The all-color book will cover the 2009-2010 academic year with highlights including sports, academics, music, theatre, clubs, Greek organizations, residence halls, faculty and staff, and of course, graduate portraits of the Class of 2010.

A mailing with order forms have been mailed to students on campus and parents shortly. We encourage you to communicate your order with your student to avoid duplicate orders.

You may also order on-line by going to www.gustavus.edu/alumni and look for 2010 Yearbook Order Form on the left column https://secure2.gac.edu/ecommerce/138. Books will be distributed to returning students on campus next fall. Graduates and others who wish to have yearbooks sent to a specific address should add $5.00 for each book.

Explaining the Lingo

Deirdre Rosenfeld — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:19:56 +0000

Does your student use Gustavus terms or abbreviations that you do not understand? Do you ever wonder which office handles a certain service? Definitions of many common Gustavus terms and a quick guide to describing the offices and services frequently used by parents and students may be found online.

Gustavus Forensic Team Wins State

Deirdre Rosenfeld — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:18:59 +0000

For the third consecutive year, the Gustavus Adolphus College forensics team won the Minnesota Collegiate Forensics Association State Championships, placing first out of nine schools. The Gusties placed first in eight events and placed second in six others. In addition, the Gustavus forensics team was awarded the Greg Lapanta Quality Award for the second time in three years.

Senior Mary Cunningham won a total of four events, earning Gustavus’ third Individual Sweepstakes Championship and qualifying to represent Minnesota at the 2010 Interstate Oratorical Association National Contest, the oldest annual speaking competition. This marks the sixth consecutive year Gustavus will have a representative at the IOA National Contest and Cunningham’s second time qualifying, having represented Minnesota in 2008.

Overall Team Sweepstakes, Open Division

First Place: Gustavus Adolphus College = 478 points

Second Place: Concordia College = 361 points

Third Place: Minnesota State University, Mankato = 275 points

Individual Sweepstakes

First Place: Mary Cunningham

Third Place: CJ Hunt

Fourth Place: Chloe Radcliffe