Tips for Stepping In to #KeepOurCommunityHealthy

January 14, 2021

Dear Students,

In the first week back, amidst the excitement of the new term, I want to acknowledge that there is also a lot to balance with the start of classes, processing events in Washington, D.C. and keeping yourself and our community healthy.

Today, I’m sharing suggestions for getting involved when people around you aren’t behaving safely and a reminder checklist of steps you need to take to access campus.

Stepping in to #KeepTheCompact
There are times when Keeping the Compact can feel hard. As you make personal sacrifices, it can be frustrating to see others not upholding our community commitment. When someone’s not wearing their face covering or keeping distance, one of the easiest ways to hold them accountable is to say something.

You might feel unsure about what to say; we’ve created this guide to stepping in, including ways to talk with a friend. Here are some examples:

  • “I’d really like to keep talking – let’s just keep more distance.”
  • “I’m so happy to see you – do you mind if we elbow bump instead of hug?”

Check out the guide for more tips on how to step in with confidence. The more comfortable we become stepping in and speaking up, the more we normalize safe behavior and create a culture of mutual respect and concern. If stepping in doesn’t work, you can also file a report here.

We want to hear about your tips for navigating the Compact! In this video, School of the Arts student Tenneh Gbeh Sillah recommends keeping one mask in your bag and one by your door so you don’t forget it. Do you have tips like this you’d like to share? Send your 20-second video to [email protected] for a chance to be featured on our Instagram and Student Voices pages, and to win a $20 Visa gift card!

Accessing Campus
Have you completed this list yet?

Support Resources
As you get back into the swing of the semester, Counseling and Psychological Services (Morningside)Student Health on Haven (CUIMC) and Religious Life are here to support you. You also have access to coping tools, including free apps and national crisis hotlines.

Please stay in touch with your questions and thoughts by emailing [email protected], or visit our website. I wish you all a healthy, happy start to the term.

Take care,

Joseph Defraine Greenwell, Ed.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs
Office of University Life
Gender Pronouns: He/Him/His

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