College's Reaction to Nationwide Turmoil Amidst Uncertainty: A Purple Perspective
In the midst of a chilly February, students at Holy Cross have been feeling the effects of early sunsets and cold temperatures, leading to increased levels of fatigue, depression, and irritability. However, the college has been working hard to support its community during these challenging times.
On February 6th, President Vincent Rougeau sent out a school-wide email titled "Remembering Our Identity Amid Uncertainty". In this email, Rougeau addressed recent governing decisions and validated community concerns, reaffirming the values of Holy Cross.
The email outlined several key strategies to address the challenges faced by the college. First and foremost, Rougeau emphasized the importance of reaffirming the college’s core mission and values, focusing on its Jesuit Catholic identity as a guiding framework.
Second, Rougeau encouraged community members to strengthen their cohesion by fostering dialogue, empathy, and solidarity. The goal is to create a supportive campus environment that can withstand external turmoil.
Third, the administration is working to enhance support services, expanding resources related to mental health, diversity and inclusion, and academic support. These resources aim to help members of the college community cope with stress and challenges arising from political and global instability.
Fourth, Rougeau urged the Holy Cross community to engage actively with societal issues through informed discussion, service, and leadership. This aligns with the college’s tradition of forming thoughtful, responsible citizens.
Lastly, the administration committed to ensuring transparent communication, promising to keep the community informed of developments and institutional responses to emerging challenges.
Following Rougeau's email, Senior Vice President for Administration and Finance, Dottie Hauver, sent out an email about proposed policy and legal changes.
In addition to these initiatives, Holy Cross has also taken steps to monitor developments, assess potential implications, and propose strategies to address challenges in six categories: financial, JEBI-related, international and immigration, operational and workforce, legal and compliance, and reputational and strategic.
The college has also been active in the community, with events such as the stArt on the Street Festival and the Fall Concert, both held in Worcester. The stArt on the Street Festival featured vibrant music, dance, and art, while the Fall Concert, hosted by the College Choir and Chamber Singers, showcased melodies and harmonies in the Luth Concert Hall.
Moreover, a group of 45 freshmen visited the Joyce Contemplative Center on September 27th, and an informational session regarding this new initiative was held on February 10th to open up the floor to the rest of the Holy Cross community.
The winter solstice, a day with the least amount of sunlight throughout the year, typically falling around Dec. 21, marks the beginning of longer days and the gradual return of warmth. As Holy Cross continues to navigate these challenging times, its commitment to justice, particularly to the poor, powerless, and marginalized, remains unwavering.
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