Many points to cover today
It’s Friday – after what seems like a long week indeed. The weather is unnaturally cool today, only mid-70s – and overcast. Definitely not normal August weather! We have lots of points to cover today. Here goes.
In a normal, non-COVID year, a few days after move-in is when I would start to hear from new parents and families who are concerned about their student’s transition. “My daughter is eating all her meals alone.” “Everyone else seems to have found friends and my son doesn’t have a group.” “My student is telling me there is nothing to do.” [or] “My student doesn’t want to do the things that every other student wants to (e.g., parties).” “The kids on the hall haven’t gelled yet and I am worried.” etc.
My point in telling you this: even without COVID, even if we had the ability to hold a billion Orientation events in person, even without masks and 6′ distance restrictions, many of the worries I am hearing from P’24s would still be there. The adjustment to college is always an adjustment. No one ever feels comfortable in college from Day 1. It can take days, weeks, even months to hit your stride and feel at home. I told that to my advisees this morning, and in case you are worried, I want you to hear it too. One of my all-time favorite students was ready to ditch Wake after a few days. Thankfully, she was open to some gentle coaching and not only stayed, but thrived here. Our new Deacs will find their way. It just takes time and patience.
Dr. Hatch sent out a message to students today entitled The Stakes Are High, and sent a version to parents and families as well. Read the full message here, and be sure to watch his video message within. One of the points he made was about some other schools who have had to shut down operations early: “This was not because of classroom or residence hall interaction; it was because of social gatherings — both large and small, on and off campus — in which face coverings and social distancing did not occur.” And he asked for families’ help in encouraging adherence to public health measures.
Our Dean of Students, Adam Goldstein, sent a message to students to reinforce what Dr. Hatch said and to clarify exactly what our expectations are re: when to wear masks and social distance, as well as how to report noncompliance. We want to be sure students have a clear understanding of what is being asked of them.
I know that there is a lot of info coming at students, but you can also help us by stressing the importance of reading everything that comes to them. Even (or maybe especially) when it is long, or involves policy. They will be held accountable for knowing and following the rules – and that goes for everything from the COVID stuff, such as the Public Health Addendum to the Student Code of Conduct to the COVID-19 Addendum to the Guide to Community Living, to the syllabus for each of their classes they’ll get next week.
I have had some families ask me questions about the particulars of what happens if your student gets COVID and is asked to isolate, or if they are exposed to COVID and need to quarantine. The Student Health Service has a website explaining the difference in these processes, and what students should know.
We’ll close with some non-COVID things. We had some fantastic news this week: “To search for the truth about honesty, Wake Forest University philosophy professor Christian B. Miller and a team of researchers have been awarded a $4.4 million grant from the John Templeton Foundation. The grant is the largest Wake Forest has ever received for the humanities. Launched this week, the three-year Honesty Project will address both fundamental philosophical questions and explore the science of honesty.” Read more.
And we have a great freebie for our P’20s to share with their Deacs: “If you’re a recent Wake Forest graduate, my colleagues in the Alumni Personal and Career Development Center invite you to download a free copy of their e-book, Post-College Starter Kit: Making the Most of Your First 90 Days After College by Allison E. McWilliams. This Starter Kit provides new graduates with tips and resources for navigating work and life, and setting goals for the future.”
As we finish up move-in of upperclass students this weekend – and as we all get used to the new normal of college during COVID – we ask your continued patience and grace. We are all learning together. But we are all in it together, and that’s what counts 🙂
— by Betsy Chapman, Ph.D. (’92, MA ’94)