A Monthly Newsletter Publication of NKU Student Affairs
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Commemorated each March, Women's History month seeks to celebrate the contributions women have made throughout history. At NKU, this celebration focuses both on female leaders at NKU and the oft overlooked achievements of women on the national stage. Spearheaded by a cross-divisional group from throughout the University, Women's History month typically features a multitude of different programs, events, and initiatives.
Given the impact of COVID-19 this year, many events had to be cancelled. However, Student Affairs proudly sponsored "Exploring Womanhood: A Panel Discussion with NKU Women about Lived Experiences" (created by the Center for Student Inclusiveness) to the campus in the virtual environment.
This panel featured exceptional leaders from throughout the institution and challenged viewers to consider the experience of women in leadership at Northern Kentucky University.
It does not take much to make a difference. Even the smallest acts can create the biggest changes. And that is why training for students, staff, and faculty in Bystander Intervention is so critical to our campus. Developed as a way to help college students understand how their actions can prevent sexual violence and other problematic behavior, Bystander Intervention allows people to engage in conversations about violence prevention. There is research and evidence* that Bystander Intervention reduces incidents of violence on- and off-campus.
Kendra Massey, Director of the Norse Violence Prevention Center (NVP) at Northern Kentucky University provided some insight on why it is so important for everyone to engage in this training during their time at NKU. Using the approach that "It's On Us," Bystander Intervention calls for the community to look out for one another. Bystander Intervention utilizes three strategies to help others who may be in distress: Direct, Distract, and Delegate. Directly intervene in an emerging situation. Distract people from an evolving situation to de-escalate. Delegate responsibility and create a team effort to stop a situation. Even if you cannot do all of these, you can at least do one of these things. As Kendra explains, this gives each person different options to intervene. Most people are comfortable with at least one of these options in any given situation.
So, how can you get trained in Bystander Intervention? NVP offers three training sessions each semester for faculty and staff. Trainings for students are offered at New Student Orientation and follow-up sessions are offered to athletic teams, Greek Life chapters, and in CMST 101 and 110. Trainings for other classes and student orgs by request.
Want to get involved? Contact NVP at nvp@nku.edu or (859) 572-5865.
*https://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/09/education/edlife/stepping-up-to-stop-sexual-assault.html
The NKU Norse Violence Prevention Center works hard in April to share exceptional programs and events to raise awareness of sexual violence. Below are the three critical programs offered by Norse Violence Prevention to the NKU Community:
Stories of Resilience
April 6, 2021; 6:00p-7:30p
The Norse Violence Prevention Center partnered with "A Voice for the Innocent" to host this virtual story-telling event. NKU Community members shared their stories of resilience, or just listened to others for inspiration.
What's Done in the Dark
April 9, 2021; 7:00p
A student-led event presented in partnership with Norse Violence Prevention and Nu Upsilon Black Women's Honorary which featured survivor testimonies, student talent, and resources.
Take Back the Night
April 13, 2021; 5:30p
SHATTER THE SILENCE
STOP THE VIOLENCE
This virtual event featured guest speaker Olivia Montgomery from the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence, speaking about her experience working in the intersection of gender and racial justice. Her presentation was followed by a candlelight march through campus at 8:00p.
Want to become a peer ambassador with Norse Violence Prevention?
Get Information Here
"Teamwork makes the dream work." So opined John Maxwell. In this case, the dream was support of NKU students during COVID and the team featured Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving. Utilizing their crowdfunding platform, Impact NKU, they have championed donations from alumni and the community totaling almost $150,000. If you would like to give to the Student Emergency Fund, please follow this link.
Alumni Engagement works hard throughout the year to connect with alumni and create opportunities to engage with the NKU Community. Upon graduation, all alumni are automatically members of the Alumni Association. Benefits include legacy scholarship opportunities, exclusive invitations to events, and discounts at local restaurants, NKU Campus Recreation, Kings Island, Liberty Mutual, and the Newport Aquarium. Alumni can also participate on the Young Alumni Council and the Black Alumni Council, both of which are now recruiting.
Opportunities to give back to NKU are always available. Faculty and Staff can participate using payroll reduction. Students are welcome to give back to their community, as well. No amount is too little to make a difference. You can choose what you support, including the Student Affairs programs and offices that have made a difference in your time at NKU.
For graduating seniors, don't forget about the Senior Challenge, a way to show "I Support NKU!"
COVID came with little warning, upending how we work, how we learn, and how we function as a society. The difficulties of such a sudden change reverberated throughout the nation, changing sections of society seemingly overnight. To help support our students during these difficult times, NKU established the COVID-19 Student Emergency Fund (SEF). From helping with lost wages and relocation costs, to covering short-term food and housing insecurities, and supporting the pivot to an online educational environment, the SEF has truly been a lifeline for many students during COVID.
At the onset of the COVID crisis, Student Conduct, Rights and Advocacy, led by Assistant Dean of Students Bob Alston, engaged with campus and community partners to build a groundswell of donor and NKU support to establish an emergency fund, best situated to help students in need. With close partnerships with Alumni Engagement, Annual Giving, Accounts Payable, University Housing, IT, Procurement, and many other campus partners, the application for the SEF went live only six days after President Vaidya's first notice about COVID impacting our campus operations. The entire process was established within 10 days of the virtual instruction shift and disbursements started to students within the first two weeks.
Inspired by outreach from Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving (see sidebar), NKU has raised almost $160,000 and has distributed about $135,000. With a total of 1,215 applications reviewed, NKU has found funding from the SEF and CARES Act monies for almost 82% of all applicants to the SEF. The Division of Student Affairs is also excited that the SEF has been recognized as a Learning Through COVID Best Practice by the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence.
Established as an extension of the work done by the NKU Community Care Team, applications continue to be reviewed and awards continue to be distributed to students in need. The Community Care Team serves NKU students and welcomes referrals from campus community members or concerned persons to help connect students in need with campus and community resources.
Need to apply for SEF funding? Need to refer a student to the NKU Community Care Team? Visit the Community Care Team webpage.
Student Affairs prides itself on adapting to the changing landscape of higher education and student expectations. As student needs shift and change, so does Student Affairs. With the arrival of new Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. Eddie J. Howard, Jr., Student Affairs is adapting to meet the new reality of a world with COVID and the renewed focus in the United States on racial disparities and inequity. To meet these challenges, Student Affairs is reorganizing to best meet the needs of students in an efficient and effective way. Beginning May 1, 2021, the organizational chart shown above will become effective. This new organizational structure features new and established leadership optimized for serving students.
Arnie Slaughter will remain in his role as the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and will continue to oversee the Student Engagement cluster. Dr. Meg Hensley will move from her current role as the Division Business Officer to oversee Student Support, encompassing Health, Counseling, Student Wellness, Norse Violence Prevention, Student Accessibility, and the CCAMPIS Grant. Dr. Hensley will also serve as the liaison to the Early Learning Center. Robert Alston will move to the leadership team, continuing in his role as Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Student Conduct, Rights & Advocacy. His unit will report directly to Dr. Howard, who will concurrently serve as the Dean of Students. John Gaffin will continue in his role as Chief of Police and Jamie Field will continue as Assistant to the Vice President for Student Affairs. David Berland is taking on a new role as Director of Business Services, Assessment, and Strategic Initiatives for Student Affairs, focusing on budget management, procurement, marketing, assessment, and special projects.
Dr. Howard wants to recognize the significant contributions of Sarah Aikman and Cindy Knox for their transitional leadership over the past year. Cindy will continue in her role as Director of the Office of Student Accessibility. Sarah will lead in a new role as the Unit Director for Student Union Operations and Student Engagement.
Student Affairs will be posting several leadership roles in the near future, with a focus on hiring a Unit Director for the Center for Student Inclusiveness and Director of Latino Programs & Services. This role will oversee the Center for Student Inclusiveness, along with Latino Programs & Services, LGBTQ Programs & Services, and African American Student Initiatives. Student Affairs will also be hiring a new Director of University Housing and three new Program Coordinators for the Center for Student Inclusiveness
NKU hosts a gubernatorial debate in the Student Union Ballroom on October 29, 2019, between Andy Beshear and Matt Bevin.
Leah Koch has a unique job at NKU: invite other people to come and enjoy our campus! Leah is the Assistant Director for Conference Management & Event Services and she works to create opportunities for NKU to engage with the local, regional, and national community. Leah's office works year-round to schedule conferences, camps, and other special events in collaboration with the Student Union, Chartwells, University Housing, Campus Recreation, Information Technology, Student Affairs, and a variety of other departments. NKU works to bring in outside groups to be a part of the NKU community and share their unique perspectives with the campus community while they are here. One of the newest events offered on campus are weddings! Catering to alumni (who receive a 5% discount!), Leah works to create a magical experience that will be memorable and beautiful. Leah works hard with people hosting events to alleviate the stress of planning. Her office handles all of the logistics, including booking and set up for rooms, technology, lodging (if requested), and even decorations. She will also connect you with campus catering.
Are you interested in hosting an event on campus? Leah's office can handle the hard work while you focus on the fun stuff. All revenues go right back to the sponsoring area, less actual costs and a contracting fee. Faculty and Staff who are interested in sponsoring a special event, as well as students who may want to create a unique experience, can reach out to Leah to discuss options for their next camp, conference, or special event. This is a great opportunity to bring prospective students to campus and get them excited about being a future Norse! Leah can be reached at kochl3@nku.edu or (859) 572-5760.
One of the most prominent conferences to occur at NKU each year is the Governor's School for Entrepreneurs (GSE). GSE identifies and enables Kentucky high school students to become our Commonwealth's next generation of entrepreneurs.
Held as a three-week residential experience each summer on the NKU campus, GSE focuses on fostering a challenging and educationally conducive environment and unlocks the innate entrepreneurial spirit inside teens. Tasha Sams, Executive Director of GSE, says, "Our partnership with NKU is by design. Alongside great, entrepreneurially minded partners like NKU, we know that through our process, we can turn high schoolers into business owners."
This is evidenced by the success of former GSE students, some of whom are current students at NKU and some of whom are graduates from NKU.
Andrew Reynolds, one of 14 GSE grads currently attending NKU, exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit of GSE.
To learn more about GSE, please visit their website at https://kentuckygse.com/.
Have a student that needs help getting involved? Students can schedule a one on one Zoom with a student leader to discuss their interests. Schedule your meeting here.
Submit your information to the Leader's Link (LL), a weekly electronic newsletter published by the Center for Student Engagement. Submissions should be 50 words or less and a photo/graphic/QR code is encouraged (jpeg format). Submissions are due each Thursday by noon to studentengagement@nku.edu. If you are a Faculty/Staff member and would like to receive this weekly newsletter, email us to be added.
Kappa Delta Child Abuse Prevention
April 14, 6:00p, SU Ballroom
RSVP required to Kristen Spellman
Sigma Phi Epsilon Cornhole Tournament
April 18
More information: Sam Shelton
Honors Trivia Night
April 20, 6:00p, SU Ballroom
Limited to first 50 students
More information: Jasmine Smart
NPHC Stroll Off
April 23, 6:00p, SU Amphitheater
More information: Aliya Cannon
Resin Molds and Friendship Bracelets
April 12, 11:00a-1:00p, SU Plaza/Lobby
Earth Day - Make your own Succulents
April 22, 11:00a-1:00p, SU Plaza/Lobby
Free Cookies and Lemonade
April 26 & 27, 11:00a-1:00p, SU Plaza/Lobby
The Center for Student Engagement welcomes you to attend the 23rd annual Gold and White Gratitude Awards on Wednesday, April 21 at 6:00p via Zoom.
Join us as we recap the past year and celebrate the accomplishments of our student leaders. Please RSVP by April 19.
Sigma Phi Epsilon Capture the Flag
April 25
More information: Sam Shelton
RSO Rally on the Plaza
April 26 & 27, 12:00p-2:00p, SU Plaza
NAACP Wellness Wednesday
April 28, 4:00p-7:45p
More information: Luke Kues
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Summer Contact Update
Over the summer, the Center for Student Engagement connects with new students. If a student reaches out to us and wants to connect with a member of your group, we need to know who is committed to following up with them this summer. Please submit a contact person here by May 14.
Summer/Fall 2021 Planning Session
On April 28, there will be a planning meeting via Zoom from 12:00p-2:00p. Please send a member of your organization to this meeting. We will be releasing the fall calendar and giving out important information about summer tailgates, Freshfusion, and Victorfest. Please register here by April 23.
Your org can help plan Victorfest!
For the first time ever, we are opening up the opportunity for student organizations to plan and sponsor events at Victorfest - paid for by the Center for Student Engagement! Victorfest dates are August 27-29. If you are interested in hosting an event, please apply here by May 14
Northern Exposure Tailgate
Student organizations will be able to table outside of the Student Union from 12:00p-2:00p on each Northern Exposure day. Groups must register here by May 14.
Freshfusion
Student organizations can table from 1:00p-5:00p on Saturday, August 21 around Loch Norse to welcome the class of 2025. Groups must register here by May 31.
Congratulations to all of the Norse Strong Challenge Winners this month! This program was a way to motivate and keep members engaged after the new year and give them a fun competition and win prizes! Keep up the excellent work!
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Spring is a time for fresh perspectives and new beginnings.
Spring cleaning your home can promote a healthy environment by getting rid of pesky viruses, bacteria and dirt. It is also a good time to declutter your workspace, study space and closets. Recycle or repurpose clothing and household items by donating to others in need through a local charity.
Spring is also an excellent time to set new personal goals such as exercise, healthy eating, laughter, meditation or whatever activity brings you joy!
THE REWARD FOR ALL YOUR WORK: A fresh focus on YOU! You can enjoy a cleaner space, a healthier body and have the knowledge that you are helping others with your generosity. What a great way to start your SPRING!
Need to make an appointment?
To make an appointment with the Health Center, with the Counseling Center, or with Student Wellness, please call:
End of Newsletter
Northern Kentucky University
832 Lucas Administrative Center
Highland Heights, KY 41099
Phone: (859) 572-6447
Fax: (859) 572-1310
