It's time for S'more news
It's time for S'more news

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Duke Student Affairs
 



"Live in the present"

Salaams ya'll!
I wanted to share with you all some of the affirmations I've been giving my students as they navigate the middle of this fall semester. Hope at least one these can help you navigate this time too!
Before I say “yes” (again) to something or someone, I will ask myself, “Is this new task in alignment with my goals? Will saying ‘yes’ nourish me? What will I have to sacrifice if I say ‘yes’ to this new activity?” Be honest and don’t be afraid to put your own needs first every now and then!

I will cultivate gratitude and appreciation for the body I was born with, taking time to appreciate and honor its unique wonder.

I will refocus my energy on living in the present, instead of worrying about the future. Day by day, taking a moment to appreciate things just the way they are. I will make college, leadership & career-building about learning and relationship-building instead of stressing over every individual grade, event, and résumé builder – a flawless résumé means nothing if I’m burned out and unhappy on the inside!

I step fully into self-responsibility. I take responsibility for my actions and the impact they have. Taking responsibility over my life, choices, and impact on others empowers me to build healthier relationships, and rewards me with a more meaningful life.

I will remember to go easy on myself and to embrace my mistakes as learning opportunities. After all, I’m fabulously human and am allowed MANY moments of imperfection.
Have a restorative weekend!
Warmly,

DJ of the Month: Eric Williams

The almost-award winning  Student Affairs Mixtape has grown yet again. Our DJ of the Month for October is Eric Williams, SA Financial Analyst! Eric says "The picture is my wife Jessica and I after completing a small project with Nailed IT DIY in Greensboro, NC. We made a charcuterie board. I'm interested to see if we'll actually use it for that purpose. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed getting hand-ons and creating something from scratch."
You Want My Love - Earth, Wind & Fire, Lucky Daye
A new rendition of a classic EW&F song. The song just feels right. Perfect to close out the summer. Ride to this with the windows down.
Leave the Door Open - Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic
Another summer classic. I love both artists, so I'm anxiously awaiting their upcoming album. The 24K album is one of my favorites and was a soundtrack to my wedding.

Pride is the Devil - J. Cole, Lil Baby
This song provides an interesting perspective on how pride can block your blessings, cloud your judgment, and, in certain instances, be the root of your own demise; a reminder to remain humble, appreciate what you've been blessed with and to not always take yourself so seriously.

7am On Bridle Path - Drake
A song off Drake's most recent album Certified Lover Boy. #Bars #WhenDrakeRaps. As a fan of rap and hip hop, I enjoy trying to catch all the similes, metaphors, double entendres, hidden meanings, etc.

My Bible - NAS
A song from NAS's latest album, King's Disease II. NAS verbally creates the books of his bible regarding his own principles, values, and beliefs.

September G.O.A.T Award Winner

Last month's award winner was Michelle Johnson! Congratulations, Michelle, on being the greatest of all time!
Other amazing nominees included: Joyce Gordon, Jim Hodges, Brandin Howard, Crystal Deweese, Karen Stone, & Shantel Barrick
Nominations are now open for the October G.O.A.T award
It's Emotional Intelligence Month! Who is your go-to when you need an open mind and a strong listening ear? Time to nominate them (and maybe schedule a time to buy them a cup of coffee) and tell them how much you appreciate them! Deadline: October 30

Show Durham 8th Graders All About Duke

When:  Friday, November 5

Time:  9 - 10:15 a.m.

What:  Staff escort for first-generation Durham 8th graders virtually visiting Duke

School Days is an annual program designed to help motivate teenagers in Durham Public Schools to aim for college. The program targets middle school students who come from families with no prior college experience. The students spend a full school day at Duke in groups of 10, visiting labs, meeting faculty, and touring the campus (including the residence halls) while accompanied by Duke staff and students, and Durham school counselors. You are their person on the “inside,” and your energy and stories about Duke make the 21st year of School Days a success.

We hope you will join us on this adventure. Please click here to learn more and sign up to be a staff escort.
Photo by David Pittman

Call for Community Photos

Have you snapped a photo at an event? Taken a selfie with a colleague? Had your phone stolen by a squirrel only to find it the next day filled with photos of said squirrel? If so, we want you to share your photos! 
We're collecting photos from everyone in our community and the best part is that you're free to use every photo that we collect. If you have photos or need photos, please check out the Community Photography Box folder to upload, download, and find more information. 
*As a bonus, 3 randomly chosen SA staff members who upload photos during the month of October will receive a spooky surprise!

S'more Learning

Monthly round-up of free learning opportunities for your ongoing professional development.

National Summit on Preventing Sexual Harassment in Higher Education (Duke Faculty Advancement) - October 12 & 13 

Pride Foundational Training: On Allyship and Action (Duke Center for Sexual & Gender Diversity) - October 13
How to Engage in Healthy Conflict (National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity) - October 14
Zoom: Advanced Options (Duke Office of Information Technology) - October 20
Samantha Boardman: Human Flourishing & Everyday Vitality (Kenan Institute for Ethics) - October 25
Negotiating Belonging: Whose Community? (Duke Service Learning) - October 26
Methods of Assessment: What else is there other than surveys? (Student Affairs Office of Assessment) - October 27

Discrimination and Harassment 

What do I do when I am confronted with a problem that might be discrimination, harassment or sexual misconduct?
Tuesday, October 26, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Register today. Space is limited.
Come learn more about your responsibilites as a Student Affairs employee regarding Duke's Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment and Related Misconduct. In this virtual workshop you will learn how best to initially respond to reported concerns or conduct in an appropriate manner.


Wearing a Mask and Getting a Flu Vaccine is Your Best Defense

Student Affairs strongly encourages everyone to continue following precautions to stay healthy this fall. Wear masks in public and inside Duke facilities, physically distance whenever possible, and wash your hands. 
The deadline for getting your flu vaccine or receiving an approved exemption is 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021.