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December 6, 2023

Dear students,

Best of luck in this final stretch of the semester and remember to continue to take care of yourselves and each other.

Many of you have already seen Interim Dean of Students and Associate Vice President of Student Affairs Debbie Heida around campus. With a wealth of leadership experience and a deep commitment to supporting students, Dean Heida will serve as Interim Dean for the remainder of this academic year, ensuring our support for the well-being and growth of our students remains constant.

Dean Heida brings with her more than four decades of experience in higher education. She held the role of Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at Berry College for 14 years. Her impactful leadership and dedication to student development have earned her one of the field’s highest honors, NASPA’s Pillar of the Profession award.

Since arriving on campus, Dean Heida has been actively engaging with students and is enthusiastic about continuing to get to know our campus community. If you would like to meet with Dean Heida, please contact Aretha Burford Cooper for more information.

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity we all have to learn from Dean Heida’s leadership, and I hope you join me in giving her a warm welcome to campus!

As we progress in our national search for a permanent Dean of Students your insights and contributions will be invaluable. We will keep you informed and will invite you to share your input in the process.

Go Duke,

Mary Pat McMahon, Vice Provost of Student Affairs

P.S. In case you missed the invitation, join us on Saturday night to celebrate Dean Blackshear. More details below!

In This Newsletter

Engagement Opportunities
Resource Highlights
I CYMI (In Case You Missed It) - Celebration for Dean Blackshear
Spotted on Campus

Submit your nomination for the 2024 Summer Reading!

Nominations will be open until December 8th and you can use this link to nominate a book https://duke.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_50H0aicimyizC1U.

Our hope for the selected book is that it should:

Prompt stimulating debate and lively discussion
Enrich the intellectual life of students
Resonate with incoming students
Encourage thought and personal reflection

West Campus Tenting Info Session

The Line Monitors are hosting a Tenting Info Session in Social Sciences 139. We will discuss all aspects of tenting for the UNC game from how to get a tent, the tenting schedule, and fun programming events throughout the season. Those with any level of interest in tenting are encouraged to attend.

Small Town Records Tiny Desk Concert

Come watch Small Town Record's artists perform at Coffeehouse for the Tiny Desk Concert! The show starts at 7 PM so come out and support your peers for this annual gig in town.

Managing Conflict with Confidence

Something feeling off between you and a friend or colleague? Misunderstandings keep popping up during conversations with your advisor/advisee? Join this session to learn how to get back on track with relationship-centric approaches. Register for this zoom session by following the link here!

Wellness Center’s De-Stress Fest

Join us Friday, December 8 from 5-8 p.m. in Stop by Brodie Recreation Center on December 8th for an evening of relaxation and rejuvenation! This de-stress event will feature, FREE hot chocolate, fruit and pastries from Café Saladelia, Hatha Yoga, Jazz Music, games, giveaways, and much more. The event will also have games and giveaways to help you unwind and have some fun. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take a break from the stress of the semester and treat yourself to some well-deserved self-care!

Dean Blackshear's Farewell Celebration

Join us at the Devil's Krafthouse & Crown Commons from 8:30-10:30PM this Saturday as the Duke community says farewell to Dean Blackshear.

Friendsgiving Celebration

The Center for Muslim Life and Duke International Student Center welcomed students to the Bryan Center to host the annual Friendsgiving celebration. As some students are unable to go home during the break, CML and DISC welcomed students looking for a chance to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal!

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