Duke

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November 22, 2022

Dear students,

With the end of the semester approaching, we want to say thank you to everyone who has made this fall a special one. From dining to housekeeping, from facilities to transportation, the Duke team has once again made this campus a home for us. We hope you'll join us in showing our team some extra appreciation amid the holiday bustle.

Of course, we're also grateful for you, our students. This week, we hope you find space to step away and enjoy time with loved ones. And we encourage you to thank the mentors, parents, teachers, and friends who have supported you this year.

While holidays are times of joy and celebration, we know that it can be difficult to enjoy them when you’re mourning a loss. For many in our community, the recent tragedies in Colorado, Virginia, and Idaho have felt close to home. If you need to talk to someone – or if you need any kind of support regarding your mental health and wellness – please reach out to any of the offices included in the Resource Highlights section below. These resources are for all Duke students, and we encourage you to use them.

We look forward to seeing you all when we return next week. In the meantime, be kind to yourselves, and take care of those around you.

With Gratitude,

Gary Bennett, Vice Provost of Undergraduate Education

Mary Pat McMahon, Vice Provost of Student Affairs

Quad Idenities Project Tabling

Have you been wondering what the visual identities for each Quad will be? Students from the Quad Identities Project will be tabling outside on the BC Plaza to share plans for the Quad Arches, visual icons that will represent each Quad. They will share the choices and rationale behind all the elements (animal, arbor, colors, etc.) that have been chosen so far. Stop by to learn more! Monday, November 28 through Thursday, December 1 from 3:00pm - 4:00pm.

Fall Semester Study Break Events

As the fall semester comes to a close, don't forget to make time for yourself and enjoy some of the study break events available to you. Below is a list of confirmed study break events. Look for more information and events in the coming days.

12/5: Jewish Life at Duke x MohoTri Present: Graduate & Professional Student Study Break, Freeman Center, 6:30-8 p.m.
12/9: Arts Annex "Bob Ross Night", Arts Annex, 7-8:30pm
12/9: (TBD, non-SA) Duke Arts study break at the Ruby, midnight
12/12: Career Center study break, location TBD, 11am-3pm
12/13: CSGD End of Semester Brunch, noon
12/14: JLD Bagel Break Study Break, Freeman Center, 10am-12pm

Meet the New Assistant Vice President of Campus Life

Dr. Bobby Kunstman has over 21 years of experience working in higher education in a variety of areas that include non-credit programming, residential life, leadership development, student organization management, volunteer programming, teaching, student governance, diversity programming, and student union administration. He has been described as a forward-thinking student affairs professional whose student and equity-focused lens will be an asset to the Campus Life team. Dr. Kunstman comes to Duke from UNC-Chapel Hill, where he served as the Director for Student Life & Leadership. In his role, he was responsible for leading, advising, and oversight of the Student Organization Office, Carolina Leadership Development, Student Activities Office, Assessment & Employee Development, Student Government, and the Carolina Union Activities Board.

Resources for Students

IDENTITY AND CULTURAL CENTERS:

The Student Affairs Identity and Cultural Centers also serve as important resources and places of connection and support for many of our students. The centers are offering programming and support throughout the year, including summer. Our ICCs include: Center for Multicultural Affairs, Center for Muslim Life, Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity, Duke International Student Center, Jewish Life at Duke, Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture, and the Women’s Center.

DUKEREACH:

DukeReach will help you identify support services from among the variety of resources across campus or in your local community. You can contact DukeReach at (919-681-2455) or by emailing dukereach@duke.edu.

DUKE CHAPEL AND RELIGIOUS LIFE AT DUKE:

Duke Chapel and Religious Life at Duke offers a wide range of student supports, whether or not you are connected to a religious tradition at all. Visit their website to connect with leaders from any of Duke's diverse faith groups, all of whom are experienced in offering emotional and spiritual care, and a non-anxious presence with a humanistic listening ear, to college-age students.

SA ON-CALL TEAM:

Student Affairs has a 24/7 on-call team to support urgent student matters. For urgent concerns after business hours, you may contact the Dean on-Call (cell: 984-287-0300), or if you are living in residential spaces, you may connect with the Residence Coordinator On-Call by contacting your Residential Assistant On-Call or directly through Duke Police (919-684-2444).

What Are You Thankful for at Duke?

From friends to research opportunities, Duke University students and faculty describe what they're feeling most thankful for at Duke during this season of gratitude.

GOLDen Hour

Keith Upchurch (T ’72) and his loyal friend, Gold.