[inside student affairs]An insider’s guide for those helping students reach their goals toward optimal health and wellbeing, engagement with learning, and sense of belonging at PSU
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[notes from student affairs]
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Past Winners of the Cumpston Award since 2005
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Nominations Requested for Mary H. Cumpston Award
The Mary H. Cumpston Award for Service to Students is given annually to an unclassified academic professional or university administrator, without academic rank, who has demonstrated excellence in the area of service to students. The recipient will receive a citation and a $1,500 taxable honorarium. If you would like to recognize an employee who has served students well and inspired others, please consider submitting a nomination. For more information, visit the PSU Faculty and Staff Excellence Awards webpage. Completed nominations are due by February 14.
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Relocation of the Office of the Dean of Student Life
Formerly embedded in the Office of Student Affairs, the Office of the Dean of Student Life has moved to a new physical location. Students, faculty, and staff can now find DOSL, PSU CARES, and Student Conduct in University Center Building, Suite 300. Please make sure to update your syllabi and webpages to reflect this change if you refer students to these programs.
Please note: the Office of Student Affairs, including the Vice Provost, is still located in SMSU 433.
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Family-Friendly Pool Party
Register to attend the Family-Friendly Pool Party! Co-sponsored by Services for Students with Children and Campus Rec, this event will be held on January 24 from 5:30-7:30 pm in the Academic and Student Recreation Center. All student-parents who pay student fees are members of campus rec. Those who do not pay student fees will be considered guests and can pay $7 for a guest pass to attend the event. Youth 17 years of age or younger are free and will not need a guest pass. You can learn more about the event requirements on the registration form.
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Share Feedback on the Co-location of the QRC and WRC
The Queer Resource Center and Women’s Resource Center are collecting feedback about the future of Queer & Feminist Student Services. They are especially interested in learning about students' experiences with the co-location of the QRC and WRC that has been in place since fall 2024. Students, faculty, and staff are welcome to provide feedback, share concerns, and submit requests about services using this link.
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Submit Recommendations for the WRC’s Film Series
The WRC is launching a monthly film series this term and is soliciting film recommendations that align with monthly heritage or awareness themes. Please fill out this Google form if you have a film you think would align well with WRC values. Thank you for your suggestions!
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[student activities and leadership programs]
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Student Leadership ConferenceOn February 6, SALP is hosting the annual Student Leadership Conference, where student leaders can connect with each other and with educators from various institutions, expand their network, and develop practical skills for their future career. This fun and informative event offers valuable insights for everyone, no matter how experienced. This year's conference will focus on strategies for building strong, supportive communities both on campus and beyond. Students can learn more and register on the SALP website.
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Party in the BallroomOn Monday, February 10 from 11 am to 1 pm, SALP and Campus Rec are hosting Party in the Ballroom, an indoor, smaller-scale version of Party in the Park. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with leaders from student organizations and rec clubs while enjoying free lunch from Basha’s Mediterranean Cuisine. Students can discover hundreds of ways to get involved in the PSU community, from leadership roles and volunteer opportunities to on-campus jobs and internships.
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[student health and wellbeing]
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Campus Rec Celebrating 15 Years in ASRCHappy anniversary to the Rec Center! On January 4, 2010, the Academic and Student Recreation Center officially opened on PSU’s campus. Six of Campus Rec’s staff then are still working here today–Tyler Baker, Todd Bauch, Erin Bransford, Peter Kramer, Atsu Nagayama, and Jenny Welnick! For over 15 years, Campus Rec has been one of the largest student employers on campus and has received national recognition for innovative and accessible programming and providing an inclusive environment for recreation and wellbeing.
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Beginner-Friendly Series
Campus Rec is piloting a new series of small group courses! These introductory courses meet for four sessions to learn the fundamentals of a specific activity (e.g. yoga, lifting, climbing). Small group courses are led by knowledgeable and experienced instructors in a supportive community environment, perfect for members new to the activity. All small group courses require registration through our member portal and are being offered at a low price of $20 for this term only as part of our trial period. Participants will be asked to provide feedback. Registration is open now, so reserve your spot today!
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Winter Counseling GroupsEach term, SHAC offers a variety of workshops and groups for students to attend. We address specific topics related to mental health and wellness to help engage PSU audiences. Group counseling can provide unique benefits including learning with and from peers, receiving feedback and support from peers in a counselor-facilitated setting, and learning specific skills in a group environment. For a look at this winter's options, please visit SHAC’s website.
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Wellbeing SpacesDo you have students who are seeking places on campus that are dedicated to health and wellbeing? Encourage them to visit SHAC! SHAC’s Health Promotion Suite is in the University Center Building (UCB-340) and has a variety of spaces where students can practice self-care. Whether it is a wellbeing lounge, a nap room, or a peer recovery center, students can find space in SHAC for rest, relaxation, and recovery.
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[university housing and residence life]
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Student Leader ApplicationsKnow a student who can make a positive impact in their community? Applications for Resident Assistants and Living Learning Community Resident Assistants are open for the 2025-2026 Academic Year. Students are compensated with housing and a meal plan, plus the leadership opportunity of a lifetime. Applications are due Monday, January 27 at noon.
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Returner Registration Now OpenThe 2025-2026 Housing Contract for current residents is now open! Returner Registration allows current residents to choose their housing for the upcoming academic year before new incoming students are assigned. This is the only time residents pick their own unit exactly where they want it. To participate, current residents must submit a housing contract by 4pm on Wednesday, February 26.
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Second Year ExperienceThe Second Year Experience (SYE) is a uniquely designed community experience that seeks to expand support services and guidance beyond the First Year Experience (FYE). This community is located in Saint Helens Residence Hall and has both furnished 1-bedroom and studio apartment options that include a private bathroom and kitchen. Want to live by yourself? No problem. Double and single units are now available! Interested in a tour? See touring availability now!
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Winter is Here: Get Ready, Stay Safe!Winter is just around the corner, bringing the potential for snow, ice, and possible campus closures. To help you stay safe and informed, PSU has updated its Inclement Winter Weather Emergency Procedures Page with valuable resources for navigating winter weather events. For a quick reference on what to do during a campus closure or delay, check out the Campus Closure Page. Now is the time to take proactive steps to prepare. Discuss winter weather plans and set expectations with your teams in advance. If you’re unsure about your work expectations during closures or delays, be sure to connect with your supervisor. Let’s work together to stay safe and ready for whatever winter brings!
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The other day, I stumbled upon a new podcast on the NPR platform called Wild Card. It immediately captivated me, and I soon realized why: it directly aligns with a core principle I learned early on in my career as a student affairs professional – Schlossberg's theory of Marginality and Mattering.
Wild Card features high-profile guests who play a game, answering a series of unique and thought-provoking prompts. While the questions themselves may seem simple or even mundane, the real magic lies in the profound insights they elicit from the guests. This experience reinforced what I truly cherish about our work: the power of biography. Every student, every colleague, possesses a unique and fascinating story. It's a privilege to learn about them and to create spaces where they feel known and valued. Schlossberg's theory emphasizes the importance of mattering – feeling significant and connected. This resonates deeply with me, as I've always been drawn to conversations that allow for genuine exploration and discovery.
If you're looking for a way to deepen connections with others, whether it's with a new acquaintance or a lifelong friend, I highly recommend engaging in thoughtful and probing conversations. Be prepared to be surprised and reminded of the incredible depth and richness that emerges when we connect authentically and sincerely. Here is a sampling of some of my favorite questions from the Wild Card deck—whether you’re meeting someone new or reconnecting with an old friend, these questions might help you uncover the depths of who they truly are:
- What's an ordinary place that feels extraordinary to you because of what happened there?
- What's the biggest sacrifice you've ever made?
- What's a moment when you felt proud of yourself as a kid?
- What's a lesson you have to keep learning over and over?
- What's a goal you're glad you gave up on?
- When do you feel most like an outsider?
- When's the last time you forgave yourself for something?
- What is proof that somebody really knows you?
Cheers to a great start to many more great conversations in the coming year!
-Michele
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[office of student affairs]
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[past newsletters]
Archived issues of Inside Student Affairs and links to subscribe to other campus newsletters can be found here.
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