The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, social unrest throughout the country and a polarizing political climate can mean that members of the Vanderbilt University community are experiencing a heightened level of stress and anxiety.
The Office for Inclusive Excellence (OIE) and Identity Centers are partnering with the University Counseling Center (UCC) and Center for Student Wellbeing to provide the time and space for students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty and staff to be in community with one another Nov. 2–9.
Opportunities for conversation, mindfulness and meditation, counseling and fellowship are planned by the Bishop Joseph Johnson Black Cultural Center, the Margaret Cuninggim Women’s Center, the K.C. Potter Center (LGBTQI Life) and the Office of the University Chaplain and Religious Life. Staff in each office stand ready to provide support and counseling for anyone experiencing the impact of this election season as well as an eventful, unprecedented year.
All members of the Vanderbilt community are encouraged to stop by the centers and/or attend virtual office hours throughout the week. The wearing of masks/face coverings and physical distancing will be required at all in-person events.
Monday, Nov. 2
Black Cultural Center
- Noon–4:30 p.m. – Mindful Monday: distribution of “distress bags” containing crossword puzzles, stress relief balls and inspirational journals
- 2–4 p.m. – Identity-based drop-in consultations with the University Counseling Center
Tuesday, Nov. 3
Office of the University Chaplain and Religious Life
- 11 a.m.–4 p.m. – Centering in Chaos: This event, held in the tent on Alumni Lawn, will give community members an opportunity to engage in an embodied meditation experience. Please wear clean socks to prevent damage to the labyrinth.
- 30 Days of Kindness: Check it out on Twitter .@OUCRL
Black Cultural Center
- 10 a.m.–noon – Weekly Black student office hours with the Center for Student Wellbeing
Wednesday, Nov. 4
Black Cultural Center
- 12:15–12:45 p.m. – Guided meditation session with the Center for Student Wellbeing as part of the On the Menu series; conducted via Zoom
- 6–7 p.m. – Community Comfort: Dinner and discussion with 13 students in the BCC auditorium. Students must RSVP in order to attend.
Office for Inclusive Excellence & The Martha Rivers Ingram Commons
Feel Your Feelings: Post-election conversations (Contact the Provost’s Office for Inclusive Excellence for registration information.)
- 11 a.m.–3 p.m. – Alumni Lawn tent; facilitated by Assistant Provost Jill Stratton
- 3–5 p.m. – Wyatt Lawn tent; facilitated by Associate Dean Frank Dobson
- 5–7 p.m. – Backyard firepit at The Ingram Commons Dean’s Residence; facilitated by Dean Melissa Gresalfi
- 7–9 p.m. – Zoom session (link to come; please check back)
University Counseling Center
- 10 a.m.–noon, 1–3 p.m. – Drop-in hours; open to all
Thursday, Nov. 5
Black Cultural Center
- Noon–5 p.m. – Canvas and Convos: In-person painting while engaging in reflective conversation and debriefing about the election, the pandemic and life. RSVP for a one-hour block.
- 6–7 p.m. – Relax and Reset with Jo-Jo Jackson; conducted via Zoom
Friday, Nov. 6
Black Cultural Center
- 11 a.m.–3:30 p.m. – Community check-ins (in person): 10 people, physically distanced in the BCC auditorium, engaged in dialogue and reflection
- 10 a.m.–4 p.m. – Black-ish Netflix Binge Weekend: A list of BCC staff-favorite Black movies, documentaries and TV shows available on Netflix will be provided. Stop by the BCC for a goodie bag.
Monday, Nov. 9
Black Cultural Center
- 5–6 p.m. – “Know Your Rights: What to do When Stopped by the Police,” Racial and Social Justice Institute Session 3; conducted via Zoom in partnership with the ACLU