Consider the Creed, reject incivility
Posted on: 4/5/2015; Updated on: 4/5/2015By Maegan Gudridge
Following the disappointing and disrespectful behavior of a student last week, UofSC President Harris Pastides made a statement calling upon the Carolina family to “reflect on our values and tell the world what we believe.”
This week, UofSC students will have multiple opportunities to do just that. A variety of programs will encourage them to consider the Carolinian Creed, to pose solutions to the problems of incivility present at colleges nationwide and to seek comfort from peers and professionals at Carolina.
Special events
The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs will hold additional office hours 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Monday, April 6 through Wednesday, April 8 in the Leadership and
Service Center, Russell House Room 227. OMSA staff will be present to facilitate open and honest discussions with students about recent incidents across the U.S. and now, sadly, at UofSC.
Students who live in UofSC’s residence halls are invited to town hall meetings in their buildings at 7 p.m. Monday, April 6. University Housing professional and graduate staff will facilitate the meetings, which will offer students a chance to share their reactions to Friday’s incident and to consider ways to prevent and respond to incivility. For details, students should check with their resident mentors.
The student organization Students Invested in Change invites the Carolina community to Unite USC, a town hall meeting to discuss what it means to live the Carolinian Creed, whether the recent incident reflects the true nature of the UofSC family and what everyone can do to unite Carolina. The meeting will be 6 – 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 8 in the Russell House Ballroom.
Help for students
Students who want to speak confidentially with a mental health care provider can seek assistance from Counseling and Psychiatry. To make an appointment for counseling, call 803-777-5223. Walk-in hours are 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. weekdays in the counseling center, Byrnes Building 7th floor and 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday in the Thomson Student Health Center.
UofSC encourages students who feel they’ve been victims of hateful acts to report these incidents. Submitting a Bias and Hate Incident Form ensures that UofSC is aware of such incidents and can respond to them appropriately.
Related resources
With help from the Office of Mullticultural Student Affairs, students can take part in programs and events or join a student organization that advances OMSA’s mission to provide education in a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment.
The Office of Equal Opportunity Programs seeks to ensure that prospective and current UofSC students, faculty and staff enjoy an environment free from discrimination.
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion is responsible for leading efforts to maintain a living and learning environment that upholds the university’s values as described by the Carolinian Creed. The office maintains an index of diversity-related programs and resources for students, faculty and staff.
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