Grace LaTourelle-
Spring Semester has arrived on the Hill, which results in the thawing of J-term into the regular buzz of student life. Between the end of the second week of the semester to May 21, the end of the 2023-2024 school year, Gusties have deadlines, events, athletics, and registrations.
Interim Dean of Student, Charlie Potts recognized the duality of Spring Semester: being present in learning, yet looking forward. Spring Semester is a time to prepare for the subsequent months, whether summer plans, internships, and experiences, such as the First Year Research Experience or the Second-Year Experience in Research programs or what the Fall Semester may entail. Housing and Fall class registration are impending, with select housing deadlines already closed.
“Housing can be a stressful time for students,” Associate Dean of Students, Megan Ruble said. “At Gustavus, students really care where they live.”
Furthermore, with next year’s academic changes, Ruble recognizes that class registration may be anxiety-inducing as well, with students unsure of whether they are on the right track.
To ease the anxiety and pressures Gusties may feel, faculty and groups, such as GustieWell, are promoting health, wellness, and recreation across campus. Ruble highlighted the multitude of ventures Gusties may participate in, such as the President’s Ball in March, the Diversity Ball in April, the Utah and Habitat for Humanity Spring Break trips, and the “big concert” later in the spring, which has not been able to occur for six years. These opportunities may build community and promote fun amid stress.
“Us PAs are being intentional with our strong start this spring semester. As fellow peers and students, we understand the challenges of readjusting to life at Gustavus after Winter Break and J-Term,” Senior Peer Assistant Coordinator Jake Duncan said. “We focus on holding larger events and encourage as many people as possible to participate to help break away from early stressors.”
Ruble and Duncan both highlighted the programming, especially happening this weekend, to ease the pressures of “Case Day” and provide alternatives to binge drinking. The 100 Hour Challenge, sponsored by GustieWell, began Wed., Feb. 14th, and will go until Sun., Feb. 18th, with an inflatables and açaí bowls event on Saturday. Duncan noted that this event reflects the values of the PAs in “harm reduction and bodily autonomy.” There will also be athletics and CAB events occurring throughout the weekend.
“The 100-Hour Challenge is meant to be a no-pressure activity where students can choose to participate for themselves and/or in solidarity with others,” Duncan said.
However, Ruble noted that “Case Day” has become more of a concept that is simply referred to and less of a reality. “Less and less of our students [binge drink] now. There is just not the same drinking culture…” Ruble said.
Two large surveys will be sent to students in March and April involving wellness and changes on campus. These are the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) and the National College Health Assessment (NCHA), respectively. These, as noted by Ruble, are important for students to fill out to provide a larger picture of opinion and health on campus.
The NSSE will entail anticipatory changes and improvements to campus. “That’s an important survey we really care about and we really use to inform directions and make changes on campus…” Ruble said.
The NCHA compares the health and well-being of Gusties to other colleges across the nation. It takes a holistic approach to health including mental health, relationships, drug and alcohol use, nutrition, and sleep.
Potts is the coordinator of Digital Wellbeing at Gustavus, which will have events and a focused week, similar to that of the Fall Semester, coming up this Spring. The workshops and activities will revolve around phone usage, mental health regarding social media, and ways to leverage phones as tools, such as jobs.
“I think that’s a critical aspect of overall wellness and well-being for students,” Potts said.
As the winter melts, “campus life will once again sprawl outdoors, through the arb, the Adirondack chairs, and the courtyards”, according to Ruble.
“Enjoy campus, enjoy campus life. Get involved, be engaged in things…I think that’s a reasonable expectation,” Ruble said. “…With life, you get out of it what you put into it…if you engage..you’re going to be pleased that you did that. In whatever way that may be; whether that’s music…athletics…a student organization…or attending events.”
Potts similarly noted that following the Fall Semester and J-term, students may feel stuck in a rut or following a familiar pattern and schedule.
“I would encourage people exploring and engaging and stepping up to try things,” Potts said.
Along with encouraging involvement in outdoor activities, Ruble also encourages peers to “Respect each other.”
Spring Semester marks the end of the familiar credit system, and for graduating seniors, the last semester on the Hill. With that, Potts hopes that students are taking care of their well-being and mental health.
“How can you take initiative to…thrive?” Potts said.