Reinforcing a supportive culture
Jennifer Alexandrowski knows why Central Michigan University has a reputation for nurturing a culture of caring for students and the greater academic community.
She has experienced it firsthand as an undergrad, grad assistant, and currently as an assistant director of Admissions.
And Alexandrowski, along with more than 600 other CMU students, faculty, and staff, has signed her name and publicly committed to exemplifying and strengthening this reputation through the university’s Take Care initiative.
All their signatures support this statement: “We, as members of the CMU community, encourage everyone to uphold the principles that make us compassionate, understanding human beings.”
The Take Care poster will be displayed this fall at many locations across campus.
“I think the feeling of friendliness and helping others always has been a part of the CMU campus and community,” Alexandrowski said.
Take Care is one initiative that will help the university accomplish the CMU 2010 priority to “strengthen the institution’s culture of integrity.”
Take Care components
There are five components of the Take Care process:
- Show a concern for others
- Demonstrate an awareness of others
- Have the knowledge to make a good decision
- Demonstrate your ability to act
- Have confidence
Through these five components, the CMU community aspires to become more knowledgeable and accepting of its actions.
“The initiative is a way to get people to look out for themselves and others, to make good decisions, and to get help from others when needed,” said Tony Voisin, CMU’s director of student life. “It can be something as involved as a student participating in an Alternative Spring Break or something as simple as asking about a roommate’s classes or relationships.
“We want people to understand the message and be comfortable asking others, ‘Are you OK? Do you need some help?’”
Leading by example
Voisin is enthusiastic about Take Care, but he acknowledges it will be difficult to measure its effectiveness.
“It’s not so much what we’re doing, it’s what other people are doing to create a culture of caring,” Voisin said.
CMU has integrated Take Care into several programs and events such as new student orientation and CMU’s Leadership Camp and Leadership Safari. Campus Greek Life and Athletics participants also are weaving the initiative into their everyday lives and practices.
To learn more about Take Care, visit the Web site www.cmich.edu/takecare.
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