Student Life Communications
Friday, October 30, 2020
Dear staff,
Yesterday I sent an email to the student body, sharing information regarding campus events and safety measures during this election season. Given this year’s series of circumstances: COVID-19, heightened racial tensions, and wildfires, I suspect this election season is already contributing to higher levels of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty. Our students need us now more than ever, regardless of political affiliation. If you have students who need support, please do not hesitate to refer to the Reed Care Team.
I also want to remind you all that while our commitment and support to our students is essential, it is equally important that we take care of ourselves and each other. I often talk about community care as the act of not placing the onus of compassion on a single individual, but rather as an act that leverages each other’s privileges to be there for one another. You might ask: what does this look like? It could be the simple act of compassion by stepping in to provide support for a staff member who might need an extra hand with a project/initiative. Whatever the result, we can not take care of students if we don’t care for ourselves.
Thank you for all that you do to support our campus community and your efforts to enhance the student experience.
Regards,
Karnell
Karnell McConnell-Black, Ed.D. (he/him/his)
Vice President for Student Life