STUDENT AFFAIRS 15 ANNUAL REPORT Affairs, Northern Student Government Association, Faculty Senate president, Staff Council co-presidents, Aberdeen city mayor, Brown County Commission chair and other locally elected officials. Together, they signed a proclamation affirming the university’s and community’s shared commitment to free speech and a free press as foundational to democracy and higher education. Since then, Free Speech Week has continued to serve as a platform for dialogue, education and civic awareness at Northern. The Wolves Vote initiative also aligns with federal expectations outlined in the Higher Education Act, which requires institutions to engage in voter registration efforts during federal and gubernatorial election years. Recent updates to the law allow for electronic outreach, provided the message is dedicated solely to voter registration and includes access to the appropriate forms or websites. Importantly, this initiative coincides with a broader effort to rethink and reimagine Multicultural Student Affairs at Northern. It also serves as a precursor to Objective 7: Enhance Community Service and Civic Engagement in the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2025–30)—a forward-looking commitment to fostering inclusive, informed and engaged citizenship among all students. MOVIE NIGHT AND CLASS “N” PHOTO BRING TRADITION AND EXCITEMENT TO WOLF PACK WELCOME Fall 2024 — Northern kicked off the academic year with a memorable new tradition: the first-ever Movie Night in the Stadium, featuring a screening of Top Gun: Maverick on the Jumbotron at Thares Field inside Dacotah Bank Stadium. The Saturday night event was part of Wolf Pack Welcome, Northern’s signature orientation experience designed to help new students transition into campus life. The evening began with the return of a beloved pre-pandemic tradition—Build-a-Wolf. Sponsored by the Residence Hall Association (RHA) and supported with food from the Student Government Association (SGA), the event gave new students the chance to create their own stuffed wolf as a keepsake for their college journey. Following the movie, students gathered on the field for the first Class “N” Photo since the pandemic—a powerful visual symbol of unity and school pride. This revitalized programming reflects the leadership of Alison Kuch, director of new student and engagement programs, whose efforts have elevated Wolf Pack Welcome by blending cherished traditions with fresh, engaging experiences. Her work has helped foster a stronger sense of belonging and excitement among incoming students. Together, these events not only welcomed students to campus but also reinforced Northern’s commitment to building community from day one. COFFEE WITH A CAUSE: SUPPORTING SURVIVORS AND STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS August 2024 — In response to significant federal funding cuts to Safe Harbor, a vital community partner serving survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Aberdeen and the surrounding region, Student Affairs hosted Coffee with a Cause—a campus event designed to raise awareness and promote community support. Held just prior to the faculty in-service event, “Encouraging Belonging at Northern” with Dr. Tiffany Wang, the gathering offered students, faculty and staff an opportunity to learn more about Safe Harbor’s mission and the critical services they provide, including emergency shelter, advocacy, safety planning, protection order assistance and support groups. Representatives from Safe Harbor were on hand to answer questions and share ways the campus community can get involved. The event raised just over $1,600 to support Safe Harbor’s ongoing work. Attendees were also encouraged to explore additional ways to support survivors through donations and volunteer opportunities. More information is available at safeharborsd.org. “We’re excited to make Coffee with a Cause an annual event,” said Sean Blackburn, dean of students. “It’s a meaningful way to support the organizations that make life better for our students, staff, and faculty—and to strengthen our connection to the broader community.” Coffee with a Cause was co-sponsored by the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) and Academic Affairs, and reflects Northern’s ongoing commitment to fostering a culture of care, inclusion and civic responsibility. Quick Takes, continued…
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