By: Janina Misiewicz
It’s hard to believe, but the first month of the semester is already coming to a close. As the leaves begin to change and we prepare for lower temperatures, I’m trying to remind myself to slow down and enjoy the last summer days before they’re gone for the year. We’re all busy, buried behind our computers, memorizing new terms or writing blog posts, but let’s make a commitment to look up and engage with one another on a regular basis; to integrate our shared academic experience in a meaningful way. As always, I encourage students to stop by the Interdisciplinary Studies office (Lamson Library 003) to chat with someone; utilize the departmental food pantry; or sign-up for our ride-share program, veteran’s peer-to-peer support group, or childcare co-op.
Since the end of the summer, the Interdisciplinary Studies department has been welcoming new and old students back to the program, navigating Plymouth State University’s “cluster initiative,” and looking for new ways to connect to our students. The ride-share program, veteran’s peer-to-peer support group, and childcare co-op are three new initiatives that we started in order to assist Interdisciplinary Studies students who are in need of a helping hand.
The ride-share program is intended to connect students who are seeking rides to campus with students who may be able to provide rides. Similarly, the childcare co-op is designed to connect students with children to people who may be able to provide short-term childcare services. The last initiative, the veteran’s peer-to-peer support group, is a way to bring students affiliated with the military, together. Are you interested in getting involved with any of these programs? Stop by the Interdisciplinary Studies office in the lower level of Lamson Library to learn more and/or sign-up.
Additionally, as an extension of our departmental food pantry, the Interdisciplinary Studies program now has $15 gas cards stocked and ready to be used by students in need of some fuel. If you, or anyone you know, can’t get to class because you don’t have enough money for gas, please come our way. We’re here to support our students in any way that we can.
It’s empowering to be part of a program that invests in the success of its students, but we wouldn’t be able to provide all of our services if no one signed-up for them. For this reason, I’m sending a heartfelt “thank you” out to our students, the enthusiastic collaborators that make all of this possible. Thank you for your energy, your kindness, and above all, your willingness to engage.
Interested in learning more about the Interdisciplinary Studies program? Stop by our office in Lamson Library 003!
Mondays: 8:30am – 9pm
Tuesdays – Fridays: 8:30am – 5pm
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