As you all know, our community is quite diverse with over 35 countries represented between our student body and our faculty and support staff. The dorms, classrooms, and hallways are filled with wonderful colors, accents, languages, cultures, and beliefs. We are surrounded by our neighbors and they are eager to share their culture with us.
During the first week, many of our international students were feeling overwhelmed as they tried to locate classrooms, switch classes, get adjusted to a different culture, acquire their English ear, cope with jetlag, and abide by all the rules, which is the primary reason we ask our international students to arrive two days prior to our domestic students. I appreciate all of our faculty and staff for the special attention they gave to these students' needs and for empathizing with their unique situation. It normally takes about three or four weeks for them to truly adjust.
You may have noticed the wonderful signs in different languages located around campus. The international liaisons suggested this and I believe many of our students and their parents appreciated the signage. Our international liaisons were also helpful in preparing for the Opening Convocation and getting the flags ready, and it was wonderful to have Lower and Middle School students to carry flags in the processional.
The liaisons are now busy helping to identify our community and collect useful information. I am excited about the team and look forward to some great things from them this year. I have charged them also with communicating issues stemming from academics, discrimination, dorm life and homesickness. We are seeing some homesickness and anxiety as many struggle to acclimatize. We should all watch for areas of discrimination or exclusion. Together we must educate our community and celebrate our diversity in order for everyone to feel welcome and safe.
