During my tenure at BSU the word community has been a hot topic. From Residential Learning Communities, to the BSU Community at large, the Bridgewater town community, and everywhere in between, the term community is an integral part of life on the BSU Campus. But what does community mean?
Community – A group of people, bonded together through likeminded values, experiences, and relationships. These people interact with one another in many ways, but are all connected by their social experiences and the expectations that result from the place they live, work, and frequently visit.
I am apart of many communities. As an ally to the GLBTQ community, I advocate for the values, equal rights and treatment of folks who identify as Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning.
As a member of the Residence Life and Housing community, I work with the residential learning communities on campus to promote, create, and develop programing initiatives that supports student learning, helping new students to transition into college life. I also am apart of the professional staff team, a community of professionals who promote campus life, advocate for university policies, and provide undergraduate housing that is safe, clean, comfortable and conducive to student learning.
I am apart of the Greek community here at BSU and on a national level as well. As the Fraternity Education Advisor for Sigma Pi Fraternity Intl. Eta-Eta Chapter, I oversee the new member education process and make sure that the chapter is in accordance with university and state laws regarding hazing, abuse, and other such requirements. I support the educational process of our new members by providing a structured process that all new initiates must complete before being eligible for initiation. The Greek community has developed me into a campus leader, and inspired me to pursue a career in Student Affairs. A former Inter-Fraternity Council President, I advocated for Fraternity, held chapters accountable for perpetuating negative stereotypes, and created new initiatives that still live on in the current greek system at BSU. Through being apart of the Fraternity and Greek community, I have gained a sense of purpose, accountability, and a desire to pursue excellence.
Lastly, I am apart of the Student Affairs community. Student Affairs is a division that most college and universities house. Most divisions of student affairs are made up of all of the offices that support student learning outside of the classroom. Student involvement offices, Greek life, Athletics, Career Services, GLTBA Pride Centers, Commuter Services, Conference & Event Services, International Student support services, and many many others all fall into the student affairs umbrella. As a graduate student member of this community I try to network with professionals from across the country, via social media. I use Twitter and Facebook to promote myself, to support others, and to share ideas and new information with fellow professionals. This community of scholars advances the future of college life, and the development of college students everywhere!
My family is the community most important to me. Without them, their support, and the things they have taught me I would not be the person I am today. A BIG SHOUT OUT goes to my family, for without them, I would not have experienced success, failure, and unconditional love.
BSU is a community that consists of students, professionals, faculty, staff, donors, alumni, volunteers, and countless other people who help support and advocate for the mission of the university. “As the comprehensive public university of Southeastern Massachusetts, Bridgewater State University has a responsibility to educate the residents of Southeastern Massachusetts and the commonwealth, and to use its intellectual, scientific and technological resources to support and advance the economic and cultural life of the region and the state.” Through academic engagement, social justice, and countless support services, BSU strives to be an inclusive community that promotes student learning in a safe environment, striving to enhance the lives of its’ students, staff, alumni, and community partners.
Everyone is apart of at least one community… Share your experiences: What community are you apart of?
How do you contribute to it? What makes this community special to you?
How has it helped you grow and learn about life, yourself, or those around you?
