Talking Stick - July/August 2016 - 12

JUST IN

New LLC Strikes a
Chord
In August, the University of
Connecticut (UConn) is opening
a new living-learning community
called the ScHOLA2RS House
(Scholastic House of Leaders who
are African-American Researchers
and Scholars), a community
designed to provide academic,
social, and emotional support for
male students who identify as
African-American or black. The
new community has drawn much
attention, not only in Connecticut
but nationally, as many have
misunderstood its purpose. News
headlines included statements
like "UConn to open an allblack male dorm!" and "UConn
housing plan for black men
draws fire." Staff in residential
life, first-year programs, and
learning communities received
calls and emails questioning the
university's decision to open
this LLC and were accused
of promoting segregation, of
isolating students, and violating
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act
of 1964, which prohibits race
discrimination on the basis of race
at federally funded universities. In
response, the faculty director for
the program, Erik Hines, stated
that "Segregation means forcing
a group of people without power
into a substandard environment.
But we are asking students who
have already been invited here
to join an optimum learning
environment." He went on to
explain that "the community
is designed to introduce the
students to more black faculty
who can serve as mentors, help
expose the students to research,
opportunities to study abroad, and
generally help them navigate the
college environment."
-Pam Schipani
12

TALKING STICK

Wildfire Evacuees Find Comfort on Campus
On May 1, 2016, a wildfire began in northern Alberta, Canada, near the city of
Fort McMurray. The fire quickly became one of the biggest in Alberta history and
soon forced the evacuation of almost 100,000 people from the area. Campuses
in the cities of Edmonton and Calgary reacted quickly to the call to support
evacuees. "Within 24 hours we had almost 500 people on campus at MacEwan
University in Edmonton and reached capacity within 72 hours. We provided
our full suites as well as towels and bedding," says Tim Lade, acting director of
residence services. They also provided movie nights for the kids.
It took a few more days for evacuees to arrive in Calgary, which gave housing
professionals in the city a little more time to plan their efforts. Bob Lambert and
Kristin Davick, residence life coordinators at Mount Royal University, share this
tip: "Start preparing as soon as you think you could be activated for assistance.
We were able to get a lot done before evacuees arrived, which decreases stress
levels." Titles and positions mean very little in a time of crisis. What matters
most is how you support each other and those you are serving to the best of
your abilities. "We have a great team at Mount Royal University, and the whole
community has really come together to try to do their best to support those who
have lost so much. It has been a truly humbling experience," Lambert reflects.
-Kathryn Magura

"

With purse strings tight on most campuses,
there has been much conversation about
alternative options for institutions looking
to compensate employees for work
beyond a 40-hour week.

"

Read about the impact of FLSA in the feature on p.52.
Talking Stick - July/August 2016

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