Division of Student Affairs Newsletter

Friday, February 14, 2025
Spring 2025: Momentum, Engagement, and New Opportunities

Dear Colleagues

As we dive into the Spring 2025 semester, I’m thrilled to share the remarkable momentum we’ve already built together. Though we’re only in week three, our students are already immersing themselves in exciting events and programs that exemplify our collective commitment to engagement, connection, and student success.

One of the standout moments so far was the Joey Jackson Intercultural Center’s unforgettable “Welcome to the Kickback” event. Featuring live music from a talented band, the event brought our campus together in a vibrant celebration of community and fun. It was an energetic start to the semester and set the tone for what promises to be an exciting year ahead.

Meanwhile, our Brockport Student Government demonstrated incredible heart by participating in the Polar Plunge, raising $1,200 for the Special Olympics. Their commitment to supporting a great cause and giving back to the community is truly inspiring. These early events are just a glimpse of the vibrancy and generosity that define our student body.

Fun Campus Facts

In case you didn’t know, the Package Pickup Room at the Student Union is always buzzing! This year alone, we’ve received 36,029 letters and packages for our students—what an amazing show of engagement with our campus community! Additionally, we’ve popped over 900 pounds of popcorn so far this year, keeping our students fueled for their busy lives.

Key Initiatives to Enhance Student Experience

As we continue to focus on student engagement, I’m excited to highlight some of the transformative initiatives underway this semester.

“Ask Ellsworth” AI Chatbot Initiative

We are gearing up for the launch of the “Ask Ellsworth” initiative, an innovative AI chatbot designed to provide 24/7 seamless support to students. This platform, developed in partnership with EdSights, is grounded in Dr. Vincent Tinto’s research on persistence, and will assess critical areas such as Academic Engagement, Wellness, Financial Distress, and Student Engagement. This initiative will be a collaborative effort across campus, with a soft pilot launch this spring to gather invaluable student feedback. We’re working toward a full launch in Fall 2025.

Saturday of Service – Coming in August 2025!

We’re excited to announce the return of Saturday of Service in August 2025, an event designed to kick off the college experience for incoming students through volunteerism. SULA is currently seeking service-minded students to serve as Team Leaders for the event. Team Leaders will guide volunteer groups, assist with coordination, and facilitate discussions. Watch for the application launching at the end of the month, and please contact serve@brockport.edu with any questions.

Annual Leadership Conference

I’m also excited to announce that the Annual Leadership Conference will be held on February 23rd from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM. This year’s theme, “Local Change, Global Vision,” will empower students to explore leadership through dynamic workshops. We’re honored to have Dr. Cameron Beatty, Associate Professor in the Educational Leadership and Policy Studies Department at Florida State University, as our keynote speaker. Dr. Beatty will explore the intersections of race and gender in leadership education, focusing on the leadership development of Students of Coloron historically white campuses. He will also discuss racial battle fatigue and its impact on Black and Latinx students. Registration is still open, and I encourage you to share this opportunity with your students!

Division Highlights

Counseling Center Groups

• The Counseling Center is offering the following group sessions:
• Brockport Addiction Recovery Support Group (BARS): Fridays 2:30-3:30pm in Hazen
• Process Group: Starting on Feb. 20th - Thursdays 2:30-4pm in Hazen
• Student Athlete Workshop Series: Tuesdays 3-4:30pm Eagle’s Lookout

More information can be found here.

Resident Assistant (RA) Applications

The deadline for RA applications closed on Monday, February 10th. This year, we received 140 new applications and 77 returning applications for the 94 available positions.

Spring Sports Leagues

Campus Recreation has the following offerings this spring:

• Spring Season 1: 5v5 Basketball: Sundays from 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM, TTN B300 | February 9th – March 9th
• Spring Season 2: 4v4 Flag Football: Sundays from 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM, SERC Field House | March 30th – April 27^th

Information on Intramural Sports offerings can be found here.

Reminder from the Hazen Health Center

We are in the thick of cold and flu season! Know that:

• It’s not too late to get your flu shotto protect yourself and others from the spread (*Note that it takes about 2 weeks for your body to build up antibodies and be maximally effective).
• While the flu shot does not prevent the flu, it will help minimize your symptoms.
• Headache, weakness, dry cough, sore throat, muscle pain and possibly fever are common early symptoms.
• Typical, uncomplicated flu usually resolves after 3-7 days for most patients and can be managed with rest, hydration and over the counter cough, fever and pain reducers.
• High risk patients (those with chronic lung and heart problems, diabetes, kidney disease, cancer, weakened immune systems) should contact their health care providers for diagnosis and management with antiviral medications as soon as possible to minimize the chances of complications.
• Other best defenses: wash your hands frequently, stay hydrated and get adequate sleep to help keep your immune system functioning optimally.

Student Conduct Reminder

As we begin the spring semester, the Student Conduct office would like to remind students that our Code of Conduct applies both on and off-campus. We strive to be good neighbors in the Village of Brockport community, and off-campus incidents reported to the University will be addressed in accordance with our policies. You can view the Code of Conduct here: Student Code of Conduct. If you have any questions, please contact the Student Conduct office at studentconduct@brockport.edu.

Deliberative Dialogues

Join us for important discussions on current issues impacting our society:

• Immigration: Who Should We Welcome? What Should We Do? | February 27 | 12:30-2:00
• Free Speech and the Inclusive Campus: How Do We Foster the Campus Community We Want? | March 25 | 11:00-12:30
• A House Divided: What Should We Give Up to Get the Political System We Want? | April 24 | 2:00-3:30

An Evening with Howard Maffucci ’73

On Wednesday, February 19, we are welcoming Monroe County Legislator Howard Maffucci, a Brockport alum, to campus to share insights from his career in local politics. Please RSVP in advance here: RSVP Link.

Rochester Youth Year Fellowship

Graduating in May? If you’re still deciding what comes next, consider applying for Rochester Youth Year, a one-year, paid AmeriCorps VISTA fellowship that places recent graduates with local nonprofits. Members work full-time to expand or sustain initiatives addressing poverty among Rochester youth and families. Applications are open with a priority deadline of February 16, though they will continue to be accepted until April 13 or until all spots are filled. More information can be found here.

Recognition: WBSU Wins Award of Excellence

A big congratulations to WBSU 89.1 for winning an Award of Excellence for Best PSA, Promo, or Commercial for their Election PSA at the BEA Festival of Media Arts. This recognition is a testament to the outstanding work being done by our student-run media outlets—well done!

Recognition: CPN Seal of Prevention

I’m proud to announce that SUNY Brockport has earned the 2024 Campus Prevention Network (CPN) Seal of Prevention™. This prestigious recognition represents the highest standard for digital prevention programming and acknowledges our ongoing commitment to student safety, well-being, and community building, particularly through efforts in sexual assault prevention, alcohol and drug misuse, and mental health.

This semester is already full of energy and promise. I look forward to continuing our work together to create an engaging, empowering environment for all of our students.

Here’s to a semester filled with connection, growth, and meaningful engagement!

Lorraine Acker, Ph.D.

Vice President for Student Affairs