DANA ORIENTATION FOCUSES ON RESPECT
New students learned about
Dana before classes started
Again this year, Dana's New Student Orientation, Aug. 26–29,
centered around a theme. Previous years have explored character
and leadership during Orientation. This year's group took up the
theme "Community of Respect."
“I think respect is something that is very important for
the future of Dana graduates," said Chris Jebsen, dean of students.
"I think respect is sometimes taken for granted, and I wanted
to highlight in small ways and big ways how we can show respect
to each other."
Jebsen said the students were prompted to think about respect for
other people, tradition, academics, themselves and property during
the days leading up to the first day of class on Aug. 30.
"Really, how we treat each other says a lot about who we are
as individuals," Jebsen said. "I think respect is something
that is a valuable trait to have for all of us."
Besides being introduced to Dana's computer systems, library and
other services, students attended special group meetings every day
on respect. They also did a mock Language Arts Reading Program (LARP)
session on Professor of Religion John Lyden's work on violence in
the media. LARP is a special class at Dana where students read and
discuss important works. Another session reviewed Dana's sexual
assault policy. Students will also be given the option to participate
in volunteer activities at the Washington County Recycling Center,
on campus or for Blair's elderly.
"I’m pleased that we are emphasizing the theme of respect
this year," Dana President Myrvin Christopherson said. "Many
observers claim there has been an erosion in respect shown by young
people for property, for the elderly, for people in authority, even
for parents. I don’t think we should blame young people alone,
however. I do think we can all use a reminder that all of God’s
creation has worth and deserves our recognition, regard, and veneration.
We fail to show respect when we litter the campus and other grounds,
abuse property or show disregard for another person or a person’s
point of view. I hope that by choosing this theme we might raise
the consciousness about what it means to show respect."
Jebsen said he hopes the theme will be carried out beyond New Student
Orientation into the regular school year.
"I hope that by having the theme, we will engage as a campus
in showing respect for each other," he said. "It might
lead to discussions on improving this place and our community."
Dana College is a place where all students actively participate.
They make things happen — in their own lives and in the lives
of others. Through a highly supportive faculty and campus community,
Dana students develop interpersonal skills, leadership abilities,
and other important values and knowledge as they make choices about
their future. Dana’s outstanding academic programs in business,
education, art and social work, among others, ensure that students
have the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to pursue challenging
careers or placement in graduate school.
Dana College is a private, liberal arts institution in Blair, Neb.
To learn more, visit www.dana.edu.
Dana College: Develop talents, Take charge,
Build a future — We’re with you all the way.
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For more information contact:
Sarah Cavanah
Communications Coordinator
Dana College
(402) 426-7216
scavanah@dana.edu
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