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The Week Ahead (May 20-26)

Latinx Community Night 

Wednesday, May 22 from 5:30 to 7 PM
1936 Sheridan Rd. 

Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) hosts a monthly community night for Latinx students and organizations. The gathering is intended to encourage attendees to build connections within the community and share information or resources. 

 

Jubil-Asian 

Friday, May 24 from 5 to 7 PM
Norris University Center, Louis Room 

May is APIDA Heritage Month, which celebrates and aims to create visibility for Asian Pacific Islander Desi American culture. Each year, Northwestern’s Jubil-Asian event features dance, acapella and other student organizations. Come out for a night of music and food at Norris! 

 

Art on The Lawn 

Friday, May 24 from 2 to 6 PM
Norris University Center, South Lawn 

ARTica will be hosting free art activities at Norris, including canvas painting and tie-dyes. As the weather warms up, enjoy some time outdoors with friends, music, and free treats! 

 

Student Conduct Application Deadline 

Application deadline: Monday, May 27 

The Office of Student Conduct is accepting applications for Student Representatives and Student Panel Members. The positions are an opportunity to serve alongside other students, faculty and staff to hear and make decisions about alleged University conduct violations. Students will be appointed for one-year terms beginning in September. 

Interested students can learn more at information sessions on Monday, May 20, in Norris SOURCE at 5 p.m. and Friday, May 24, in the Multicultural Center at 11 a.m. 

 

Other Events 

Monday, May 20 

Tuesday, May 21 

Wednesday, May 22 

Thursday, May 23 

Friday, May 24 

The Holy Month of Ramadan Continues

May 26 marks the 20th day of Ramadan and the start of the last ten days of the Holy Month. Although Muslims worldwide continue to fast, pray taraweeh (additional night time prayers), recite the Qur’an, and give to charity, all in an effort to deepen their faith and gain a closer connection to Allah, it is within the last ten days that holds a particular significance. It is during this time that Laylat al-Qadr occurs (normally on an odd night, like on the 19th, 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th day of Ramadan) [1]. The Qur’an does not specify a particular day for Laylat al-Qadr, though Muslims believe it falls on one of the last ten days of Ramadan.

Regardless of the actual date, Laylat al-Qadr has many English translations including: The Night of Destiny, The Night of Power, The Night of Decree, among others. It is on this night when the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed to the Prophet Muhammed. Additionally, this night is more important than a thousand months [2] because it is believed that during this time that God’s mercy and compassion are overflowing and thus the most optimal time to ask God for forgiveness and blessings. An even greater significance of Laylat-al Qadr rests with the notion that on this night it is believed that through worship, one’s fate for the upcoming year is revealed. This night, the holiest of nights, is observed with continual, uninterrupted prayer.

Stay tuned next week for the final installment of the 4-part series on Ramadan.

[1] Sunni Muslims traditionally credit the 27th day of Ramadan as Laylat al-Qadr, while Shia Muslims believe it falls on the 23rd day. However, the Qur’an itself does not identify the actual day.
[2] A translated verse of the Qur’an, in which this night of prayers equals the prayers recited for a 1000 months (an equivalent of a lifetime).

Staff Spotlight: Linda Luk

Name: Linda Luk

Title: Administrative Assistant

Department: Multicultural Student Affairs

Where are you from? I was born in Hong Kong and immigrated to the U.S. at age 6.

How many years have you worked in Student Affairs at Northwestern? Less than a year.

What recommendation(s) do you have for someone new to Student Affairs?
My recommendation for someone new to the field is to be involved with one of the professional associations. It is a wonderful way to build your network, develop new skills and continue learning through conferences, webinars and journal publications.

What inspires you?
The amazing people that are making a difference in the world inspire me. For example, the women who are making history in Congress and the brave young women who spoke out as a part of the #MeToo movement inspire me. I am amazed by their courage and passion. They inspire me to become civically engaged and speak out about causes that I care about.

What can’t you live without?
I can’t live without my family. My partner and my two children, Kaylee and Lucas are everything to me.

What’s your favorite part about working in Student Affairs?
My favorite part about working in student affairs is being in a university environment where I am constantly learning new things and meeting new people. I also really value and appreciate that the core values of student affairs such as diversity, integrity, and social justice align with my own personal values.

Each week a different staff member in the division of Student Affairs will be featured. Staff can opt in to be featured, by filling out the Staff Spotlight Submission form. Student Affairs Marketing staff reach out to staff from across the division asking for participation. The spotlights will be featured in the Student Affairs Snapshot e-newsletter.

The Week Ahead (May 13-19)

“Elsewhere” Opening Reception 

Thursday, May 16 from 5:00- 7:00 PM 

Dittmar Gallery, Norris  

Featuring the work of five Northwestern seniors in the Art Theory and Practice Department, “Elsewhere” explores how each artist uses individual practices to create their own space. The exhibit is free and open to the public; it will remain on view from May 16 to June 11. 

 

Let’s Talk: LGBTQIA+ 

Friday, May 17 from 1:00- 2:00 PM 

Multicultural Center, 1st Floor Conference Room 

Counseling consultants offer students informal consultations for any concerns, such as academic performance, relationships, financial concerns, or general stress. These weekly sessions are free and don’t require an appointment, but they should not be used as a replacement for therapy. 

 

Books and Breakfast Tutor Application 

Closes Friday, May 17 at 5:00 PM 

Online 

K-5 students from Evanston elementary schools receive a healthy breakfast and homework help from Northwestern student tutors. Tutors work 2-3 days a week, from 8-9 AM and are paid $12 an hour. Interested students should fill out the application online; interviews will be completed May 29-31.  

 

Meet Your Neighbors BBQ: Evanston 

Sunday, May 19 from 11:45 AM- 1:15 PM 

Firemen’s Park, at the corner of Simpson St. and Maple Ave. 

Enjoy free food and build community at this neighborhood barbecue sponsored by the Department of Off-Campus Life. Open to both students living off campus and non-student community members, this is a great opportunity to get to know your neighbors! 

 

Other Events: 

Monday, May 13: 

Tuesday, May 14: 

Wednesday, May 15: 

Thursday, May 16: 

Friday, May 17: 

Saturday, May 18: 

Sunday, May 19: 

Staff Spotlight: Saed Hill

Name: Saed Hill

Title: Assistant Director of Prevention & Men’s Engagement

Department: Center for Awareness, Response & Education (CARE)

Where are you from? Queens, NY

How many years have you worked in Student Affairs at Northwestern? 1 year

What brought you to Student Affairs? 

College was very transformative for me. Because of my cultural upbringing, I often felt pressure to choose a major and career that my family would approve of. I felt a lot of pressure as an undergraduate to go into medicine despite my desire to choose something different. After making the tough decision to go against my family’s wishes, I found how much happier, less anxious, and more confident I was. I decided at that point I wanted to work with college students going through their own personal transitions and anxieties about who they are and the adults they want to be. Student Affairs is the place where I can provide our students with the kind of comfort and support that I wish I had while discovering how my own personal identities were impacting what I wanted my college experience to be.

What’s your favorite part about working in Student Affairs?

All of the people I get to meet and the ability to learn about myself on a daily basis through interactions with those same people. Whether it be co-workers, colleagues, acquaintances, or students, I feel like the interpersonal relationships I create in Student Affairs brings me joy, energy, and enthusiasm for the work I do. Getting the opportunity to encounter people from so many different backgrounds and learn about how their experiences shape their approach to not only work, but also life in general, is one of the biggest reasons I gravitate to Student Affairs.

How do you like to spend your free time?

Watching reruns of The Office, trivia nights, cooking, playing basketball, reading the New York Times, and spending quality time with my friends and family.

Each week a different staff member in the division of Student Affairs will be featured. Staff can opt in to be featured, by filling out the Staff Spotlight Submission form. Student Affairs Marketing staff reach out to staff from across the division asking for participation. The spotlights will be featured in the Student Affairs Snapshot e-newsletter.

Willard Hosts Recently Published Faculty

The Willard Great Room had the look and feel of a literary festival on Tuesday afternoon as students, faculty, and staff gathered to celebrate the recent publications of three faculty members who are affiliated with the residential colleges: Christine Helmer (German and Religious Studies, Associate Chair of Willard Residential College), How Luther Became the ReformerTom Burke (English, fellow at Humanities Residential College), Eastbound into the Cosmos; and Daniel Immerwahr (History, fellow with Willard Residential College), How to Hide an Empire.

Burke read an excerpt of his novel while Helmer and Immerwahr shared insights into misrepresentations and misunderstandings of their respective subjects, Martin Luther and the map of the United​ States. While the formal program was moderated by Susan Lee (Dance, Faculty Chair of Humanities Residential College), much of the celebratory event involved casual mingling over a scrumptious spread. Another highlight was drawings for signed copies of the authors’ books. Congratulations to the winners of the prizes as well as to the authors for their remarkable achievements!

The Week Ahead May 6-12

Enrolled Students Survey 

Tuesday, April 30 to Sunday, May 19 

All undergraduates are invited to participate in the 2019 Enrolled Student Survey, which was sent out through email invitations on Tuesday, April 30. The survey is an opportunity for students to evaluate their academic, extracurricular, and interpersonal experiences at Northwestern. Students who complete the survey will be entered in a drawing for one $500 and ten $100 Visa cards. The survey will close Sunday, May 19, so make sure to search your emails for the invitation and share your feedback!

 

Northwestern Night at the Art Institute 

Thursday, May 9 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Art Institute of Chicago  

Student Organizations & Activities will be hosting a night curated by Northwestern and the Art Institute. The event is open to all students, staff and guests, including unlimited guests, for free admission to the museum. 

And if you weren’t already aware, Northwestern maintains a partnership with Chicago’s Art Institute and Museum of Contemporary Art. Students enjoy free admission with their Wildcards, so make sure to check them out as the weather warms up! 

 

Registration for Senior Congratulatory Celebrations 

Friday, May 10  

Each year, Multicultural Student Affairs hosts graduation celebrations to honor the accomplishments of Northwestern’s LGBTQ, black and Latinx students. Those who wish to participate must register online by Friday, May 10. Students may register for more than one event — Lavender Graduation, the JOY and Latinx Congratulatories  

 

Neighbor2Neighbor: Justice Talks Series 

Thursday, May 9 from 7 to 8 p.m. at 1834 Chicago 

Neighbor2Neighbor, a Leadership Development & Community Engagement program that promotes learning and service opportunities in local communities, will be continuing its Justice Talks Series with young alumni. The talk will include conversations about activism and graduate opportunities. More information about N2N is available on the LDCE website. 

 

Other events:  

Monday, May 6 

Tuesday, May 7 

Wednesday, May 8 

Thursday, May 9 

Friday, May 10 

Saturday, May 11 

Staff Spotlight: Irene Armas

 

Name: Irene Armas

Title: Program Assistant III

Department: Human Resources/Commencement/Division Resources

Where are you from? Chicago, IL–Pilsen Neighborhood

How many years have you worked in Student Affairs at Northwestern? 7 years

What’s your favorite part about working in Student Affairs?
Working for the SA Human Resources department, I am able to utilize my Spanish-speaking skills to assist in communicating information regarding the university to the Spanish speaking staff. I have always been happy to help in interpreting; my parents are Spanish-speaking individuals (English is their second language) therefore I know first-hand how difficult it can be for Spanish-speaking individuals to receive and understand information if it is only provided to them in English.

What recommendation(s) do you have for someone new to Student Affairs?
I recommend participating or being a member of one of the committees or clubs the Student Affairs division offers, such as the Book Club or Northwestern Believe. They provide the opportunity to learn and converse with a diverse number of SA staff on different subject matters.

What inspires you?
My mother inspires me; she bravely migrated to the US from Mexico about 50 years ago and experienced some struggles living in a different country, such as the language barrier, a new unknown city (Chicago) and no immediate family support close-by. She is an independent woman who worked very hard for our family and always showered us with unconditional love. She taught me to have respect and be compassionate to all people, and that no obstacle is too big to conquer.

What can’t you live without?
I cannot live without my faith in God and my family.

How do you like to spend your free time?
I am a soccer/football/baseball mom, so during my free time, I enjoy being my boys’ biggest cheerleader at their games.

Each week a different staff member in the division of Student Affairs will be featured. Staff can opt in to be featured, by filling out the Staff Spotlight Submission form. Student Affairs Marketing staff reach out to staff from across the division asking for participation. The spotlights will be featured in the Student Affairs Snapshot e-newsletter.

 

The Week Ahead April 29-May 5

 ASG-Mandated CARE Training for Student Leaders 

Tuesday, April 30 from 5:00- 6:00 PM 

Seabury Hall 250 

In this hourlong training, student leaders will learn how to dismantle rape culture on-campus, develop strategies to support survivors, and facilitate conversations on these issues. In order to receive funding from Associated Student Government (ASG), all student groups must have two members of their executive board attend. To sign up for this training or another upcoming training, fill out the google form. 

 

Coffee and Doughnut at GSRC 

Thursday, May 2 from 10:00 AM- 12:00 PM 

Gender and Sexuality Resource Center of Norris 

Start your day by joining the LGBTQIA+ community for some casual conversation over coffee and doughnuts. This weekly event is open to both students and faculty. 

 

Community Dialogue 

Thursday, May 2 from 5:30- 7:00 PM 

Foster-Walker West Dining Hall 

Speak with faculty and administrators about the ways we’re all working to make Northwestern a more inclusive community. The topics of conversation for this dinner will be campus climate, faculty and student interactions, financial aid, and mental health and wellness. 

 

Coffee Talk: Connecting and Growing Across Cultures 

Friday, May 3 from 3:00- 4:30 PM 

International Office 

Adjust to life in the US and meet other international students by joining the International Office and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) for coffee. Coffee Talk meets year-round to provide international students with a welcoming space. This week’s topic will discuss issues of socioeconomic status and social class. If planning on attending a session, please register in advance through eventbrite.

 

Other Events: 

Monday, April 29 

Tuesday, April 30 

Thursday, May 2 

Friday, May 3 

Saturday, May 4 

Sunday, May 5 

Meet Hammered Hamlin!

Hi, everyone!!! My name is Hammered Hamlin, and I’m super excited to meet you all! I love reading books, taking long walks on the Lakefill, and telling my friends about my life. One of my absolute favorite things to talk about is — can you keep a secret? —  my crush, Smart Dillo. Something about them is special, you know? They’re so caring and sweet, and whenever I see them around campus, they’re always helping people out. It doesn’t hurt that they’re really cute too.

The only thing is, I’m really shy. You may not believe me, but it’s true! Only around Smart Dillo. For some reason, whenever they’re around, my hands get clammy, and my tongue gets all twisted up. My friends tease me about it, but it’s easy for them to judge when they all have partners already. I’ve third wheeled so much I’m basically a tricycle at this point.

Well, I wasn’t gonna let my relationship status (or lack of one) get in the way of enjoying the biggest event on campus. My friends and I were really excited to have a great Dillo Day, and I spent so long thinking about my outfit and everything! We went to this really awesome darty, and guess. Who. Was. There. That’s right, Smart Dillo! We didn’t really talk much at first, but that all changed once I — hehe, excuse the pun — got hammered.

It totally looked like they were checking me out, so I downed another shot and walked over. We were flirting for a bit, and it seemed like Smart Dillo was really into me! I would normally never do this, but I guess what they say about liquid courage is real, because I asked if they wanted to come home with me!

You don’t even know how upset I was when Smart Dillo said no. I felt like such an idiot, but then they said it wasn’t because they didn’t like me. They said I was clearly drunk, which, yeah, I guess those shots caught up to me, and that neither of us could give consent while intoxicated. So we got pizza instead and just chilled and talked. Isn’t that so sweet? I think I’ve fallen for Smart Dillo even more!

Now I know that I don’t have to be hammered (or even tipsy!) to score a date with my crush. No one can give consent when intoxicated, whether you’re asking or being asked. Take it from me, it’s just as much fun to grab some food and chat instead of doing something you might regret. We even have a second date planned now! Is it a date? We didn’t say it was a date, but I think it is… It’s a date, right?