Marita Labedz Poll, Dean of Students Blog

Listening is a skill. It takes some effort to tune out all the noise and distractions - not to mention your own thoughts- to truly listen to another. P.M. Forni says-”What prevents us from doing a good job of listening is that instead of focusing on other people, we focus on ourselves and our own needs. This is what we do for instance when we interrupt. We just can’t sit still-and silent-as someone else speaks, for we feel the urge to seize the limelight for ourselves.”

So listening is a form of selflessness- of walking off stage long enough to let someone have a chance in the limelight. It’s a focus away from self and on to another- and in doing so it’s a chance to value someone else and the message they bring.

P.M. Forni encourages us to find the strength and civility in being silent and an active listener in a culture that so “glorifies self indulgent self expression” and I think that’s excellent advice!

P.M. Forni makes some excellent points when he outlines the third rule. I’ve outlined some of the best points (I think) below:
“Thinking the best of others is a decent thing to do and a way of keeping a source of healthful innocence in our lives. When we approach others assuming that they are good, honest, and sensitive, we often encourage them to be just that.”
“I appreciate exceptional intelligence, I can be charmed by beauty, and I am intrigued by charisma. But I will be moved by goodness.”
“So, when it comes to people, have great expectations: it will be good for your soul, and it may touch theirs.”

I think this rule is extremely important. EVERYONE has value- in our community- and when we think the best and expect the best- those around us are encouraged and we are as well.

In his book, Choosing Civility: The Twenty Five Rules of Considerate Conduct, P.M. Forni outlines rule #2: Acknowledge Others. In acknowledging others in our day to lives, in our communities- we demonstrate that we notice those around us and that people matter to us. Acknowledging others is also a way to brighten someone’s day- look up when you are walking around campus, smile, say hello to those you pass- you are acknowledging fellow members of our learning community. This simple yet selfless and civil action can lift a spirit or reassure someone that they are part of our University our community.
“I hope that we will always have enough self-esteem to feel that being first in greeting doesn’t entail loss of face” - P.M. Forni

“Every action done in company, ought to be with some sign of respect to those that are present.” - George Washington

During the summer months, I had the good fortune to lead the Student Affairs Professional Development Team. Our Team developed several new initiatives aimed at achieving excellence and a student-centered focus within our staff in our work with student learning, engagement, and achievement.
We developed a book group for our staff and identified a book that might help us improve our work with students. The book, Choosing Civility: The Twenty-Five Rules for Considerate Conduct, by P.M. Forni,

is a wonderful reminder of just how important human relationships are to all of us. For me, the book reminds me of the wise words spoken by an exceptional Vice President for Student Affairs for whom I worked several years ago. He told me that the foundation of all of our work is the building of relationships. Everything flows from there. I have found this to be absolutely true.
What I have also learned is how important relationships are to the successful building and advancement of a learning community.
With that in mind, as our staff reads Choosing Civility, I will share the twenty five rules. I hope they will inform you and encourage you to become part of the building of our campus community.

Rule 1- PAY ATTENTION

-Every act of kindness is, first of all, an act of attention
-Attention entails a transcending of the Self.
-When we pay attention, when we are alert to the world, we improve substantially the quality of our responses and therefore the quality of our lives and the lives of those who touch ours.

Would You Like to Learn More about Leadership or Improve Your Leadership Skills?

Then Join Us for the 2009 Inaugural Beacon Leadership Summit:

“Building Leaders, Building Community”

October 3, 2009, 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Campus Center Ballroom A

The day will feature a keynote speaker, educational sessions, and a chance to network with other UMass Boston Students.

Continental Breakfast, Lunch, and all supplies will be provided.

This conference is free and prior leadership experience is not required!

To register, go to http://www.umb.edu/student_affairs/studentlife/.

For questions or disability accommodations, please contact Taja Ricketts at TajaRick11@yahoo.com

I hope everyone had a wonderful summer. It’s so great to see both new and returning students on campus- all of your energy brings the University to LIFE!!

I want to direct your attention to some important resources. Please take some time to visit the sites listed below and check out all of the information available to you. It is your responsibility as a student and a member of our learning community to be aware of University policies, procedures and especially the Student Code of Conduct which includes information on general student conduct as well as academic honesty.

If you have any questions or are in need of any help- please let us know in the Office of the Dean of Students. We are located on the 4th floor of the Campus Center- 4015. Be sure to find us on Facebook too (Umassboston Deanofstudents). Have a wonderful semester!

The Student Code of Conduct: www.umb.edu/student_affairs/code.html
Office of the Dean of Students: www.deanofstudents.umb.edu
University Policies: www.umb.edu/students/student_rights/index.html
Student Housing: www.umb.edu/students/housing/index.html
University Health Services: www.healthservices.umb.edu
Public Safety: www.publicsafety.umb.edu
Student Activities: www.umb.edu/student_affairs/studentlife

deanofstudents@umb.edu 617-287-5800
Find us on FACEBOOK: Umassboston Deanofstudents

Every ONE Student Matters!!!

Hello to everyone from campus! I know many students are on campus this summer taking classes or working- I’ve seen you working hard and still trying to enjoy the warm summer weather. We’ve been busy welcoming new students to the University through the Beacons Beginning Orientation program and our Orientation Leaders are doing an excellent job.

In the Office of the Dean of Students, we’ve been preparing for the fall semester and working with folks across the University to make this year even better than last year. We’ve been developing several types of learning opportunities for you designed to compliment your academic program of study and improve your overall experience as a student at UMass Boston.

In the next month you’ll be getting ready to return to your classes and activities on campus. Take some time to be reflective and thoughtful about what you would like to accomplish this academic year. Do you want to consider an internship? Do you want to look at study-abroad opportunities? Have you become involved in a club or organization that will connect you with other students within your major? Do you want to get involved in a varsity sport? Have you considered checking out the Graduate Student Association or the Undergraduate Student Senate or joining the Student Arts and Entertainment Committee?

As you reflect and plan for the coming year, challenge yourself to do something you have not done before, take a chance and get involved. Make sure to stop in to your professor’s office hours even if you don’t have a specific question. Become a more active and engaged learner in your own way, and as always, be sure to let me know how I can support you in your efforts.

Here it is again…April. With all of it’s showers, papers due, events, and activities. It’s a very busy time but it’s also a great time to connect with fellow students, faculty and staff on campus. While you are considering all you have to accomplish between now and the end of the spring semester, consider taking a break and engaging in some of the fun and interesting activities and learning opportunities happening during the month of April. You’ll find a short list below of just some of the wonderful programs happening on campus during April. Challenge yourself to get involved and connected. I hope to see you at some of these activities.

Iota Phi Theta Probate Show, Thursday April 9th, 7:30 p.m., Campus Center Ballroom A
Wellness Friday’s, Friday April 10th, 3:00 p.m., Wellness Center, 3rd Floor Campus Center
Asian Cultural Night, Friday April 10th, 6:00 p.m., Campus Center Ballroom
Vagina Monologues Performance Friday April 10th, 6:00 p.m. and Saturday April 11th, 12:00 p.m., Snowden Auditorium
African Night, Saturday April 11th, 5:00 p.m., Campus Center Ballrooms

Welcome to the first post on the Dean of Students blog. My intent for this blog is to provide an opportunity to share information with UMass Boston students, to support the student-centered mission of the University, and to get the word out that Every ONE Student Matters!

The Dean of Students role is to be an advocate for students and to help them in their academic, personal, and professional growth. For such growth or development to occur, students must feel connected, feel that they matter to our community.

There have been several new initiatives that I have developed and implemented, however with the spring comes many new opportunities to support our students and underscore the importance of student development within our learning community. I will be working with the Dean of Students Advisory Board throughout the remainder of the spring semester to advance ideas about how to make sure every ONE student knows they matter!