Dear Ithaca College Students,
I write to you today with great excitement as we have nearly reached the finish line of the Fall 2023 semester and are only a few days away from our much-anticipated Winter Break. The final days of the term are both a joyous and critical time as we reach the culmination of all the hard work you have put in during the course of the semester. It is also typically a time that we come together as a community to celebrate all that we have accomplished over the past four months.
End-of-semester activities and celebrations are a wonderful part of the college experience; however, I urge our students to please approach the final days of the semester carefully and responsibly so that you do not jeopardize a strong finish to the semester. Prioritizing your mental and physical well-being will be critical to putting forth your best effort in completing your academic coursework and final exams.
I would like to begin this message by highlighting some exciting upcoming Ithaca College-sponsored events to celebrate the conclusion of the Fall 2023 semester.
Free IC Community Brunch – Saturday, December 9
Ithaca College Dining Services will be hosting a Free IC Community Brunch on Saturday, December 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Campus Center Dining Hall. This event is free and open to all IC students, regardless of if you have an existing IC meal plan or not, with presentation of your Ithaca College ID.
Be sure to stop by for a filling brunch to help you fuel up for your final exam studies.
Jingle Jangle Jubilee – Saturday, December 9
Join the Office of Student Engagement and the Office of Public Safety and Emergency Management for a merry celebration to close the Fall 2023 semester, festively entitled the Jingle Jangle Jubilee. This event is free and open to all IC students and will be held in IC Square on Saturday, December 9, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Stop by the Jubilee to enjoy a complimentary hot cocoa bar, cookies, popcorn and some fun games and activities to take a break from hitting the books. Be sure to wear your gaudiest ugly holiday sweater for a chance to win some fabulous prizes! Several members from SACL will also be in attendance to pass out water bottles and share information on harm reduction strategies regarding the consumption of alcohol and other drugs as well.
Check out the IC Engage page for more information.
Other Reminders for the Final Days of the Semester
I would also like to take a moment to highlight some additional reminders important to keep in mind over the coming days.
Be Good Neighbors and Good Friends
I ask our students to please be respectful and responsible in interactions you may have with each other and our wider South Hill and greater Ithaca communities. This is especially true if you are planning to attend or host unsanctioned end-of-semester social gatherings.
Please pay special attention to abide by all laws and local noise ordinances, and take responsibility in respecting the people and property in our shared Ithaca community.
Please look out for one another and be willing to make positive interventions if encountering a situation where a friend or fellow student needs aid. I encourage you to check out this page to learn more about Ithaca College’s Medical Amnesty Policy (MAP) intended to encourage students to seek medical assistance during alcohol, cannabis and other substance emergencies. Students encountering an emergency situation on campus should always contact Ithaca College’s Office of Public Safety and Emergency Management at 607-274-3333 to receive further support. When off campus, call 9-1-1 to report an emergency.
Keeping Good Public Health Practices and Behaviors A Priority
As we enter deeper into the late-fall and early-winter cold season, the prevalence and risk of spreading viruses and other communicable illnesses pose an increased threat to both your personal and our IC community’s collective health. I want to stress to our students to please keep good public health actions and behaviors foremost in your thoughts during this crucial moment of the semester to ensure that you can put your best effort forward during the semester’s final days. These include:
- If you are feeling unwell, please make the choice to refrain from attending social gatherings where you could potentially spread viruses and other communicable illnesses to others.
- Please be sure to wash hands frequently, especially if you have come in contact with commonly touched surfaces.
- Please do not share cups or eating utensils unless they have been washed and sterilized first.
- Remember to dress appropriately and be mindful of your body’s interaction with cold temperatures. Be sure to wear layers, cover outer extremities, and limit prolonged exposure to cold temperatures to reduce your risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
In conclusion, I would like to share my encouragement for a strong finish to the year. I wish you the very best during the upcoming week of final exams and extend my sincere hope that you enjoy a very well-deserved and restorative Winter Break!
Warm Regards,
Bonnie Prunty
Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Life