Winter Term and Community Connection

President Laurie Patton and Vice President for Student Affairs Smita Ruzicka sent the following message to the campus community on January 4.

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

We write to welcome you back to campus and Winter Term. J-term is traditionally a time of reflection, intensive study, and community-building. This winter, it is particularly important to emphasize J-term’s community building aspects, and focus on connection with each other. Many are processing what can feel like an overwhelming amount of difficult and tragic news, both in our community and in the world. What follows is a series of events on our calendar this month that we hope will deepen our relationships with each other in a tumultuous time; it includes gathering spaces for students, events for specific student groups, and other events open to all for community connection.   

We first wanted to share plans for a remembrance for Arianna Kamal ’27. We will be working with Aria’s friends and extended family to plan a remembrance on campus later this month and will provide more information once plans are finalized. We shared about Aria’s involvement at Middlebury in a previous message to the campus community. Beginning today, we also will offer gathering spaces for students in both Stewart Hall, where Aria lived, and elsewhere on campus to provide opportunities to gather in community during Winter Term. 

Below is a detailed calendar of offerings by day:

Today, Thursday, January 4

• Campus Support and Reflection Space: 1–6 p.m., Proctor Dining Woodstove Lounge. Campus staff will be available for support, conversation, and community for those who would like to be together.  
• Knots ’n’ Thoughts: 3–5 p.m., Stewart Hall, Room 214. This is a space to share and work on independent crafting projects and a wonderful opportunity to be among others but not feel the pressure of speaking. No crafting experience needed. 
• Drop-in hours with CARE Management and office dog Tela: 3–5 p.m., Stewart Hall, Room 214. 

Friday, January 5 

• Grief Processing Group: 10:30 a.m.–noon, Mitchell Green Lounge, McCullough Student Center. Facilitated by members of the Counseling program, this group provides a space for processing grief while creating visual art and/or writing. The groups will be offered multiple times throughout the week, and individuals can attend one or all of the groups.  
• Campus Support and Reflection Space: 1–6 p.m., Ross Dining Fireplace Lounge. Campus staff will be available for support, conversation, and community for those who would like to be together. 
• Let’s Talk: 2–4 p.m. Class deans office, first floor of McCullough Student Center. Students may have informal and confidential 25-minute consultations with a counselor. No appointment is necessary. Drop-ins are welcome.
• Drop-in hours with CARE Management and office dog Tela: 3–5 p.m., Stewart Hall, Room 214.  

Saturday, January 6

• Saturday SlowDown: 3–5 p.m., upper balcony of the Crest Room, McCullough Student Center. Sponsored by the Scott Center for Spiritual and Religious Life, this is a chance to unwind, connect with people and enjoy homemade cookies and hot drinks. Arts and crafts materials and jigsaw puzzles will be available. All are welcome for any or all of the time.

Monday, January 8

• Mindfulness Forest Walk: 3-4:30 p.m. Meet at the northwest end of the tennis courts near Proctor for a walk in the woods adjacent to campus. All abilities are welcome.

Tuesday, January 9

• Grief and Processing Group: 3–4:30 p.m., Mitchell Green Lounge, McCullough Student Center. This group will provide a space for processing grief while creating visual art and/or writing. Facilitated by members of the Counseling program, this group will be offered multiple times during the week, and individuals can attend one or all of the groups as desired. 
• Support Group for Survivors of Sexual Assault, Dating or Domestic Violence, and Stalking led by Atria Collective (formerly WomenSafe) and supported by Health and Wellness Education: 3:30–4:30 p.m. Tuesdays. To sign up and receive the location, email dd@atriavt.org. This group is meant for students to share their experiences, connect with others, and build community. Advocates will facilitate as well as share information about resources and offer students one-on-one support by request. 
• Therapy Dogs: 4–5 p.m., McCullough Student Center. Join therapy dogs Milo and Stella for an hour of pets, conversation, and time with furry friends. 

As always, TimelyCare, the Employee and Family Assistance Program, and Title IX resources are available to our campus community.

As the winter and spring unfold, we will be sharing other opportunities for deepening our connections to each other. We also anticipate that many of these might be informal and spontaneous. We know that Middlebury students, faculty, and staff can bring hope and healing by gathering in creative and meaningful ways.

Yours in community and care, 

Laurie Patton
President

Smita Ruzicka
Vice President for Student Affairs