"It's too much to expect in an academic setting that we should all agree, but it is not too much to expect discipline and unvarying civility."

- John Howard

Civility is yet another topic we discuss constantly at Furman.  But, regardless of our efforts we still have acts of intolerance, bullying, fighting, and hazing on campus.  Rutgers University created the Project Civility foundation to help combat these acts on their own campus.  Since it's founding in 2009, Rutgers has had a noticeable increase in tolerance and acceptance across campus.  Project civility encourages small acts of courtesy, compassion, and respect.  The goal of the project was to produce a campus culture very aware of civility, integrity, and a citizenry that respects all cultures and persons.    

The question now is whether Furman University can promote a similar culture on our campus.  We all know that civility is the goal, but what can we do as students to help increase awareness or promote civility across campus?

First, it starts with your actions.  From a young age we've all been taught that "actions speak louder than words."  This mantra still rings true today.  Set an example for your friends and peers by exhibiting civility in your own thoughts, words, and actions.  

Second, we have to speak up.  Violations on civility occur because someone doesn't step in or speak up.  As examples of civility on campus it is also our responsibility to stand up for our fellow students, faculty, and staff and discourage intolerable acts.  

Third, and finally, we need to be open minded.  Furman students will never all agree on a particular religious affiliation, political party, or sexual orientation, but civility starts with acceptance.  We may not all agree or support another person's beliefs or actions, but the true test of civility stems from how we handle, discuss, and overcome differences.  

Please don't read this post as a charge, but merely my opinion and suggestion for all students to help increase civility in our interactions and discussions on campus.  

I'll leave you with one final quote: 

"If we lose love and self respect for each other, this is how we finally die."

-Maya Angelou

-Mack

"Stir the Pot!"

Diversity.  What are the first words that pop into your head when you hear that word?  Race?  Religion?  Gender?  Socioeconomic status?  Besides the definition, diversity is an important and prominent topic on Furman's campus today.  We have countless CLP's, speakers, forums, and trainings on the topic, but why? Has the message still not sunk in?  For those of you that are fans of "The Office" check out this clip to see how Michael, Dwight, and Pam interpret the meaning of diversity on "Diversity Day."  

Stereotypes.  That's a word we haven't touched on yet.  This video is a perfect example of how stereotypes are not only inaccurate generalizations but how they can also be hurtful to others.  Furman prides itself on its sense of community and welcoming and hospitable nature.  To uphold these beliefs we need to learn from Dwight's mistakes and not stereotype a particular group before we've taken the time to get to know them.  Here are a few tips and suggestions that I hope you will embrace and spread around campus.  With your help we can help break the aversion to diversity on campus. 


3 Tips to Try! 


1. Mix-it-up!  Sure Mix-it-up day in the DH can be a little awkward, but it is so rewarding when you take a chance and step out of your comfort zone.  Even take one or two friends with you so you aren't the only one mixing it up! 


2.  Join a new organization!  One of the best ways to meet new people is to join a new group or organization on campus.  When you're working towards a common goal any diversity issues are hidden by the group effort.  


3. Visit your neighbors!  Granted, this is much easier when you live on a residence hall, but don't neglect your neighbors just because you live in North Village now!  You can learn so much from talking to other people, plus an added bonus, you'll make four new friends too! 


-Mack   

Do Your Part!

As a consumer it can be difficult to make those tough decisions about what coffee brand to buy or what labels to believe.  Organic?  Locally grown?  Fair trade?  What do all these labels mean, and how can I use them to make informed consumer choices? Fear no more for all your questions are about to be answered. 

Organic Foods: 
These products are special because you know you are eating the natural food.  The organic label means the grower has not used synthesized pesticides, bioengineered genes, or petroleum based fertilizers.  Organic products are not only better for you, but they are also better for the environment.  They reduce pollution, conserve water, and help prevent soil erosion.  Although the organic price can be daunting, there are certain foods where the organic label matters most.  The USDA recognized the following 12 vegetables as the most genetically modified or pesticide bearing products.  When making your organic choices be sure to grab these important items! 
- Apples                       - Celery                  - Kale                        - Peaches
- Bell Peppers            - Grapes                 - Lettuce                   - Pears
- Carrots                      - Cherries              - Nectarines             - Strawberries


Local Foods: 
This term is difficult to define.  Locally grown: does that mean in South Carolina? In the Southeast?  In the United States?  Although it is tough to know the source of all your foods, buying locally should be the goal for at least some of your purchases.  Buying locally grown food helps support community farmers and stimulate the economy in your area.  In addition, you can guarantee your food is always fresh.  Plus, most locally grown foods use fewer pesticides and growth hormones than imported foods.  Keep this in mind the next time you take a trip to your local farmer's market! 


Fair Trade:
Fair trade is a social movement that helps producers in developing countries to make better trading conditions and promote sustainability.  It advocates paying higher prices to producers and creating higher social and environmental standards.  The movement focuses on handicrafts, coffee, cocoa, sugar, tea, bananas, honey, cotton, wine, fresh fruit, chocolate, flowers, and gold.  When you purchase a fair trade product you know a portion of the cost is helping fuel development projects in third world countries.  For a list of companies that advocate fair trade practices follow this link! 
http://www.greenamerica.org/programs/fairtrade/products/wheretobuy.cfm


Hopefully these topics have given you a few things to consider the next time you shop.  In the end, the most important thing is to encourage economic and environmental sustainability.  Do your part! 

New Furniture in North Village? No Way!

Want to have input on the new furniture purchased for the North Village apartments?  Don't miss this great opportunity!

Where? E108
When? Friday, November 18th, 3PM- 4PM
What? Help decide which chairs & sofas should be purchased for next year! 

Sponsored by Housing & Res Life and RLC

North Village- Scheduled Inspections

You've probably seen these flyers hanging up around North Village; this is just a friendly reminder that a Maintenance Staff member (not CA's) will be walking through your apartment sometime over the next 4 days.  If you have any wall or door damages make sure they are visible so Maintenance can fix them while walking through.  

Also, If you have any other Maintenance issues be sure to fill out a Maintenance request! 

Here's the link! 

Maintenance Request

Is social media impacting your relationships?

If you're like me, you are constantly checking your e-mail, updating your twitter, or uploading pictures on Facebook.  It's so easy to get bogged down by all of our social networking sites that we forget to actually live! This is just a reality check- a time to really analyze how you're using your social media connections, and whether they are affecting you for the better or the worse.

For more information visit:
 http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/4-ways-social-media-is-changing-your-relationships/

Looking for a Fun Fall Activity?

Take some of these suggestions, or find your own.  No matter what you do, make sure you take advantage of this beautiful fall weather before it's too late!