MSUM Working Through National Tragedies

The MSUM campus may be a little more empty than usual because it’s summertime.

But that doesn’t stop the Dragons from standing together even through the recent national tragedies.

Whether it’s the shooting in Orlando, Baton Rouge or Dallas, national tragedies can have a big effect on people even states away.

MSUM President Dr. Anne Blackhurst sent all of the university’s students an email reminding them of what help the university can do to help.

“The point of the email I think was more to show support for our students, to make it clear that we understand many of our students are feeling anxious, potentially afraid, and that when they do come back to campus, we’re there for them, we support them, and we want to do everything we can to provide services,” said Blackhurst.

The email reminds the Dragon community the importance of acknowledging the issues and traumas our country is facing and to utilize the services available.

“There are very specific communities that have been affected by these events and all of those communities are represented on our campus,” Blackhurst explained.

Some of the recent national tragedies have had some students feel nervous and unsafe. MSUM is reaching out to them by providing counseling services.

Not only is the university providing counseling services, they also have safe spaces for support and people to talk to such as the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, the Rainbow Dragon Center and more.

“They know that this is a place that they can come to talk to whoever, because it’s something that whatever race you are that we are all experiencing together, whatever perspective you’re coming from that you find this a safe place to come and just talk about stuff,” said Ibukun Awosika, Graduate Assistant with MSUM’s Office of Inclusion and Diversity.

These spaces can bring people together, which can ease the feelings that you are dealing with rather than by yourself.

“Students especially look to their university to make a public statement that is supportive and caring and makes it clear that these kinds of events, that kid of violence will not be tolerated on campus,” said Blackhurst.

Counseling support services for faculty and staff are available through the State of Minnesota employee assistance program.  These services can be accessed by calling (651) 259-3840 or (800) 657-3719, or online at www.mylifematters.com.

MSUM students may contact The Office of Diversity and Inclusion, (218) 477-2652 for assistance or referrals to counseling and support services.