Change? We have some.

08/31/2017

Kristen Smith

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Constitution Day 2024

The National Constitution Center’s annual Constitution Day celebration is the biggest Constitution Day celebration in the country—and a great way to kick off the academic year! On September 17, 1787, the framers signed the most influential document in American history, the U.S. Constitution. Every year, the National Constitution Center commemorates that historic occasion.The Loras College Library is celebrating by giving away free pocket constitutions. Stop by the library service desk to pick up your copy!Beginning with the words “We the People,” the U.S. Constitution is composed of the Preamble, seven articles, and 27 amendments. The first 10 amendments are known as the Bill of Rights.Want to learn more?In the National Constitution Center's Interactive Constitution, learn about the text, history, and meaning of the U.S. Constitution from leading scholars of diverse legal and philosophical perspectives.Encyclopedia of the American ConstitutionCall Number: 342.73023 L57 2000Publication Date: 2000 ...

International Day of Peace 2024

Each year, around the world, the International Day of Peace is observed on September 21 in order to strengthen the ideals of peace. In conjunction with this day, Loras’ Peace and Justice Week highlights the work of campus groups working for peace and justice. This year the week focuses on environmental justice, particularly ethical consumerism. We welcome guest blogger, Kate Cain, Peace and Justice Student Intern, to share more about this theme. The International Day of Peace is dedicated to building relationships across divides, ceasefires, and finding solutions to the problems that impact individuals as well as global institutions. Loras College’s Fr. Ray Herman Peace and Justice Center commemorates the International Day of Peace by hosting a full week of events called Peace and Justice Week. During this yearly tradition the Loras community comes together to engage in dialogue and activities centered around the issues we face as a society today.This year’s theme is environmental justice, which is the active effort to end climate change, pollution, poverty as a result of environmental damage, and more through activism and making “green” lifestyle choices. This issue is immensely important as our daily lives are increasingly changed as a result of harm to the environment, such as hotter heat waves and colder cold stretches, more frequent severe weather events, higher utility bills, and so much more. The environment in which we find ourselves today is very different from that of the generations preceding us. Therefore, it is important that we, as college students, learn and participate in environmental justice to heal our shared home, the Earth.We all have a part to play in furthering the efforts of environmental justice, and events of Peace and Justice Week provide many opportunities! Learn how fair-trade coffee helps preserve water and reduce waste as you enjoy a cup in Spiritual Life. Listen to Grace Adams from the Catholic Purchasing Alliance discuss ethical purchasing and talk with leaders from Jerusalem Farm about urban farming and the importance of sustainability in community service. Attend the International Day of Peace keynote panel to engage in dialogue about environmental activism, ethical purchasing, and more. Advocate for refugees, whose lives are particularly impacted by environmental issues, by participating in the solidarity walk for refugees. Finally go to Wild Church, an inclusive spiritual outdoor gathering led by Eric Anglada of St. Isidore Catholic Worker Farm, to experience nature and spirituality in a new way. Checkout the details for these events here. Your voice, ideas, and presence can enact real change in the world, so begin your peacemaker journey with Peace and Justice Week!To learn more about ethical consumerism, please visit the book display on the main floor of the Library. ...

Suicide Awareness 2024

September is National Suicide Prevention Month and September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day. To raise awareness on this important topic, we welcome guest blogger, Italee Castellon from the Loras College Counseling Services. As we enter September, it’s important to recognize issues facing our community – our Loras community but also our global community. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), suicide is a major public health crisis, with more than 700,000 deaths each year across the world. In the United States, more than 49,000 people died by suicide in 2022 which is equivalent to one death every 11 minutes. Suicide is a leading cause of death for all ages, but for people between the ages of 18-25, it is the second leading cause. Yet the people who have died by suicide represent only a fraction of those who consider or attempt suicide. In the United States in 2022, 13.2 million adults had serious thoughts of suicide, 3.8 million planned a suicide attempt, and 1.6 million attempted suicide (CDC). Looking at specifically college students, the 2023 Healthy Minds Study found that 14% of students admitted to having suicidal ideation in the past year. What can be done? Understanding the issues around suicide and mental health, helping others in crisis, and changing the conversation are important steps in preventing suicide. This is why the WHO has declared the theme for World Suicide Prevention Day to be “Changing the Narrative on Suicide” and asking the public to “start the conversation.” This is a call to action that encourages everyone to challenge the stigma and culture of silence around suicide and instead foster a culture that pushes for openness, understanding, and support for those affected. WHO states, “Every conversation, no matter how small, contributes to a supportive and understanding society.” This is also a call to action at the macro-level, emphasizing the need for policies that prioritize suicide prevention and mental health.As part of the Loras community, it’s important to keep an eye on each other, check in with each other, and make time for each other. Be aware of your support on campus and off campus. Hold space for love and openness when someone discloses hard feelings and stay with them until appropriate support arrives. Take advantage of the resources available to you in the Loras Counseling Center, as well as your trusted RAs, faculty, and staff. You might also contact the Dubuque chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or call 988, the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. No one should have to slip through the cracks and feel alone and if you yourself are feeling alone, please contact someone.If you’d like to show support for suicide prevention, NAMI will hold a Sunset Community Walk on Sunday, September 8 at 6pm at the University of Dubuque Track & Field. For more information on suicide prevention, please check out the book display on the Library’s third floor. ...

Back to School

As the school year begins, it is normal to experience a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation. This is a time of new opportunities and challenges. Whether you are a first-year student beginning your college career or returning to Loras with several pervious semesters already behind you, a new academic year offers a chance for a fresh start. One of the best ways to prepare for the new school year is by getting organized. Develop a system that works well for you. Start by reviewing your course syllabi, noting important deadlines, and setting up a planner or digital calendar to keep track of assignments and exams. Also add your work schedule, practices or rehearsals, and other regular commitments. Don’t forget to include time for studying in your planner. Think too about a study place that is best for you. The Library offers a wide variety – whether you like a view, a study room, study carrels, comfy furniture, or group study space with screens and whiteboards, there is a place for everyone.As you make your schedule, prioritize your well-being along with your responsibilities. Leave room in your schedule so you can make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating healthy meals, and finding time for physical activity. An essential part of well-being is also connecting with others. Take advantage of orientation events, club fairs, and social gatherings to meet new people and get involved in campus life. Remember, though, the key is balance. Set boundaries and establish a routine that includes time for both work and fun. Finally, remember that there is lots of support available. Just in MARC you can meet with a librarian for research assistance, get help with your papers at the Writing Center, get help from the math faculty at the Math Lab, get connected with tutors or SI sessions through our new Academic Success Coordinator, Molly Menster, find assistance with internships, study abroad, and career planning in the Center for Experiential Learning, and find support at the Lynch Disability Resource and Cultural Center. By taking care of yourself and reaching out for support when needed, you’ll be better prepared to handle the challenges and enjoy the rewards of the new school year....

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