RECAST | Fall Changes in Student Activities

From: Mahnke, Kayla <mahnkek@evergreen.edu>
Date: Sep 29, 2020, 1:14 PM -0700

Hello Evergreen!

Happy Week 1! The Student Activities office continues to adapt to remote learning and budget constraints through adjusting our services and re-distribution of staff work. We express thanks to our campus partners and friends for their support in helping us navigate these challenging times. Each change and update is centered in how best to support our students. A full list of updates is available on our website homepage and below are some staff updates…. 

Staff Updates 

Jeannette Smith is serving in a temporary role as Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Engagement, supporting a cross-divisional process to consider models for coordination of student affairs areas and exploring internal communication plans for students. She will continue to advise the Geoduck Student Union and the formation of a centralized student basic needs center in the CAB. She can be reached at smithje@evergreen.edu.  

Kayla Mahnke Hargett is stepping into the Director of Student Activities position. Kayla has been at Student Activities for 7 years and recently advised the transformation of the Flaming Eggplant Café into a co-curricular academic program. While the café is closed this quarter, she is supporting the Student Activities staff and student leaders while we are working, teaching, and organizing remotely. Kayla is also starting the Masters of Public Administration program at Evergreen this fall. If you have questions or want to collaborate on co-curricular programming or student organizations, you can contact Kayla via email at: mahnkek@evergreen.edu.  

Melissa Bennett is now the Assistant Director for Spirituality and Meaning Making, building a new program for on-campus chaplaincy and 1:1 spiritual care for students. College chaplains are diverse in identity, care, practice, and expertise. Melissa provides a confidential space for students to talk through questions of purpose, belonging, community, connection, grief, joy, and deepening their relationships to self and others. She is here to accompany students as they navigate their time at Evergreen providing advocacy, serving as a social and healing justice mentor, and providing resources and referrals to other well-being services on campus or in the community. She can assist students in finding practices that help them navigate these uncertain times. If you know students who could benefit from this meaningful resource or if you find yourself in need of support, you can contact Melissa via email at: bennettm@evergreen.edu.  

Jodi Santillie is back temporarily as Interim Senior Advisor! Jodi will be supporting the work of the Cooper Point Journal and student organizations while she is with us. She is excited to be back working with the Student Activities team and help students build virtual programming and activities! We are excited to have her expertise and support through December – truly thrilled. If you have questions or want to collaborate with Jodi, you can contact her via email at jodi.santillie1@evergreen.edu.   

New Student Programs 

Jadon Berry continues as Director of New Student Programs, supporting First Year Experience, Greener Foundations, and Orientation. The transition of this area to Student Activities will increase collaboration with student services, create more efficient ways of communicating, and expand support for co-curricular programs. Jadon will also advise the students serving on the Service & Activities Fee Allocation Board. Please reach Jadon at berryj@evergreen.edu.  

Shirley Siloi (MPA ‘18), returns to Evergreen as the new Assistant Director of New Student Programs after spending the previous six years providing direct student success support to students at Tacoma Community College. She has also spent time working at Seattle University and completed an internship at the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges. Shirley has already jumped in to take on components of fall orientation and will continue to support the matriculation of students in winter/spring quarters while also contributing to the expansion of Pre-Orientation Programs for fall 2021. Please reach out to Shirley at  Shirley.E.Siloi@evergreen.edu. 

Also, be sure to check our Instagram page: @studentactivities.evergreen and keep an eye on our website: evergreen.edu/activities for more ways to engage in this work. 

All the best,

❤ The Student Activities team

Jeannette, Greg, Jon, Kayla, Shirley, Melissa, Jodi, Jadon, and Anthony

The Evergreen State College

studentactivities@evergreen.edu | evergreen.edu/activities  | (360)867-6220

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