Andrews University Agenda

Andrews University Agenda http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/ News and Events at Andrews University en-us Copyright 2025, Andrews University Thu, 17 Apr 2025 15:45:00 +0000 Thu, 17 Apr 2025 15:45:00 +0000 webmaster@andrews.edu webmaster@andrews.edu Summit on Social Consciousness on Mental Health http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/67162 <p> The annual Summit on Social Consciousness was held on the campus of Andrews University on March 31 and April 1, 2025. Themed “Our Mental Health Crisis,” the summit explored timely questions about the mental health status of students, faculty, staff and administrators on campus. The event was held in Buller Hall’s Newbold Auditorium and featured keynote presentations, a mental health survey report, and a panel discussion that delved into some of the findings of the institutional mental health climate study. These presentations highlighted the mental health problems facing both the Andrews University campus and society in general.</p> <p> University President John Wesley Taylor V opened the summit with a welcome that emphasized the importance of mental health to the Christian community. Drawing on the biblical account of the prophet Elijah in 1 King 19, Taylor noted that Elijah was overwhelmed with fear and isolation when he cried out to God for death. The audience was reminded that God recognized Elijah’s mental struggles and helped him address them, proving that God holds mental health in high esteem.</p> <p> Harvey Burnett, PhD, chair of the School of Social & Behavioral Sciences, gave the first plenary presentation. Burnett began his keynote with an emotional account of his daughter’s battle with depression. Burnett underscored the urgent crisis of rising suicide and depression rates among youth and the elderly in the United States—as well as within the Seventh-day Adventist church. He shared that researchers have observed a significant rise in depression associated with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to reverse the present trends, Burnett concluded that more substantial care and resources for combating the stigma of mental health and depression—as well as greater access to treatment—are needed.</p> <p> Stacey Nicely, PhD, director of the Counseling & Testing Center and clinical assistant professor, and Karl Bailey, PhD, professor and program director for psychology, followed Burnett by presenting the results of a mental health survey distributed to the campus. Despite representing a small convenience sample, the results of the survey gave important insights into the mental health concerns of Andrews students and employees.</p> <p> Andrews students, on average, rated the mental health state of campus higher than the U.S., and the majority of students surveyed seemed to have a generally positive outlook on life. However, the continued importance of mental health support was emphasized, and Nicely shared that the Department of Graduate Psychology & Counseling and Academic Live Care, a telehealth service, continue to support students dealing with depression and suicidal ideation.</p> <p> The survey also offered insights into the faculty and staff at Andrews. Bailey noted that when the mental health of employees is poor in academic institutions, they tend to go elsewhere for work. The survey results showed that the burnout rate for Andrews employees who participated in the survey was higher than the national average across other industries.</p> <p> The second night of the summit featured Willie Hucks, DMin, assistant to the president for Mission & Culture, who gave a plenary presentation on “The Benefits of Shabbat for a Stressed Community.” Hucks provided a biblical foundation for the campus’ Shabbat Initiative. He also shared his insights into the biblical principles that should guide individuals and institutions in establishing the rest God intended, leading to work-life balance and improved mental health for all.</p> <p> Citing the biblical story in Luke 10, Hucks highlighted that Christ asked Martha to rest from her service and sit with Him and her sister, Mary, testifying to the necessity of rest from even positive work. Hucks shared that Shabbat has several benefits for members of the Andrews community, including fulfilling the University’s core values, heightening a sense of personal value, creating a healthier mental outlook, promoting increased physical wellness, developing a stronger walk with God, producing a strengthened culture and generating renewed energy for fulfilling spiritual missions.</p> <p> To conclude the summit, Stacie Hatfield, PhD, assistant professor of anthropology and director of the behavioral sciences program, led an interdisciplinary panel of University faculty and administrators. The panelists included Jean Cadet, chair of the School of Population Health, Nutrition & Wellness; Roy Gatón, chair of the Department of Practical & Applied Theology; Carole Woolford-Hunt, chair of the School of Graduate Psychology & Counseling; Wagner Kuhn, chief academic officer; and Willie Hucks.</p> <p> The panel explored the critical issues raised by the institutional mental health climate survey. These included the high percentage of employees feeling “distance in my relationships with others,” acknowledging feelings of “inadequacy,” and stating they felt their contributions were not “recognized.”</p> <p> Audience members contributed suggestions on how to address some of the challenges identified in the study. Hatfield also started the process of building belonging during the discussion. She encouraged attendees to form new connections with other attendees by sharing reflections on positive memories in small groups.</p> <p> Twyla Smith, MSW, assistant professor of social work and director of field education for the School of Social Work, served as host for both nights of the summit. Carlisle Sutton, sponsored research officer, delivered the closing remarks, urging attendees to recognize their collective responsibility to foster a more positive mental health climate at Andrews. He challenged everyone to take action, beginning the next day.</p> <p> Recordings of the plenaries can be viewed on the Andrews University <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@AndrewsUniversity/streams">YouTube channel</a>. To learn more about the Summit on Social Consciousness and its previous installments, please visit the Office of Research & Creative Scholarship <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/services/research/research_events/conferences/summit_social_consciousness/index.html">website</a>.</p> <p> Individuals who feel distressed should seek support from a crisis counselor:</p> <ul> <li> Andrews University’s Counseling & Testing Center: 269-471-3470</li> <li> Andrews Telehealth for 24/7 mental healthcare: 866-349-5575</li> <li> National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. EST <ul> <li> Call: 800-950-NAMI (9264)</li> <li> Online chat: <a href="http://www.nami.org/help">www.nami.org/help</a></li> <li> Text 988 to NAMI (9264) to receive free 24/7 crisis support via text message</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> <u font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box;">                    </u></div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">  </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> To learn more about studying at Andrews University, please visit <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/admissions/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration: none;">Enrollment</a>. </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">  </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> If you're interested in joining the Andrews University team, please see the list of available <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/services/hr/job_seekers/index.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration: none;">positions</a>. </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">  </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> We invite you to support the Andrews University mission by making a <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/services/development/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration: none;">donation</a>.</div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">  </div> <div font-size:="" ibm="" plex="" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> Please read more about great things happening at Andrews University <a href="https://www.andrews.edu/agenda/feed/Agenda:+Campus+News/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(0, 74, 128); text-decoration: none;">here</a>.</div> Thu, 17 Apr 2025 11:30:53 +0000 One Place Fellowship http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/66326 Sat, 12 Apr 2025 11:45:00 +0000 Friday Night Fellowship http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/67134 <p> Join us on Friday night, April 25, at 7 p.m.</p> <p> We’ll gather at the Fellowship Hall of Village Seventh-day Adventist Church for a time of worship, Bible study and prayer, sharing our burdens and joys. Enjoy warm herbal tea and cookies as we strengthen our bonds in Christ.</p> <p> Registration is not required.</p> Thu, 10 Apr 2025 18:28:16 +0000 Resurrection Concert http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/67133 <p> Enjoy a beautiful concert; reflect on the life, death,and resurrection of Jesus; and experience a welcoming community. Free admission. All are welcome! Invite your friends and neighbors.</p> Thu, 10 Apr 2025 18:27:09 +0000 Use Meal Plan for Food and Snacks at Bookstore http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/67148 Thu, 10 Apr 2025 18:04:57 +0000 Eau Claire SDA Church Service, April 12 http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/67137 <p> Ryan Hayes, PhD, is the speaker at the Eau Claire Seventh-day Adventist Church this Saturday. His sermon is titled "Soar Like an Eagle." Hayes draws lessons of trust in God from the way birds fly. It is Adventurer Sabbath and our young people will be involved in the service. The church service begins at 9:30 a.m. followed by Sabbath School at 11 a.m. A fellowship meal follows Sabbath School. All are welcome.</p> <p> The Eau Claire church is located at 6562 Naomi Road in Eau Claire. Prayer meeting is at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays via Zoom. Contact Pastor Shepherd for details at <a href="mailto:trs@andrews.edu">trs@andrews.edu</a>.</p> Thu, 10 Apr 2025 18:01:30 +0000 French Church, April 12 http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/67130 <p> Sabbath school starts at 10:30 a.m. with Moise Arboite.</p> <p> The sermon starts at 11:40 a.m. with Boubakar Sanou.</p> Thu, 10 Apr 2025 18:01:09 +0000 All Nations SDA Church Service, April 12 http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/67151 <p> Celebrate Easter with us this Sabbath, April 12, at the All Nations Seventh-day Adventist Church! Start at 10:30 a.m. with engaging Adult and Children's Sabbath School discussions on "Death Isn't a Dead End." At 11:45 a.m., join the launch of our Easter Revival Series as Martin Hanna presents "Resurrection Revival (Part 1)," a message to uplift your spirit.</p> <p> Stay for a fellowship luncheon at 1:30 p.m., followed by the inspiring program "Jump Starting Justice" at 3 p.m. Let's come together to embrace hope, justice and renewal this Easter—don't miss it!</p> <p> Upcoming Events:</p> <ol> <li> Sunday, April 13: Food Pantry Distribution from 1:30–3:30 p.m. while supplies last</li> <li> Wednesday, April 16: Midweek Refresh via Zoom at 7 p.m.</li> <li> Saturday, April 19: Easter Revival Series at 11:45 a.m.</li> </ol> <p> The All Nations Seventh-day Adventist Church is located at 4259 E. Snow Road, Berrien Springs, MI.</p> Thu, 10 Apr 2025 18:00:44 +0000