UC Joins National Anti-Violence Campaign

A week-long effort to halt campus violence will mark the beginning of spring quarter at the University of Cincinnati. From April 4 through April 8, the UC community will join together as part of a nationwide campaign to ensure peace and security throughout America’s schools.

The “Enough is Enough” campaign is coordinated across the country by NASPA Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. The campaign grew out of a call to action by Zenobia Lawrence Hikes, vice president of student affairs at Virginia Tech, whose analysis of the 2007 tragedy at that university inspired NASPA to chart a “new paradigm for safety and security on the nation’s campuses.” The "Enough is Enough" Campaign unites administrators, educators, and counselors from high schools and colleges, as well as parents and students.

“The kind of violence that results in campus tragedies begins – and therefore must be addressed – long before it reaches our schools and campuses,” said Daniel S. Cummins, chair of UC’s participation in “Enough is Enough.”

At the University of Cincinnati, events each day will explore different aspects of violence prevention, safety and security.

On Monday, April 4, in a noon ceremony at Tangeman University Center, campus leaders including  Provost Santa J. Ono will charge the university community to reflect on the roots of violence and to take action to prevent it. The cost of campus violence will be presented through a display in the Tangeman University Center lobby. Everyone in the UC community will be asked to sign a pledge to show solidarity to end violence in society and on campus. Each person who signs will receive a wristband to demonstrate their commitment.

Tuesday, April 5, will be a day of reflection as Dean Valerie Hardcastle describes her experiences during the Virginia Tech shootings. Her presentation at noon in the MainStreet Cinema will be followed by a question and answer session with the dean and UC Police Chief Gene Ferrara.

A call to action will highlight Wednesday’s agenda on April 6 with a clinic on civility and mediation presented by the University Ombuds at noon in MainStreet Cinema. UC’s residence halls will explore cyber bullying and the risks of online social networks with a 9:00 p.m. program in Daniels Hall.

Thursday, April 7, will focus on violence prevention, as nationally known self-defense expert Debbie Gardner offers a seminar at noon in the MainStreet Cinema.

The week will end Friday, April 8, with a Picnic for Peace on McMicken Commons from noon to 2:00 p.m., sponsored by Student Government.

Throughout the Enough is Enough Week, members of the university community who may wish assistance or desire counseling support are encouraged to contact

• UC Counseling Center (513-556-0648) 316 Dyer Hall
• Impact Solutions (800-227-6007)
• University Health Services (513-556-2564) 3rd Floor Lindner Center
  

Referrals to a member of campus ministry may be made through the Dean of Students Office (513-556-5250) 745 Steger Student Life Center.

Partners for the UC observance of “Enough is Enough” include the McMicken College of Arts & Sciences, the BearCAT (Community Action Team), Office of Ethnic Programs & Services, African American Cultural & Resource Center, Student Government, Graduate Student Governance Association, LGBTQ Center, University Ombuds, Office of Resident Education and Development, Office of Student Life, UC Police, and UC Women’s Center.

For more information on UC's "Enough is Enough" campaign, see http://www.uc.edu/conduct/enough.html

For more information about the national “Enough is Enough” campaign, see http://www.naspa.org/enough/