Letter from the Dean of Students Feb. 2019

UNIVERSITY LEADERSHIP | February 2019

Dear Students,

Welcome back to LMU to all of our returning students. Although you have heard most of what follows at least once, please take the time to read on.

For all of our new students…welcome to Loyola Marymount University and congratulations on accepting the challenge to live the Lion’s Code. LMU is a special place, steeped in tradition, where we embrace the encouragement of learning, the education of the whole person (mind, body, spirit) and the service of faith and the promotion of justice.

Much is expected of you as a Lion and member of the LMU community. You are expected to live by the Lion’s Code, to follow the Community Standards, to treat others in the community with respect, to uphold the dignity of all, to give others the benefit of the doubt and to be open to new ideas, especially when you disagree. The faculty and staff at LMU are fully prepared to both challenge and support you as you immerse yourself in your academic endeavors, become engaged in student clubs, organizations and recreation, and stand in solidarity with others through service and justice activities.

The spring semester brings with it a wealth of opportunities and challenges. Academic rigor, employment searches and the social pressure to find your place in the LMU community can cause anyone to feel some level of stress or anxiety. It is during these times that it is important to remember the services and support that are available to you:

  • Student Psychological Services – provides confidential individual and group therapy; walk-in consultations; emergency psychological services; and psycho-educational outreach programming.
  • Student Health Services – is a full-service medical office and is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care.
  • Community of Care – provides prevention, assessment and intervention for and with LMU students as they navigate the challenges that stand in their way of academic and personal success.
  • NEW this semester LMU CARES Online – an online tool to assist students with academic and career success, physical and mental wellbeing, and purpose and campus connections.
  • Department of Public Safety – provides a wide range of services including taking crime and accident reports, responding to medical and incident emergencies, and offering general and specific safety training.
  • Food Pantry – provides free food to any LMU student who may experience hunger or food insecurity due to financial hardships.

The Student Affairs Division could not be more excited to have you here. Our divisional commitment to you is reflected in the five pillars of the LMU EXPerience or LMU EXP. Here’s a reminder:

  1. Integrate Mind, Body and Spirit – demonstrate transformative growth and develop as a whole person through the integration of mind, body and spirit.
  2. Commit to Service and Justice – be a socially responsible citizen committed to building a more just world.
  3. Become a Global Citizen – value the diversity of the human experience and commit to the practice of interculturalism to make meaningful contributions as a citizen of the global community.
  4. Practice Ignatian Values – make decisions congruent with your personal beliefs, values and faith through continuous reflection and discernment.
  5. Live a life of Purpose – lead a life where your greatest passion meets the world’s greatest need.

Do you have what it takes to be a Lion? I think you do. Accept our challenge and support (when you need it) and you will grow, develop and transform into a Jesuit-educated scholar and leader. And you will always be, a Lion!

Don’t forget to check out the following:

Best wishes for a successful, safe and enjoyable spring semester!

Terri L. Mangione, Ph.D.
Dean of Students and Vice President of Student Affairs

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