Table of Contents

Contributors
Project Lead & Writer

Editor & Contributor

Lucy Altman-Newell

Jocelyn Gardner
Jocelyn is a Studio Art major (concentration in painting/drawing) and
Philosophy minor (or major) from Hillsborough, New Jersey. She is
the webmaster and Mental Health Columnist/blogger for The Scripps
Voice, and is a Senior Scholar in Action at the LASPA Center. She
enjoys playing bass/guitar, smashing the patriarchy, starting massive

Lucy is a philosophy major from the Bay

Area. She is Editor-in-Chief of The Scripps
Voice and a LASPA Senior Scholar in Action.
In her spare time, she enjoys calling out her
bigoted
extended
family
members,
fantasizing about more tattoos that she cant
(yet!) afford, and running amok with the
amazing person who put this guide together.
laltmann3701@scrippscollege,edu

projects, and is a passionate advocate for social justice (especially

mental-health related) and transparency at Scripps. You can contact
her at jgardner1095@scrippscollege.edu or by finding her on
Facebook under the Class of 2017 - she would love to hear from you
or answer any questions! Don't be shy.
Felicia Agrelius
Felicia is a junior Feminist, Gender, and
Sexuality Studies major focusing on
abjection and performativity. She is
committed to transformative justice:
finding ways for people to heal and grow
inside of their communities instead of in
prisons, nursing homes, and psychiatric
hospitals. You should contact Fel for
anything, and especially if youre
mentally ill, a survivor of trauma, or
want to get involved with the fight for
deinstitutionalization. Find her on
Facebook, Twitter (@feliciaagrelius), or
email felicia.agrelius@gmail.com

Eden Amital
Eden is a junior at Scripps College and
majoring in Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality
Studies with a focus on Queer Studies and
Disability Studies. This is her third year on
DIDA leadership and her first year as a CoHead for the 5C Disability Mentor Network,
which
she
co-founded
with
Leanna
Namovic.
415
713
5531
,
eamital1596@scrippscollege.edu

Contributors

Rachel Berner-Hays
Rachel is a Junior,
Sociology major from
Seattle, WA. She is the
Gabrielle Jungels-Winkler
2nd floor RA.
bernerh5431@scrippscolle
ge.edu

Anna Cechony

Chelci Burroughs
From Los Angeles, CA, Chelci is a 3-2 Engineering

Anna is a Junior Neuroscience major

and Physics major. She is the 2nd floor Toll RA,

from Seattle, WA, and the first floor

and is on leadership of Wanawake Weusi. She is

RA for Dorsey.

also involved in Cafe con Leche, Black Lives Matter

(LA, Claremont), Humanities Institute Fellowship
Fall 2015, and Society of Women Engineers.
cburroug1449@scrippscollege.edu or please knock
on my door during RA office hours - Toll 231

Chandra Dickey

Marly Coe
Marly is a sophomore and

Shanisha Coram

most likely will be a

Shanisha is a junior at Scripps dual majoring

biochemistry major.

in Politics/International Relations and Asian

Studies. She is from St. Croix, U.S. Virgin

Chandra is from Stone Mountain,

Georgia and has a dual major in
Politics and History. She loves
reading, writing and trying new
foods. Her favorite thing about
Scripps are all of the beautiful
courtyards and Denison Library.
cdickey7370@scrippscollege.edu.

Islands and is currently studying abroad in

Japan for the year.
Rachel Geller
Rachel is from the rainy town of Eugene, Oregon. She loves
soaking up the sun here in Claremont with an iced lavender
mocha from the Motley in hand! She's undecided about her
Cosette Dwyer

major but plans to minor in Hispanic Studies. Rachel is in the a

cappella group Mood Swing and is an active member of 3CIV.

Cosette is from Cypress,

She spends her free time singing, crafting, doing crosswords,

CA, and she is a physics

and hanging out with friends. Email Rachel with questions

major. cdwyer4188@

about Christian life at the 5Cs at

scrippscollege.edu

rgeller4184@scrippscollege.edu.

Contributors

Nia Gillenwater

Hallie Goldstein

Nia is an Economics major

Hallie is from San Francisco, CA. She is a Psychology major

Evelyn is a Feminist,

and Politics and

who likes hiking, snowboarding, geeking out over The

Gender, and Sexuality

International Relations

Atlantic, watching Jon Stewart, having impromptu

Studies major from

minor from Oak Park, IL.

philosophical conversations, dance parties, eating anything

Covina, CA. She is the

On campus, she is Head

with peanut butter. Her favorite things about scripps

Feminism columnist for

RA, Co-Treasurer on SAS

are the intellectually stimulating conversations that carry

The Scripps Voice.

and Econ tutor through

on outside of the classroom, and the dynamic, intelligent,

EGonzale0944@scrippscol

Dean of Students.

supportive and kind group of people that make up the

lege.edu

Evelyn Gonzalez

student body and faculty, and Scripps' chocolate bread

pudding. hgoldste2136@scrippscollege.edu

Noor Hamdy Elfayoumi

Noor is a sophomore who
plans to study
International Relations
with a concentration in the
Middle East. She loves
talking about anything
from politics in Egypt to
activism in America and
even just all the dogs you

Rhea Handa

Barbara Ko

Rhea is from New Delhi, India.

She will probably dual/double
majoring in Economics and
Politics. Her favorite thing about
Scripps is Margaret Fowler

Barbara is from Irvine, CA, and her major is

Psychology and minor is Music. She is on La Semeuse,
works as an IT intern on campus, volunteers with
Babes and Blankets, sings in the Claremont Concert
Choir, and is a member of the Asian American

Garden and Mallot.

rhanda9090@scrippscollege.edu

Student Union. In her free time, she likes to collect

hippo-related objects and travel to Taiwan.

saw today. Please feel more

than welcome to contact

Rebecca Manikowski

her if you have any

questions or just want to

Bekah is a Media Studies Major, a member of the Mock Trial

grab a coffee. You can find

Team, and the Student Activities Chair for SAS. Feel free to

her on Facebook or reach

introduce yourself and ask questions if you see me on campus!

her at (858) 442 6134.

rmanikow5491@scrippscollege.edu.

Contributors
Ellie McDonald
Ellie (Mac) McDonald is from Durham,
NC/Boca Raton, FL. She's a Foreign
Language major, and she also studies
classical singing. She plays for the 5C
Women's Rugby team and cycles when
she can, and she love love loves being a
student here at Scripps and getting to go

Elisabeth Mayer

to school with such super rad women.

Elisabeth is a rising junior from Chicago, IL. She

studies English and Middle East & North

Leanna Namovic

African Studies, so most of her classes are at

Scripps, CMC, and Pomona. Her favorite things

Leanna, class of 2017, is from Chatham,

about Scripps are the amazingly supportive

NJ. She is a Neuroscience major, Music

minor, and she is the co-head of 5C

community and her 5C friends. She will

Disability Mentor Network. She's also a

also certainly miss picking her own fruit when

she's

abroad

part of Midnight Echo, KSPC, and an

this

active

year! emayer7170@scrippscollege.edu

member

of

the

Catholic

community. Her favorite thing about

Scripps would probably be just how
supportive and determined Scrippsies
can be. You are becoming a part of an
incredible community, dont think that
any of your dreams are too big.
Sophia Rosenthal
Sophia is from Pennington, New Jersey.
Grace Reckers

She is currently studying abroad in

Copenhagen; when at Scripps, she is the

Grace is from Danville, CA, and she is majoring

student manager of the Modern Language

in Public Policy Analysis with a concentration in

Resource Center. In her free time, Sophia

biology. Her hobbies are soccer, basketball,

enjoys exploring fashion and dissecting

Mock Trial, photography, travel, and outdoor

party culture.

exploration. greckers9824@scrippscollege.edu

She is an English major

with an FGSS minor.

Jasmine Russell

Phoebe Shen

Jasmine is a Digital Media

Phoebe is a Legal Studies major and

Studies major going into

Sociology

her third year at Scripps.

California. Her favorite thing about

You can almost always find

Scripps is the Motley! She alsos love

her

being

in

Motley.

SCORE

the

jrussell3819@

scrippscollege.edu
Facebook

or

or

minor

part

Consortium
absolutely

of
and

from

the

Arcadia,

Claremont

loves

gorgeous

pshen4883@scrippscollege.edu

Scripps's
campus.

Contributors
Mia Siracusa
Mia is a rising junior from
Santa Cruz, CA. She is
involved in CMS Soccer
and art, and she likes to
hang out at the Motley
and go to the gym. She is
Cameron Statton

a dual major in Math and

Art.

Cameron is from Oakland, CA and am in the class of 2017. She

is a Biomedical Engineering major in the 3/2 Engineering
Program, currently finishing her degree at Columbia University.
Scripps is awesome, and she already misses the beautiful
campus and amazing people at Scripps and the rest of the 5C's.
Her favorite things about the 5Cs (which you HAVE to check
out): Frank omelets (they give you a huge chunk of avocado if
you ask), The Spot (for yummy acai bowls, next to Trader Joes),
fountain hopping throughout campus when it is warm at night
(or jumping into CMC's pool at night), and Harvey Mudd's

Sneha Deo

beautiful and I mean BEAUTIFUL (and fun) hidden

Sneha is a Computer Science major from Seattle,

dinner/hangout/study spot (on the roof of the Shanahan

Washington. She is the CLORGs Chair of Scripps

Center). If you have any questions about the 3/2 Engineering

Associated Students (SAS), and works at the 7C

Program (or Scripps or Claremont in general), don't hesitate to

Asian American Advisory Board. She is also

email her at cameron.statton@gmail.com.

involved in singing on campus.

Isabella Levin

Odaris Barrios-Arciga
Hails from (North) Las Vegas, Nevada. A

Isabella loves sprinkles, sunshine, smiles, Scripps, and alliteration. She

computer science major undecided about

hails from Southern California and will be an upcoming junior, a part of

life. Digs heavy metal and art

the class of 2017! In the spring, she will continue being a Francophile by

documentaries. Currently in a shameless

studying abroad in Paris. You can catch her in the Motley or the Margaret

affair with Scripps's bread pudding.

Fowler Garden drinking blended soy mochas. Welcome to Scripps!

Rebecca Millberg

Megan Petersen

Rebecca Millberg is an economics and

mpetersen7292@gmail.com

anthropology dual major who comes to

Claremont all the way from St. Paul, MN.
She's spent her time on campus on SAS, as
a peer mentor, and building a more

Emi Tabb
etabb9720@scrippscollege.edu

cohesive Jewish community at Scripps. She's

currently studying abroad in Buenos Aires,
Argentina, and can't wait to be back on

Tatissa Zunguz
tzunguze1690@scrippscollege.edu

campus in the spring!

Claire Hirschberg
Lina Mihret
Alice Mullin
Tara Partow
Paolina Siqueira-Koo

Dear Scripps First-Year,

Not buying everything

Do not buy everything. You are going to a college, not a bomb

all took Core. Mine are

Amazon.com, and any other store present in civilization in case you

includes textbooks. We
brand-new and I spent
lots of money on them.
There are sophomores
looking to get rid of

shelter. You will have access to Target, the bookstore,

run out of supplies. People have cars if you do not - just ask!

Storage at the end of the year over the summer is expensive. When
you visit home, you will inevitably haul more stuff back to school.

their every thing you

can imagine. You will

save loads.

You arent allowed to have

Preparing for
Arrival

Shower shoes are important.

extension cords, but 10 foot

power strips/surge protectors

(which are allowed) are your

friend.

Rent a fridge your first year if you cannot find one. It only

Seniors also sell sheets,

ponder the large amount of seniors selling their fridges, and

year; some of them need to

takes one person to steal your food. After your first year,

pillows, etc. throughout the

snap one up for $50 or less. They last a long time.

go abroad. If you can find

If your hall is not air-conditioned (see Dorm Life FMI),

before you show up here, you

bring a fan. I repeat, BRING A FAN. You will cry if you

do not have one. One standing tall fan would be good for each

room, along with a personal small fan if you want that. There
will be students selling these as well. It also helps to bring an

ice pack. In my opinion, there is no replacement for this kind of

blasting cold on a hot September day.

some seniors selling things

will also save loads. I

personally have two sets of

sheets at the moment. One

is brand-new and unopened.

I probably shouldnt have
done that.

Dear Scripps First-Year,

Please try not to call various offices repeatedly to ask when things will

Preparing
for Arrival

be ready. This comes from a student working for ITs perspective, but
trust me, it will all fall into place. They will not forget the important
things, and sometimes, it might take longer than you think. Thats
okay. We like when youre patient. We havent forgotten you!

If your parents are in your way, invite them to check out the rest of

campus. Or, if youre like me, Mom, please just go away. Its your
adventure and if them telling you where to stow your stuff is not

Arrival

helpful, then please attend to your needs, and invite them to head out.
Yes, getting on campus for the first time is

Dont hog everything. Please. Its awkward

whether that stack of boxes is moving by

Hey, I already picked this bed, so thats

blasted scary. You will be confused as to

when you walk in to your roommates going

itself, or if there is someone behind it moving

your bed. So dont do it to them, because

them. You and your roommate(s) will haul

your roommates might be the best chance of

all your stuff into the room, frantically try

friends youll ever have. Talk to them about

to make it disappear, and then you will

what youre willing to share and what youre

think, Wow, I brought too much stuff,

not willing to share. For me, one of my

because despite all of the warnings about not

roommates and I basically shared food and

bringing too much stuff, maybe you wanted

took turns buying it. We didnt care about

to be prepared. Breathe. Throw out the

exactly owing each other. But now I live at

empty boxes or put them away in a closet or

an apartment and I dont like when I run out

basement. As the boxes disappear, you will

of food without knowing about it. Know

have a neat place again.

your boundaries!
9

Dear Scripps First-Year,

Using the portal: When youre looking for classes, I suggest starting your search by filtering

using the subject area you want. SC ____ Requirement in the S section will allow you

to sort by General Ed requirement, which is useful when you dont know what else you want to
take (and youll have to fulfill them anyway). Unfortunately, its not possible to list all of

the classes at once (you probably dont want to).

If your registration time
is in the afternoon, you

will probably not get some

Registration

of the classes you want.

When picking Writing 50

up to the first day of

all the course descriptions next

Demonstrate your

compare them. Ask around!

permission to enroll

their recommendations.

it is worth it.

great, too.

Dont fret on that-- show

sections, it helps if you line up

class and beg.

to each other so you can

interest. Submit a

Current students all have

request. It is scary, but

RateMyProfessor can be

DO NOT HIT THE

BACK BUTTON on

your browser. I repeat. Do

not hit the back button.
The portal is very

confusing and scary at

first, and you will have no

idea what classes you want

to pick. You will probably
want to select from the
SC course areas for

general ed requirements.

Talk to your adviser; professors may be scary-looking at first,

but they are useful and kind people. (I hope.) Have lots of

back-up plans for your classes. They might have 10 spots left,

but hey, there are usually 250 first-years. This year, there are
over 280.

But whatever you do, do

not hit the back button. It

will waste so much of your
time. And the classes you
want may fill up during
that time.

10

Dear Scripps First-Year,

Be careful of where your classes are, and of how many of them

Registration

you are taking in a day. Consider the fact that you might not
want to have four different classes in a single day, and think

about whether or not you want Friday classes. Also consider the

fact that starting every day at 11 is indeed lovely but will

probably leave you no time to study in the afternoon, for if you

are not a morning person, you will be tempted to sleep in instead

of studying.
Eat the In-N-Out. This is
the California life, baby!

Go to Target. Yes. Go to
Target. Especially if you

dont have a car. Dont be

lazy-- its worth it.

Go out! Meet people! Enjoy your new

Take your

want to have friends to spend time with,

and let them sort

freedom! This is your life now. Youll

even if (like me) you are an introvert

who wants to hide away after a while.

Barbara Ko 18

the Claremont first-years

show up at the same time.

Orientation

want. Dont expect to buy

sold out.

bother when you

can have them do

it for you?

have a Mac... the

servers and Macs
dont seem to like
each other.

Make a list of what you

white hangers-- theyll be

it out. Why

Especially if you

Watch out for that huge

checkout line, though: All

computer to IT

Show up on time for your registration appointment. Remember

what I said about getting the classes you wanted?

11

Dear Scripps First-Year,

Clean out your room, wash your sheets, and take out your trash regularly. You will appreciate
it when it is finals week and you are cleaning out for closedown and it does not take a long

time. And when you never see ants in your room. California is an anthill. Maintenance can

call the exterminator-- but often after theyve gotten into your food. Likewise, you never want

to attract rodents. Its unpleasant and terrifying.

Daily Life
Go to bed at a reasonable
hour. Please. For your
health. There will

probably be a time when

Mix-Bowl, a Thai restaurant in Pomona, delivers food to your

dorm from 6 p.m. until 1 a.m. You can find their information at
mixbowlcafe.com-- just make sure you order $10 or more, and

tip the driver. Telling them Toll Hall, Scripps College will

get them to show up to the rose garden, no questions asked (or

any other dorm). See Delivery for more options!

your roommate gets sick,

The dining halls will all close on

live with them.

food. Use that to-go container.

and you will still have to

Thanksgiving day. Stock up on

Check out all the various Facebook pages made by different groups

After all the

Madness

-- there are so many! 5C Book Exchange (cheap textbooks),

You might not like

you can like to keep up. Most importantly, use your Scripps

found it to be the most

useful group for cross-class coordination, and there are some

class. It was much of a

Score, ResLife, various CLORGS, and many others have pages

Core. Thats okay. I

email to join Scripps College Current Students-- it is the most

frustratingly wonderful

alumnae who are still in the group.

love-hate relationship.

12

Things to Remember About Being an

International Student at Scripps
Yes, it's scary to be so far from home, and yes it will feel like none of your new friends that are from the US will get it.
But that's incorrect. Though they may not be as far from home as you are, they too have left home for probably the first
time in their lives and are in a new and (mostly) foreign place. So go ahead and reach out to your roommate or your new
friend from your peer mentor group, or someone from your SOAR team -- they're probably feeling what you're feeling,
too!
I-Place (formally, International Place of the Claremont Colleges, which is a 7C resource for international students located on CMCs campus) is actually pretty great-- they have a bunch of resources for you and can answer any of your questions and concerns regarding visa stuff and transportation. Also, their events are a superb way to connect to other international folks from the 5Cs! (FMI: http://iplace.claremont.edu/about/ or https://www.facebook.com/InternationalPlace?
fref=ts) Other than that, find international upperclasswomen (https://www.facebook.com/groups/152108464832718/).
I'm sure any one of us would love to talk stuff out and help you with anything you need.
It's easy to feel overwhelmed when you're juggling schoolwork and your new life and your life back home, and time zones
and distance makes things worse. But here's something you didn't know -- time zones can be your friends! Figure out a
time that is convenient for you AND for your friends/family back home and leave that time free to reconnect -- and spend
the rest of your time concentrating on things you have to do here at school.
Yes, you can get a job on campus with an F1 visa. You just need to apply for a social security number once you're employed, and you can work for a maximum of 20 hours a week (and more during the summer).
e. Citibank is a good bank to work with-- they even have an overdraft facility (with a fee, of course), offer you a student
credit card (great to build a credit history if you plan on staying in the US after graduation), and they also have a great
mobile app that makes banking a lot easier-- if you have a job on campus, you can even deposit your checks through your
phone. I (personally) recommend it, but I know some of my other international friends use Bank of America and Wells
Fargo!
Try to find other international folks to get on a family plan with! This makes your phone bills MUCH cheaper and you make
a few friends in the bargain-- the more the merrier! Some providers have great international calling plans as well (TMobile offers free international call and text to select countries for $15).

Other than that, make the most of your time here. You came all the way over here to receive a stellar education and that
is what Scripps will give you, but it will also give you a great experience and a really, really fun time, so do your best to
enjoy it!

Rhea Handa 18

13

Far From Home

Even if you dont particularly like being home, being far (by far, I am referring to the fact
that college is so different from home that you feel far even if you live five miles away) from
home can be challenging, especially at the beginning of your first year. Here are some
(emphasis on some-- there are many more things that may work for you individually that
arent on this list) tips to make Scripps feel like home:
1.

Make your room

Whether your dorm room is just a place where you have a bed or the place you leave only
when forced out, its your room.
Blank walls are daunting and dreary, and they are a good starting place to transform the
space. Decoration and comfort are importantput up some wall-hangings or maybe a
photo collage of friends and places from home. Get a cozy blanket. Bring some special or
ordinary items from your room. These pieces of familiarity might help make your room a
welcoming haven rather than a cell where you slave away over Core readings.
Lighting also has a big impact. The older dorms tend to have softer lighting that can be too
dim. The new dorms have fluorescent lighting that may strain eyesmy dorm room last
year was like that, so Id sometimes leave only my desk lamp on or use natural light instead
of the huge, overhead light.

When you have a space that is your own on campus, you are telling yourself you belong

here. And you do.

2.

Interact

There are going to be new people everywhere. You dont have to talk to everyone, but its a

good idea to get to know at least a couple of people. Having a friendly face around or
hearing someone say hi in the hall are things that will help you feel at home. Id
recommend getting to know your roommate(s). Its nicer to live with friends than with
strangers, Id think.
3.

Understand that missing your home before Scripps is normal

Everyone misses something about homeits completely normal. This point is not made to
invalidate your feelings, its to let you know you arent weird. You might not have heard
this before (I hadnt), but feelings are always valid. Its okay to be nervous about starting
college, but know that you dont have to feel that way if you dont want to. Instead of
spending your energy being mad at yourself for feeling homesick, use it on helping yourself.
4.

Set a schedule

If you miss home, you might be tempted to check in frequently. This will probably make you
miss it even more. If you schedule calls to home and friends at other schools, you might not
be as tempted to randomly call them and feel worse. A schedule gives you something to
look forward to.

14

More Advice
It takes every individual a different
amount of time to adjust to school and
find their place. It can often be scary to
extend

out

of

your

comfort

zone,

but

it

is

extremely helpful in cultivating a sense of belonging

and in enabling you to find your place. Try extending

beyond

that

comfortable

place

when

you

are

able

to--

socially, academically, environmentally. Throughout the course of

the year, things will undoubtedly fall into place, and immense growth
will result.

Hallie Goldberg 18

I think I came into Scripps believing that not always knowing what to say
was a fault, that not always having an answer was somehow wrong. Over
the years, I came to realize that my opinions are not always the most
important thing in the room, and that always having something to say

meant I wasn't learning. I came to realize that I learned so much more

by reflecting on my privilege--not just when it was asked of me by a
lecture or a course reading, but in everyday moments and discussions-and really listening to my professors and fellow students, whether I
agreed with them or not. You can't learn things from others if you're the
only one speaking or if your own opinion is the only thing that matters to
you.
I don't want to imply though that talking things out or saying what you
think is somehow wrong either. Just that it's okay and good to listen to
each other. Especially for first-years.

Megan Petersen 15

You dont have to qualify your opinion and thoughts. In the classroom,
you might be used to starting with Well, I think or I dont know, but
This is your place to take risks, and dont worry if people dont agree
with you.
Learn to advocate for yourself. Ask specific questions.

Be yourself!
15

Saving Money While At Scripps

Be Frugal with Food: Scripps has 5, 12, and 16 meals-per-week plans. You also have until about the middle of
the semester to change your plan, so use the first few weeks of the semester to keep track of how many
meals you eat per week, and then decide which plan works for you. The more meals you use, the less meals
youll have to pay for out of pocket, so be sure to get to the dining hall on time. If you use your flex
responsibly (for supplementing food rather than just for coffee) as well, you shouldn't have a problem with
feeding yourself on a lower food plan. You can also supplement your diet with any of the fresh pickable fruit on
campus, such as the orange or kumquat trees.
Bargain for Books: Instead of using Claremonts Huntley Bookstore, you can order your books online from
websites like Chegg, Amazon, or CheapestTextbooks. There are also several Facebook groups where
upperclassmen sell their old texts. For classes in the humanities, sometimes the books on your syllabus will be
in the Honnold-Mudd Library. You can also apply for the SAS Book Fund at the beginning of each semester. As
a final effort to reduce book costs, search in browsing rooms for old copies and ask your professor if you can
work with an older edition or an online version.
Be Smart with Supplies: There are tons of ways to get free stuff. SARLO often has free sample sizes of
goodies like toothpaste and face wash. HEO (Health Education Outreach) has goodies such as sexual health
supplies, shampoo, and more. You can update your closet at the end of the semester/year clothes swaps. You
can also apply to many organizations on campus for funding of projects and events. The Motley, for instance,
has an individual scholarship as well as a mug sponsorship program. Finally, SAS has a summer storage sale at
the beginning of the year. They have a storage box full of donated dorm essentials which you can browse on
move-in day.
Tackle Transportation: The Tiernan Field House has yearly bike raffles and you can also rent bikes on a daily
basis or on the weekends if youd like to bike to the store or to class. We also have an amazing resource at
SARLO: Van rentals. Register as a driver in SARLO, put down a refundable deposit, and book the date at least
72 hours in advance. If youre looking for cheap rides to and from the airport, people often advertise on
Facebook or you can arrange some carpools at 5CRideShare.com.
Easy Entertainment: If youre concerned about having money to go out, you can rest easy knowing that there
are tons of free and fun events and things to do on campus. Instead of going to the village, you can go social
dancing, visit the Ruth Chandler Williamson Gallery, go to a party, attend one of the free trips, or take
advantage of any of the multiple other options we have. If you want to have a night out, see what sorts of
student discounts you can get. Most of the places in the village offer them. SARLO also sells discounted movie
tickets.
Free on Facebook: Often in the Current Scripps Students and Scripps College Class of 20XY groups,
students will sell items like fridges, clothes, and other items. There are also the 5C For Sale/For Free and
the 5C Book Exchange groups.
Word to the Wise: If you havent had to be strategic about money before or if it isnt a concern for you at the
moment, be conscious that this is not necessarily the case for everyone. Think about the sacrifices you may
be asking of your peers when you ask them to get ice cream in the village, go for a birthday dinner out, or split
room decor costs. This doesnt mean that you should avoid all situations involving money; just be aware that
your peers may have different experiences.
Rebekah Manikowski 16

16

Studying abroad
is an amazing opportunity. According to Scripps Study
Abroad and Global
Exchange Office (SAGE, previously known as Off-Campus Study or
OCS), over 60% of Scripps students participate in some sort of exchange program abroad or offcampus. The SAGE Office is extremely knowledgeable about the benefits and setbacks of different
programs, so be sure to stop by their office ASAP if youre considering a semester away from
Claremont.

Scripps covers your plane ticket. Disclaimer: Scripps estimates the cost of your roundtrip ticket from
LAX to your destination and gives that amount to you in the form of a check. Also, they use websites like StudentUniverse and Travelocity to find you the cheapest flight possible. So, if you plan to
fly out of another airport and the cost of the flight is higher than the check they give you, youll be
expected to cover that.
Some programs are more all-inclusive than others. For example, the cost of SIT Study Abroad programs typically covers all of your meals during your stay in the country of your choice, while programs like IES Abroad are set up so that youll have 7 breakfasts and 5 dinners a week with your
host family. This means that on the weekends and during weekday lunches youre expected to fend
for yourself. However
Based on your program, Scripps will give you a stipend to cover extra meal costs. Again, programs
like IES do not cover all of your meals while abroad. In some cases, Scripps will give you a stipend
to cover the cost of the meals you wouldnt have to pay for if you were on campus. This doesnt
mean youll have enough money to go out to eat for every meal, but youll have enough to make
something simple in your dorm, in your program centers kitchen, or in your host familys house.
Sometimes you can work abroad. Working abroad can usually include tutoring English if youre in a
non-English speaking country, or babysitting for families living in your host city. This is usually the
case in Europe. Dont be afraid to ask the SAGE Office about this, and reach out to the programs
youre interested in applying to in order to see if working for some pocket money is possible.
Things to remember. Scripps does not cover the cost of acquiring a passport or visa (if necessary)
to participate in an off-campus study program, any immunizations necessary to travel to your selected destination, nor local transportation. In some cities, having a monthly bus, tram, or metro
pass is necessary to get to classes on time and to participate in program activities. These-- along
with any other travel you plan to do on your own-- will be your primary out-of-pocket expenses.
Also, remember to think about the cost of storage units if you are going abroad for a semester or
year. Other Scripps students are eager to share storage units in order to cut down on costs.
Chandra Dickey 16
17

Flex Dollars

Essentials

For those of you on one of the meal plans, flex will soon become one of your closest friends. The 16 meals per
week plan will get you $160 of flex per semester, while the 12 meals per week plan will get you $120 of flex. Remember, this is per semester, so make it last. Popular places to spend flex dollars are the Scripps Motley Coffeehouse in Seal Court, CMC Hub, Pomona Coop, Pitzer Grove House, and Jay's Place at Harvey Mudd, commonly
referred to as the Muddhole (FMI see the Dining article in this guide). Just tell the employee behind the counter that you want your mocha or pizza or whatever it is you're purchasing to be charged to flex, hand them your
student ID card, and voila: your late-night snack craving is finally satiated. You can also use flex dollars to swipe
in a friend to one of the dining halls for a discounted price. Caveat: these flex dollars do not rollover to the next
semester, so use them before you leave for summer or winter break!
Claremont Cash
Claremont Cash is different from your flex dollars. Cash in this account needs to be loaded on from your own
bank account (or that of a parent if they are willing and able). Visit https://cards.cuc.claremont.edu to deposit
any amount of money to be used as Claremont Cash, or call (909) 607-2273. And you don't have to worry about
using all of this money before the end of the semester: this account rolls over for all four years, and you can
withdraw whatever you have put in at any time.
Claremont Cash can be used in the Scripps Store in Seal Court, in the Huntley Bookstore, as a substitute for flex
dollars in the dining halls and cafes across the 5C's, as a way to pay for laundry in the residence halls, and at a
number of locations in the Claremont Village (such as 21 Choices, a popular fro-yo place). If you run out? Load
more on the website whenever you like. It's good to know that there is a $1 fee every time you deposit money
into the Claremont Cash account-- however, if you go to Connections in the Honnold-Mudd Library to load
Claremont Cash onto your card, there is no fee.
Laundry
Whether you intend to wash your clothes once every week
or once every semester, laundry at Scripps is not too complicated (and is highly recommended).
Every residence hall on campus has
PRO TIP: unless youre washits own laundry room and set of
ing towels or something big/
washers and dryers, oftentimes in
the basement of the building.
heavy, one dryer can easily
Load your dirty clothes, add deterhandle two loads of wash!
gent or dryer sheets or whatever
your machine calls for, swipe your student ID card on the black box on the wall,
type the name of the machine into the black box (such as A6 or B4), and the
fee will be charged to your Claremont Cash account. Washer-use is $1, while
the dryer is $0.50 per load. Make sure you then start the machine
with the desired setting before leaving the room. But your
job doesn't end there. Once you start the machine,
Tip: some of the laundry halls have clothcheck how much time the job will take. Make sure
ing lines conveniently set up for stuyou come back to the laundry room to switch or
dents. If you can, skip the dryer and
retrieve your laundry by the time that the washer
hang up your clothes on these lines. The
or dryer is done--DON'T leave your clothes in the
Claremont climate is PERFECT for airmachine for hours. Other students need to wash
drying clothes, it's better for the environtheir clothes too, and they will likely pull your clothes
ment, and you save $0.50 each load.
out of the machine and put them on a basket or table if
your machine is done but you aren't around.
18

Mailroom

Essentials

You should have received a piece of paper in the mail over the summer (one of the many from Scripps)
with the address of your new student mailbox number. You will also receive a combination to the lock on
this mailbox. Found it? Good. Now do WHATEVER you can to keep these numbers in a place you can
access them again when you need to check your mail. Take a picture of your combination, put it in your
phone, write it down, put it in your planner. The employees in the mailroom will give you one freebie
each semester where they will remind you of your combination if you forget, but after that, it's up to you.
I like to check my mailbox pretty often (especially if I'm expecting a card from my mom or my grandparents). For those of you with an on-campus job, checking your mailbox every other Friday may soon become the highlight of your week because that's your payday. Scripps will send your paycheck in the mail,
and you can deposit your checks at one of the ATMs in the Village or using an app on your phone.
The mailroom is also where you will receive packages on campus. If you give them your cell phone number, they will send you a text when your package arrives. They will also send you an email telling you to
pick up your package at your earliest convenience. Youll need your ID to pick it up, so be sure to have
that with you when you go to get your package!
ATMs
There are a couple of banks in town (such as Wells Fargo and Bank of America) with ATMs that you can
use. There is also an ATM in the Honnold-Mudd library.
The Huntley

The Huntley Bookstore is open to the public and to students at any of the seven colleges. You may use it
to purchase notebooks, pens, staplers, poster putty, greeting cards, Claremont and Scripps apparel, and
any of the course-specific textbooks you'll need for your classes. I would recommend loading enough
money into your Claremont Cash account before the first day of classes so that you can buy your school
supplies here (they also accept regular cash or credit/debit cards as well). Many of the course textbooks
are also available to rent for the semester. Keep in mind that The Huntley is not always the most affordable option. When looking for textbooks, ask around campus and try to find an upperclassman who has
already taken the class that would be willing to sell you their books for a discounted price. Many students
also take advantage of Amazon or other online vendors for their books.

Tip: Amazon offers a free sixmonth membership of Amazon Prime to college students. Take advantage of
this! You get free two-day
shipping on lots of products.

19

Essentials
Course Registration
When it comes time to register for courses, you will be given a time-slot. Make sure you have several back-up
plans for your schedule when it comes time to sign up. You will need to meet with your advisor before you
can be cleared to register, and your advisor will help you design an appropriate schedule for your first semester. Students will panic when they don't get into the courses they desire, but try not to stress too much. As a
first-year, there will be classes that you don't get into. It happens to everyone. Try PERM-ing (this will be explained to you during orientation), email the professor, and show up to that class on the first day of school if
you can. If the professor still doesn't let you in, try not to worry too much. You'll get the classes you need, it
just might take some time. Wait until next semester and fill that time-slot with another course. Registration all
happens on the Scripps Portal, and you will be given your login sometime during the summer. The Portal is
also where you can look for classes in the course database.
Sakai
The first thing to know is that Sakai is NOT the same as the Scripps Portal (that was my first mistake when I
was a new student). Sakai is your home for specific class information. Once you register for classes, this is
where your assignments will be posted, and many professors will have you submit papers to Sakai through
the dropbox. Use the roster on Sakai if you need to look up the name or email address of a classmate, and
take advantage of the course syllabus that most professors post on the site.
Grace Reckers 18

When in doubt,

Dont panic
20

Dining at the Claremont Colleges

*NOTE: Because some of the facilities hours for the academic year are not yet posted at the
time of my writing this, not all of the information is filled out. It should be on their websites by the
time you get this, so feel free to fill it in!

Dining Halls
Malott Commons (Scripps)
Monday - Friday
Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Continental Breakfast: 9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Lunch: 11:15 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Dinner: 4:45 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Snacks are also served Tuesday evenings from 9:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
These are free!!! They usually have something warm like waffles, corn dogs, or chicken nuggets, plus
cookies, cereal, fruit, vegetables and dip, tea, and milk.
Grab-N-Go Program: Monday Friday, noon 1 p.m., you can do a to-go option through the Malott
doors on the right side.
Saturday - Sunday
Brunch: 10:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Dinner: 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Hoch-Shanahan (Harvey Mudd)

Monday - Friday
Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Lunch: 11:15 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Dinner: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Weekends / Holidays
Brunch: 10:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Dinner: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

McConnell (Pitzer)
Monday Friday
Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. 10 a.m.
Lunch: 11:15 a.m. 1:30 p.m.
Dinner: 5 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
Saturday Sunday
Brunch: 10:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m.
Dinner: 5 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
McConnell has themes for each weeknight:
Mongolian Mondays

21

Taco Tuesdays
Wrap-Up Wednesdays
Steak Night Thursdays
Freestyle Fridays

Collins (CMC)
Monday Friday
Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. 9 a.m.
Brunch: 9 a.m. 9:30 a.m.
Lunch: 11 a.m. 1 p.m.
Dinner: 5 p.m. 7 p.m.
Monday - Thursday
Late night: 10:30 p.m. 11:30 p.m.
Saturday Sunday
Brunch: 10:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m.
Dinner: 4:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m.

Frary (Pomona)
Monday Friday:
Saturday Sunday:

Frank
Monday Friday:

Other On-Campus Options

Coop Fountain (Pomona)
Location:
Phone:

170 East 6th Street

909-607-3293

Dining halls closed? Hungry after a long evening of studying? Come to the Coop Fountain,
your student-managed and student-staffed on-campus restaurant! Try our daily specials, or
get one of our classic Coop Meals to refuel. We even have take-out containers, for those
times when you need to be somewhere ten minutes ago and dont have time to eat!
Hours:
Monday Thursday: 9 a.m. 11 p.m.
Friday Saturday: 9 a.m. 1 a.m.

Honnold Caf (Honnold-Mudd Library)

Location:
Phone:

Honnold/Mudd Library, 1st floor

800 North Dartmouth Avenue
909-621-8156

The Honnold Caf is located near the south entrance to Honnold Mudd Library. The
Honnold Caf provides the students, faculty and staff of the Claremont Colleges, with a
warm relaxing environment in which to enjoy gourmet coffee and espresso based
beverages, as well as delicious food and pastries.

22

Hours:
Monday Thursday: 8 a.m. midnight
Friday: 8 a.m. 9 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. 9 p.m.
Sunday: noon - midnight

Jay's Place (Harvey Mudd)

Harvey Mudd College
Location: Platt Campus Center, Lower Level
Formerly The Little Pizza Place, Jay's Place was renovated in 2005 in remembrance of Jay Wolkin
99, who died in an airplane crash shortly before he was to graduate from HMC. Jay, an engineering
major and proctor of North Dorm, was a free-spirited person who lived life to the fullest. The latenight eaterys makeovermade possible in part by funds from Wolkins familyincluded an
updated entrance, renovated pizza kitchen, a sub sandwich service area, pool tables and sunken
seating area with wheelchair accessibility. Jays Place serves pizza, sandwiches, soft drinks and
snacks, and offers its night-owl patrons music, movies and billiards. It is also frequently referred to
as The Mudd Hole.
Hours:
Monday Thursday, Sunday: 7 p.m. 1 a.m.
Friday Saturday: 8 p.m. 2 a.m.

Motley Coffeehouse (Scripps)

Location: Seal Court
Phone: 909-607-3967
The Motleys Mission is: To be a socially responsible business that explores diverse feminist
critiques; To connect the Claremont Colleges with local and global communities by perpetuating
sustainable supply chains; To foster independent thinking and purposeful change. (They also sell
coffee and baked goods.)
Bring your own mug or use one of theirs for $1 off "to go" prices on drinks. (Using a Motley mug
means you must leave your ID at the counter until you return the mug.)
Hours:
Monday Thursday: 8 a.m. midnight
Friday: 8 a.m. 5 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. 5 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. 5 p.m., 8 p.m. - midnight

Sagehen Caf (Pomona)

Location: Smith Campus Center
Phone: 909-607-8637
"The Sagehen Caf offers an upscale, intimate dining experience. Whether you are joining us for a
quick lunch or a casual dinner, the caf is the place to be at Pomona! And Cecil's Coffee Bar always
offers a full coffee menu, featuring Pete's Coffee & Tea."
Hours:
Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
lunch served 11:30am-2:00pm
evening coffee and dessert starts Sept. 13

The Hub Grill (CMC)

Location: Emett Student Center

23

"A perfect gathering place Its all good at The Hub! Come by with your friends to relax, enjoy
all-natural beef burgers, traditional pub-style favorites and signature made-to-order deli
sandwiches and wraps. Enjoy freshly-prepared grab and go sandwiches and salads, made-from
-scratch soups, house made desserts and an array of bottled beverages."
Hours:
Monday Thursday: 11 a.m. 3 p.m., 7 p.m. 10:30 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m. 3 p.m., 7 p.m. 2 a.m.
Saturday Sunday: 8 p.m. 2 a.m.

The Shakedown Caf (Pitzer)

Location: Gold Student Center, Second Floor
1050 North Mills Ave.
Phone: 909-607-3900
Environmentally and socially responsible food made by Pitzer students
Hours:
Monday Thursday, Sunday: 3 p.m. 5 p.m., 6 p.m. 11 p.m.
Friday Saturday: Closed

The Caf (Harvey Mudd)

Location: Shanahan Center
Serving Starbucks coffee and a variety of snacks, The Caf is used by all members of the
Harvey Mudd community. Its a great place to hang out, especially in the area known as the
Living Room. The Caf is located at the southwest corner of the R. Michael Shanahan Center
for Teaching and Learning.
Hours:
Monday Friday: 7:30 a.m. - midnight

The Pit Stop

Location: Bernard Hall
The Pit-Stop Caf serves coffee, espresso drinks, gourmet sandwiches, wraps, salads, fruit
cups, juice, and freshly baked pastries. There is free printer and wireless Internet access.
Hours:
Monday Friday: 8:30 a.m. 5 p.m.
Grab N Go: Monday Thursday: 8 a.m. 3 p.m.

The Grove House

Phone: 909-607-3654
The Grove House is a craftsman-style home/creature that currently serves as a restaurant,
student center, and residence at Pitzer College and offers a respite from daily concerns and
academic pressures. Quiet conversations, reading or writing, cultural events such as musical
performances in the living room, poetry readings in the Bert Meyers Poetry Room, or student art
exhibitions in the Barbara Hinshaw Art Gallery; a womyns center, an ecology center and kitchen
-turned-restaurant, for nutritious foods are all part of the Grove House experience.
Hours:
Monday Friday: 8 a.m. 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. (meals served)
Open Monday Friday 9 a.m. 11 p.m.
Jocelyn Gardner 17
24

Mix Bowl Cafe

Valentinos Pizzeria

Salad Farm

The Brick Market & Deli

1520 Indian Hill Blvd

Pomona, CA 91767
(909) 447-4403

644 East Arrow Hwy

Pomona, CA 91767
(909) 625-3187

373 West Bonita Ave

(909) 621-1855

105 East Arrow Hwy

Pomona, CA 91767
(909) 596-5225

11 am - 1 am (2 am Fri Sun)

10:30 am - 10 pm

Bangkok Blue
Thai Cuisine

11 am - 8 pm

10:30 am - 7:30 pm (4:30 pm

Sat)
Closed Sunday

Delivery

2300 Foothill Blvd

La Verne, CA
91750
(909) 392-3235

Jimmy Johns
2320 Foothill Blvd
La Verne, CA 91750
(909) 593-1851
11 am - 10 pm

11 am - 9 pm

Jocelyn Gardner 17

Tokyo Japanese Restaurant

Dragon 99

Dr. Grubbs

9513 Central Ave

Montclair, CA 91763
(909) 625-3760

9335 Monte Vista Ave

Montclair, CA 91763
(909) 621-1699

West Bonita Ave

(909) 621-6200

11:30 am - 10 pm (10:30 pm Fri)

12 pm - 10:30 pm (9:30 pm
Sunday)

11 am - 9:30 (10:30 pm)

Aladdin Jr.
Restaurant and Cafe

The Back Abbey

128 North Oberlin Ave
(909) 625-2642
11:30 am - 11 pm (12
am Fri, Sat)
Closed on Sunday

3161 North Garey Ave

Pomona, CA 91767
(909) 593-3887
11 am - 1 am

11 am - 8 pm
(Mon, Tues)
11 am - 9 pm
(Wed - Sat)

Eddies Pizzeria
1065 West Foothill Blvd
(909) 398-1985
11 am - 9 pm (10 pm
Fri and Sat)

Day Days BBQ & Waffle House

Dominos Pizza

994 East Hold Blvd

Pomona, CA 91767
(909) 622-3217

366 West Foothill Blvd

(909) 624-1960

Closed Mon, Tues

8 am - 4 pm (3 pm Wed, Thurs)

10 am - 12 am (1 am
Fri and Sat)

Kaya Asian Cuisine

House of Wings

Szechuwan Garden

1640 West Mission Blvd

Pomona, CA 91766

2317 D St
La Verne, CA 91750
(909) 596-4466

8551 Central Ave

Montclair, CA 91763
(909) 625-1878

11 am (10 am Sat) - 11 pm
(1 am Thu - Sat, 10 pm Sun)

11 am - 9:30 pm

11 am (12 pm Sat and Sun) 10 pm

Round Table Pizza

Round Table Pizza

408 West Auto Center Dr

(909) 625-3856

598 East Baseline Rd

(909) 621-6913

11 am - 9:30 pm (11 pm Fri - Sun)

11 am - 10 pm (11 pm Fri and Sat)

25

Casablanca Bar and

Grill
500 West 1st Street
(909) 626-5200
11 am - 11 pm (2 am
on Fri and Sat)

The Last Drop Cafe

The Spot

Darvish Restaurant

435 West Foothill Blvd

(909) 447-4223

119 Harvard Ave

(909) 482-1870

946 West Foothill Blvd

(909) 447-4556

Monday - Friday: 6 am 8pm

Saturday: 7 am - 8 pm
Sunday: 8 am - 6 pm

Monday - Friday: 7 am
- 7 pm
Sat: 7 am - 6 pm
Sun: 8 am - 6 pm

11 am - 9 pm (10 pm
Fri, Sat)

Srida Thai Cuisine

924 North Central Ave

Upland, CA 91786
11 am - 9 pm (10 pm
Fri - Sun)

Delivery

352 South Mountain Ave

Upland, CA 91786
(909) 946-1553

3131 North Garey Ave

Pomona, CA 91767
(909) 596-6666

8 am - 6 pm (5 pm Sat, 4
pm Sun)

11 am - 9:30 pm (8:30
Sunday)

Blue Fin Sushi &

Teriyaki
665 Foothill Blvd
(909) 482-0300

11 am - 9 pm

Buca di Beppo

Royal Panda Chinese

Restaurant

Zubys Cafe

944 W Foothill Blvd

(909) 625-7494

1 North Indian Hill Blvd

(909) 624-3030
11 am - 9 pm

Honeybaked Ham & Cafe

Crane House

Tikka Wraps & Curry

Bowls

352 South Indian Hill Blvd

(909) 621-1855

11 am - 9 pm

505 West Foothill Blvd

(909) 399-3287
11 am - 10 pm (11 pm
Fri, Sat; 9 pm Sun)

Lucky Elephant

Pie Street Pizza

1515 North Mountain Ave

Ontario, CA
(909) 988-0161

1 North Indian Hill Blvd.

(909) 624-4040

11 am - 10 pm

11 am - 9 pm

Upland Kabob

Z Pizza

Far East Gourmet

Mandarin Restaurant

733 North Mountain Ave

Upland, CA 91786
(909) 985-5454

520 West 1st Street

(909) 621-7555

1965 Foothill Blvd

La Verne, CA 91750
(909) 596-2029

504 East Foothill Blvd

Pomona, CA 91767
(909) 626-2888

11 am (4 pm Sat) - 9 pm

11 am - 10 pm
Closed Sunday

11 am - 9 pm

11 am - 10 pm
Vegan
Glutan Free

26

Jocelyn Gardner 17

Scripps College has provided you with a list of items they recommend you bring to
Scripps. I have looked at this list and made a few changes.

Room
Comforter/bedspread
Pillow
Bed linens (Twin extra long)
Clothes hangers
Coffee mug

You can bring one to the Motley!

Fan

If you live in a warmer dorm, BRING THIS. You will have a hard
time buying one here in August due to the heat and everyone
else buying them.

Drinking cups, dishes, and silverware for snacks

This is up to you. There is plasticware in the dining hall, and

communal dishes in the kitchens. Though I'd recommend having your own items.

Poster putty for hanging up decorations

I recommend Command hanging strips or painter's (blue)

tape. Poster putty, I've found, doesn't work, and it can be
hard to remove.

Plastic containers with tight lids for storing snacks,

detergent, etc.

If you have food in your room, I highly recommend having

containers like a bin so that you don't get bugs. Ants will
come.

Headphones/ear buds MP3 Player/iPod

Headphones are very good to have

Cell phone chargers

Power strip

A lot of the first-year dorms used to house fewer students, so

the outlets are often hard to reach. I highly recommend one
of these!

Desk lamp or bed lamp

The lighting in the dorms varies. If you live in the older dorms,
you'll probably need a desk lamp.

Hair dryer
Alarm clock
Crates or stacking containers

These are versatile-- you can store books, shoes, etc. and also
have a surface to put things on.

Personal Items
Bath robe
Shower shoes
Towels, washcloths
Soap

If you don't think you'll have an opportunity to restock, bring

a lot of soap. Both for shower use and for washing hands.

27

Shampoo
Shaving cream and razors

Small bucket for carrying shower things

You might want to get one that has drainage out the bottom so it doesn't get moldy or fill with water.

Laundry basket/bag

More likely than not, your room will not be next to the
laundry room, so it's good to have some kind of thing to
carry it.

Laundry detergent
Dryer sheets
Band-Aids

They have some bandaids in the first-aid kits in the kitchens

Cold medicine

You can buy this at some places on campus like Huntley

bookstore, I think

Aspirin
First-aid kit

Again, they have these in the kitchens, but it might be

nice to have just in case.

Class
Computer/laptop or blank CDs for the computer labs

I would bring a flash drive, but not CDs. Nobody uses

those anymore.

Binders, folders

You know your study methods best, but keep in mind

that some professors do not allow laptops in class so you
might have to take notes by hand.

Paper
Writing utensils
Dictionary

Save space: just use the internet

Thesaurus

Internet!

Backpack
Calculator

If you're not taking math or science, you might not have

to bring one.

Day-planner

Please do not bring

Halogen bulbs and/or lamps

They have light bulbs

Hotplates, skillets, toasters, toaster ovens

They're considered fire hazards, and you don't need them

Air conditioners
Coffee pots

28

Microwaves

You can have only the kind attached to microfridge (the

ones available through the school)

Candles
Pets (fish in small tanks are okay)

Things I'm Adding

Command hooks

These save a lot of space and dont damage walls!

Sleeping mask
Stuff for the walls

This is a good way to personalize your space while also

making it bigger and more inviting.

Bed risers

At some point, you will probably need these. Probably

not this year.

Do not bring twinkly lights

They confiscate these, sadly :(

29

Toll

Dorm Life

Jocelyn Gardner 17

Eleanor Joy Toll Hall (TOL)

This is the oldest dorm on campus, and it boasts a gorgeous browsing

room, courtyard, and monastic atmosphere. The catch? It doesnt have air
conditioning. As a first-year, you might be in the newer hallway toward the
computer lab, the second floor doubles, or in other rooms. Toll has singles,
doubles, and triples, and each set of two triples has a bathroom that connects the rooms. There are three floors. There are very large study areas
here, also. It is beautiful and has a cozy feel to it. Being so close to the rose
garden is another plus! Its also supposedly haunted

Browning
Ellen Browning Scripps Hall (BRN)

On the other side of the rose garden from Toll sits Browning, another of
the older dorms on campus. Although it is historic and similar to Toll, it
has its own distinct charm as well. Unique to this hall is Browning Tower,
which is accessible from the third floor. Check it out to see an amazing
view, day or night. There are also many nooks and courtyards to explore,
such as Maana Court near the front entrance (which is also a distinctly
beautiful areacheck out the door!) and the tucked-away browsing room.
This dorm has singles, doubles, triples, and quads (which have their own
bathrooms). Unfortunately, there is no AC.

Clark
Grace Scripps Clark Hall (GSC)

Clark is the largest of the four older dorms, and unlike the other three, it
DOES have air conditioningyay! There are singles, doubles, and triples.
The high ceiling and interior balcony of the common room make it a very
notable-looking area for the residence halls. This dorm also does have some
newer portions, such as the first-year triple hall (similar to Tolls). Like in the
Toll triples, these have a shared bathroom connecting two triple rooms. Some
more similarities between Toll and Clark are the interior courtyards and
shared Oasis Court, which provides a beautiful view from many rooms.

Dorsey
Susan Miller Dorsey Hall (DOR)

Dorsey is the newest of the four old dorms (Dorsey was the newest dorm
for 30 years!), and it connects to Browning. In the main entrance, you can
find Narnia, or at least a large wardrobe that MUST be the entrance to
Narnia (youll know what I mean if you see it). Continuing with the olderstyle, traditional beauty of the old dorms, you can find a courtyard, browsing room, and common rooms among the singles, doubles, triples, and
quads. The rooms have a lot of character, and I know of at least one that
even has an old fireplace. Again, there is no AC.
30

Dorm Life
Wilbur
Wilbur Hall (WIL)

As of this summer, Wilbur and its connected building Kimberly are undergoing
some changesmost notably air conditioning and a new roof. Wilbur is the smallest residence hall, housing only 25 or so students. Together, Wilbur and Kimberly
are the size of the other dorms.

Kimberly
Mary Kimberly Hall (KIM)

Kimberly hall, sometimes called Kimbo, houses singles, doubles, triples, and
suites. As of this fall, it will have air conditioning. Kimberly is the first of the
newer dorms, and it stretches from the area behind Margaret Fowler to the
Tiernan Field House.

GJW

Gabrielle Jungels-Winkler Hall (GJW)

Often called GJDubs, this hall is the newest dorm on campus as of Fall 2015.
It has two kitchens, an amazing common room, and a courtyard reminiscent of
(yet still different from) the ones of the old dorms. Unlike all the other dorms,
however, there are no water fountains, so if you live here you should definitely
look into getting a water filter. This dorm has singles, doubles, conjoined doubles, triples, and 5-person suites, which feature single rooms around a bathroom
and common area. This dorm is also a landmark in its accessibility for students,
as it has automatic entrance doors and an elevator.

Routt & Senior Routt

Mary Routt Hall (MRR)

Routt Hall is to the right when you enter through the door ro the Frankel-Routt
dorms (collectively known as Froutt) nearest to the SCORE office, and it is easy
to confuse with Frankel since they are pretty much identical in layout. They share the
entrance lobby only, but the computer lab in Frankel serves as the lab for both halls.
Routt has three floors containing 7-person suites (these have 7 individual rooms plus
a common area and bathroom), triples (with the conjoined bathrooms), doubles, and
a few singles. There is air conditioning. There are many balconies, and from many
rooms, you can hear the bubbling of nearby fountains.
Senior Routt is the building containing apartments on the same side of the walkway that leads to Routt as the SARLO and SCORE offices. Each of these apartments contains two doubles, a sizeable kitchen, and common spaces. While they
are called senior apartments, you do not have to be a senior to live in them;
however, priority for these spaces is given to those who need the kitchens as an
alternative to dining halls. This building is considered to be part of Routt.

31

NEW

Dorm Life

This hall is supposed to open in Fall 2016, and is called

NEW Hall until its completion, at which time it will be
named. According to Scripps campaign site, The new 82bed residence hall will [] reduce the number of triples, a
condition impacting 75% of our first-year students. Designed
in harmony with the distinctive look of the first residence
halls, the new hall will feature the visual texture, courtyards,
browsing room, living room, and beautiful grounds students
and alumnae cherish. It is located near Frankel/Routt and
the Tiernan Field House.

Off-Campus
From Scripps housing page:
Brighton Park Apartments house two students, each in their own bedroom. All
units have a full kitchen, living room, bathroom, and patio, and are fully furnished
with cable and internet access. Preference will be given to junior and senior students
and to those who will be here for the entire academic year.

Padua Terrace Apartments have three-bedroom units that will house three students, each in their own bedroom. All units have a full kitchen, living room, two
bathrooms, and are fully furnished with cable and internet access. Preference will be
given to junior and senior students and those who will be here for the entire academic year.

240 House (the house located at 240 Eleventh Street) houses twelve people in six double rooms. The house contains a
bathroom, a washer and dryer, and living room with cable television and Ethernet connections. Priority for the house will be
given to groups of seniors and students with documented medical conditions and/or reasons.
1060 House (on College Avenue) is a fully furnished five bedroom house with full kitchen, breakfast nook, living room,
bathroom, back yard, cable and internet service, and parking available for two cars. This house will be available to five students who prefer single rooms and share the common areas of the home. Preference will be given to junior and senior students and those who will be here for the entire academic year.
5C Living Exchange gives Scripps students the opportunity to live for a year at another 5C campus. In short, a Scripps student exchanges hall draw spots with a student from one of the other Claremont Colleges. The students then participate in
hall draw to select their new dorm room on their non-home campus for the coming year.

32

Dorm Life

Each dorm has:

Communal fridge

Oven

Stove

Cabinets

Some cooking supplies

bage disposal

Drying rack for

Trash bags

First-aid kit

Cleaning supplies

Just return them when youre done, except the gar-

bage bags

Showers/bathrooms

Take out your trash or you WILL have bugs

Some have bathtubs

Recycling ones are blue

Recreation rooms (Rec rooms)

Recycle!!!!

These are basically common rooms with couches,

TVs, etc.

basements.

Ideal for storing suitcases that wont fit under your

TVs and usually with more tables for studying.

bed.

Pianos

Every dorm has a piano. The story goes that it used to

Resident Advisors (RAs)

Youll have multiple RAs, and they are great re-

be a graduation requirement to know how to play.

sources

Dont play during quiet hours

They have open hours

Browsing rooms

There is a rotating RA on call

Traditionally, men arent allowed in here (although

they do come in here, if you know what I mean)

Building Attendants

They are in maintenance and are super nice, so say

Like small libraries/study rooms

hi!

Gorgeous

Cleaning your dorm room and taking out your trash

Usually for quiet studying

is YOUR responsibility.

Computer lab

Building attendants clean shared bathrooms (ones in

Mac and PC

the hall, ones between triples, ones in suites, etc.),

Black-and-white printing

kitchens, and the entire building.

24/7 access by virtue of being in the dorm

They take such good care of everything, but try not to

Laundry rooms

make their job harder

Washers

This means: clean up your messes in the kitchens!

Dryers

Dont make a mess in the bathrooms (and if you do,

Some have hanging space for drying

clean it up). And dont leave hair all over the show-

Some have small sinks

ers. Thats just nasty.

Garbage bins for throwing out lint in the dryers

(seriously, please clean the lint filters so the dorm

doesnt burn to the ground)

Storage areas

These are large areas with shelves located in the

Living rooms

These are like the recreation rooms, except without

Dumpsters (outsidedont worry)

Garbage ones are green

Pretty self-explanatory

Lightbulbs

Vacuum cleaners

Some kitchens are bigger than others

Supply closets

dishes

them on other floors

cycle ends! And also dont steal

Sink with gar-

Some dorms have more than one kitchen by having

there to pick them up when the

stuff!

Dont take other peoples stuff, please!!!

in the washers and dryers; be

Kitchens that include:

Etiquette: Dont leave your stuff

33

s a Scripps first year, its likely that youll be in a triple. Then again, you might not. When
it comes to random roommates, you can find yourself living with your absolute best friend(s).
You just get each other and thats awesome! Other times, though, you wind up hating their guts
and their every move. Thats okay, too! Well, not super great, but its a valuable lesson and one
that youre going to have to learn anyway. Maybe your roommate is the most nagging individual
and is severely grossed out by your messy living habits. Maybe youre the one who finds the messiness revolting. Most likely, none of this will happen, and you wont have to deal with wild extremes. But be prepared.
The really important thing to remember is this: regardless of your relationship with your roommate(s), its important to be respectful and courteous, and even more important to communicate. If you have a gigantic test on Friday and your roommate is a diehard TNC fan, let them
know that hey, itd be super rad if you could help me out and be super quiet when you get
back, I have a test or hey, I hope this is okay, but Ive got a test tomorrow, would you mind
terribly crashing at one of your friends? Maybe youre the diehard TNC fan! Same goes. Listen. Communicate. Dont be overly selfish. Compromise.
This is where roommates sometimes get tricky, but its an important thing too, and one I had to
deal with regarding both my roommates.
Sexiling happens. College kids have sex. Its a thing. This doesnt apply to everyone, but its
worth reading. Maybe you dont engage in it super frequently yourself, or maybe youre getting laid every day. When it comes to sexiling your roommate, be considerate. Ideally, sexiling would occur when your roommate(s) have zero reason to be in your room. I had night classes last semester, so timing worked out for my roommate. Tell them what the deal is. Neither
you nor your roommate wants accidental walk-ins. If your roommate is the one sexiling you;
please, do not slut shame them. Its rude. Be understanding. Compromise. If its a big test day,
ask if they can take it elsewhere. If your roommate is excessively sexiling you, it is absolutely
perfectly fine to be like, Hey. I cannot deal with the excessive sexiling. Please dial it down.
Bottom line, communication is the most important thing. Be kind. Be considerate. College is
hard-- dont make it harder by letting roommate stress get to you. Respect will go a long way.
If you and your roommate(s) absolutely cannot see eye to eye, RAs and Peer Mentors are fantastic resources. They are your friends. They want the best for you. Talk to them.
Ellie McDonald 18

34

Alice Mullin 17

Communication is key
You'll already be all up in each other's personal space because you don't really have a choice,
but you don't need to make it worse by not talking to each other about what is important. If
something bothers you, tell them. If you are feeling claustrophobic, tell them. Also remember to ask them what makes them uncomfortable, and then strive to avoid doing those
things.

Avoid clutter
My room actually had a lot of space to store stuff. We had a huge walk-in closet, which
helped. However, the less stuff you bring, the better. Try to be pragmatic about what you
bring with you to school.

Keep stuff on your side

This sounds really childish don't-cross-this-line-this-is-my-side but there's some truth to it.
I'm a very tidy person at school because i don't like clutter and my roommate first year was
definitely not tidy. She also had a lot more stuff than I did. However, she did a great job of
keeping her clutter on "her side" of the room, so I never found myself stressed out or overwhelmed by her mess. My side was nice and clean.

35

Help! My Room Burns Like the Fires of Hell!

Jocelyn Gardner 17

If you have no AC, dont panic. I lived in the back hall of Toll my first year, and I wont lie, it was rough. But I did
pick up some tips!

Get a fan

Make sure you get a fan before arrival in August. If you try to buy one in a store in August, they might not
have any left due to a heat wave.

Make sure that your fan works ahead of time, or you will have to wait (one of my roommates ran into this
problem)

If you are at the top of a bunk bed, you can buy small fans that clip onto the side or can sit on a clip-on shelf.
Just make sure this fan isnt too heavy, as it may fall (as my other roommate discovered in the middle of the
night, much to everyones alarm. That thing was LOUD.)

You can get a larger one to cover more area, or keep a smaller one directed at you.

They are also good for circulating out that hot air. At night, put the fan in front of the window so that
it can bring in cool air.

Open your window and door after the sun goes down

Usually, it cools down significantly at night, so you can leave your window slightly open (but not enough for a
security hazard!)

Sometimes the cool air wont circulate into the room if you only have one window and your door is closed. If
you open the door and a breeze rushes across the room, youre in good shape.

The hallways are also often cooler than your room might be

Keep a cool washcloth

At the very hottest times of the year (move-in week into early September, then May) you can keep a cool
washcloth in case youre in your room and begin to feel overheated

If you want ice, you can find some at the Tiernan Field House, or keep some of your own in a dorm or
private freezer

Dont use heavy or warm sheets

I know that there are some nice thick, cozy bedding options available, but you might have to put those on hold
until it cools down. Jersey sheets (like those they sell at Target) might make you feel much hotter, for example.

Keep cold water

Having cold water kept me going throughout the day when you have to walk all over Claremont to get to various classes, etc. There are water fountains in some dorms, or water filters are good options. If you dont have a
fridge, there are communal ones in the kitchens.

Keep your room dark during the day

Lights (and other electrical items) generate A LOT of heat, so leaving them off will help

Hang out somewhere with AC

a.

If all else fails, there are many places with AC on campus

b.

Some ideas:

SCORE, SARLO, LASPA, the Motley, Honnold

-Mudd and Denison Libraries Clark, Frankel,
Routt, Kimberly, Wilbur, GJW (the common
rooms, browsing rooms, friends rooms), Keck,
Mudd, CMC, Pitzer, Tiernan Field House

36

37

Also, dont forget that

streets exist! And that running/jogging/walking can
happen on these streets!

38


Other campuses have pools, as well-meet someone who goes to one of the
other 5Cs, ask about their guest policy,
and get your new friend to sign you in as a
guest if you want to check out any of the
other pools/gyms (although with TFH, Im
not entirely sure why youd want to)

39

As a student athlete, the

best advice I can give to
other student athletes is to
plan out your time so you
know how much you have
available to do work. Also,
feed your body with healthy
food because it's hard being
a first year and an athlete,
and drink lots of water alllllll
day. -Mia Siracusa 17

40

Religion in Claremont
MCALISTER
Multifaith Student Council: McAlister Center is a gr eat r esour ce, and within it is the Multifaith
Student Council. This is a great group that is an open space for people from all religious
backgrounds or no religious background that gets together bimonthly and plans community service
events, panels, and other events for the 7C community to discuss various topics revolving around
religion and service. It is a nice open-minded group/support community!
Chaplains: Ther e ar e cur r ently two chaplains (one Catholic, one J ewish) employed by the McAlister
Center for Religious Life that serve all five colleges. Anyone can use either chaplain (or both), but
most Jewish and Muslim students involved with McAlister tend to interact with Rabbi Daveen
Litwin and most Catholics with Father Joe.
Rabbi Daveen can help you with personal guidance/counseling (spiritual or otherwise), learning
Hebrew prayers, and getting more involved with Hillel. She also leads Jewish High Holiday
services the first and second day of Rosh Hashanah and night and day of Yom Kippur in Balch
Hall on the Scripps Campus.
Father Joe holds services for all holy days of obligation and extra weekly services during the
season of Lent. The Claremont Catholics often meet about once a week over pizza for
discussions. Father Joe hosts the pizza nights for Catholic students and their friends on Thursday
nights. He also has a movie night on Wednesday nights where you can go and watch classic
movies. Fr. Joe is always willing to work with students on their various ideas for what they would
like to see from McAlister.
There is an initiative to institute a solely Muslim Chaplain, but as of the beginning of Fall 2015,
there is not such a position. The initiative will continue.
OTHER RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS

Jewish:

Hillel of the Claremont Colleges -- Housed in McAlister and run by Rabbi Daveen and a student board, Hillel
hosts Shabbat services (typically both Reform and Conservative) every Friday night that are followed by a
kosher meal cooked by members of the Hillel board. Typically, between five and fifteen students attend
services and fifteen to forty students attend the dinners each week, along with at least ten community
members (typically, these are families with a parent connected in some way to one of the colleges). Most
people dress up (nice pants and a nice shirt or a skirt or casual dress), but you dont have to. Also, some
people come every week, but it is totally okay to come less frequently. Each Shabbat typically has a
different theme, and sometimes other activities or discussions follow the dinner. Hillel also houses the
Jewish Mentor Program and First Year Students of Hillel, which are great ways for Jewish first years to
meet each other and older Jewish students. You can get involved with both of these and learn more about
Hillel at the Welcome Back Bagel Brunch that will be hosted at McAlister during orientation.
Chabad of the Claremont Colleges -- Established on campus about two years ago, Chabad offers a somewhat
different experience than Hillel. It is run by a young ultra-orthodox couple, and many events are held in
their family home along with their two young children. Chabad holds a lunch and Torah study session every
Friday, Shabbat dinner every Friday night, and Shabbat lunch every Saturday, as well as a bunch of
different holiday commemorations. Chabad tends to be more religiously observant than Hillel and the
(unofficial) dress code for Shabbat events is similar to Hillel -- make sure to cover your shoulders! Before
coming to Chabad, some students are initially turned off by the level of observance, but the Chabad in
Claremont is extremely welcoming to students from all religious backgrounds and to non-Jews. Many
students consistently use both the resources of Hillel and Chabad, and attending one does not preclude you

41

from attending the other a different week!

Kehillah (Scr ipps only) -- Formerly known as Jewish Dialogue Group, Kehillah was founded this past year as a
space for Scripps students to explore their Jewish identities and the way Judaism intersects with other
experiences and aspects of identity. It meets weekly in SCORE (by Frankel/Routt Halls) and has become a
really great Jewish community on campus.
Christian:
InterVarsity pr ovides oppor tunities for student fellowship on campus. The
Claremont Colleges are separated into 3CIV, which serves Scripps,
Claremont McKenna, and Harvey Mudd, and the Pomona-Pitzer
Christian Fellowship (PPCF) which serves Pomona and Pitzer.
However, students from any college are welcome at events hosted by
either group! To connect and find specific times and locations of
meetings, look for them online and on Facebook.
3CIV meets once weekly for a large group fellowship night called
Thrive on Thursdays, where students worship, listen to testimonies
and messages, pray, and get to know each other. There are many small
group bible studies offered during the week. Specific groups are
geared towards athletes, international students, and Hispanic
students. Student who might not consider themselves Christians but
have questions about faith can join a God Investigation Group (GIG).
Students from all five schools join together to pray informally or at
special meetings such as the Claremont House of Prayer (CHOP).
InterVarsity also offers the opportunity to participate in Mark Study, an in-depth academic investigation of
the Gospel of Mark. Students participate in retreats to Catalina Island during the school year and also
attend regional and national Christian conferences. On campus, students search for ways to reach out to
other students through events that allow us to serve others, demonstrate Jesus love, and provide
opportunities for students to enter into dialogue about what it means to be a Christian.
An examples includes volunteering for Pomona Hope, a tutoring program for
disadvantaged students in Pomona.
Claremont Ekklesia Clar emont students wr ite, edit, and design for the Ekklesia,
a journal of Christian thought. The Ekklesia aims to provide a space where students
can participate in faith-based dialogue, explore the intersection between academia and
Christianity, and use Christianity as a lens to explore a wide range of relevant topics.
The Ekklesia is entirely student-run and publishes once a semester.
Many of these groups have collaborated, with each other and other campus
organizations, to host exciting forums, panel discussions, and events. Examples have
included a forum on women and gender in the Bible with faculty speakers, and a
conference about evolution and creation. Stay tuned for a Veritas forum in the fall
about the intersection of race and faith.
There are several churches within walking and biking distance from the Claremont
Colleges, and students often organize carpools to other churches in the area.
Chaplains at McAlister, InterVarsity staff, and other students can help you find a
church thats right for you!

Muslim:

Muslim Student Association -- Holds J umuah prayer every Friday in McAllister, although there
has been an initiative connected with the Muslim Chaplain initiative to get a bigger prayer space
with places to perform wudu and holding prayers more often (not just Friday and all five prayers
with others). The MSA has an administrative board that also plans gatherings such as a Ramadan
dinner or just social gatherings.

42

NEARBY PLACES OF WORSHIP

Synagogues/Temples:
Temple Beth Israel (www.tbipomona.org) -- Reform synagogue in Pomona about 5-10 minute
drive from campus
Temple Sholom of Ontario (www.amishalom.org) -- Conservative synagogue in Ontario about
(20 minute drive from campus)
Huge Jewish community in LA -- lots of Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox synagogues; has
Kosher supermarkets, restaurants, and bakeries; are located in the Pico-Robertson
neighborhood of Los Angeles. It can be difficult to get to without a car (Train from
Claremont to Union Station for about $8 Subway to Wilshire/Western for $2.50
Uber for about $10-$15 to the area) but can be done, especially if you are
traveling with others or know a family who can pick you up at Union.
Churches:
Catholic:

Our Lady of the Assumption (Claremont) this church holds mass in other
languages, also

Baptist:

Lighthouse Baptist Church (La Verne)

Antioch Missionary Baptist Church (Pomona)
Holy Missionary Baptist Church (Pomona)
First Baptist Church of Claremont
Bethany Baptist Church (Montclair)
Central Baptist Church (Pomona)

Methodist:

Claremont United Methodist Church

La Verne United Methodist Church

Lutheran:

Good Shepherd (Claremont)

St. Luke (Claremont)
Our Saviours (Pomona)
Rock of the Foothills (La Verne)

Presbyterian:

Claremont Presbyterian Church

First Presbyterian Church of Upland
First Presbyterian Church (Pomona)
La Verne Heights
Inland Church (Pomona)

Latter-Day Saints:

Claremont, Pomona

Episcopal:

St. Ambrose (Claremont)

Non-Denominational: Granite Creek Community Church (Claremont)

Gracious Living Church (Upland)
Reliance Community Church (Upland)
Mosques:
Islamic Center of Claremont-- The closest mosque, on North Garey Avenue in Pomona. Its only
7 minutes by car or 12 minutes by bike from Scripps!
The Womens Mosque of America-- In Downtown LA, so not too close, but it is an amazing
community for women to gather, and it seeks to empower women and girls through

43

all-women prayer.
Other related-- For mor e events in SoCal, MPAC (Muslim Public Affair s Council) and CAIR
(Council on American-Islamic Relations) and other Muslim organizations host annual
banquet dinners, and other Muslim organizations (like the Institute of Knowledge, an
Islamic center/school in Diamond Bar, CA) host events as well.
Buddhist: Buddhist Temple of Amer ica (Ontar io)
Quang Thien Temple (Ontario)
Wat Pomonaram (Pomona)
Phap Van Temple (Pomona)

Quaker: Fr iends-Quakers-Meeting (Claremont)

Other: Mt. Baldy Zen Center
Hindu: Nithyananda Vedic Temple (Montclair )
United Hindu Temple (Covina)
Bahai: Infor mation Center (Rancho Cucamonga)
Sikh: Temple (River side)
Shri Guru Singh Sabha (Walnut)
Sikh Center of Southern CA (Covina)
Sikh Gurudwara of Sadh Sangat (Norco)
MISSING CLASS FOR RELIGIOUS REASONS
Your professors cannot penalize you in any way for missing class for religious reasons as long as you
explain to them ahead of time what you will be missing and why. You can also ask for extensions on

There are many resources on campus for both religious and non-religious students alike. The
McAlister Center is a great one for students of all faiths. As a Christian, I am involved with the 3C
InterVarsity Christian fellowship (3CIV), which includes Scripps, Mudd, and CMC. There is also PPIV,
which is the Pomona-Pitzer fellowship. If you're looking for a church, 3CIV coordinates rides to
churches in the area. You can attend the large group meetings as well as small group meetings, and
there are many events and conferences throughout the year. You definitely need to be
intentional in seeking out these resources, but once you get plugged in, it is a great community to
be a part of!
Because the Claremont Colleges are liberal arts schools, the campus climate is very liberal and
progressive. As a Christian, I have found that my classmates are generally accepting when I discuss
my faith and tell them that I am a Christian. However, the way that religion is addressed in the
classroom does make me feel uncomfortable at times, especial y as Christianity is regarded and
addressed as intolerant and as an institution of oppression. This is why I find that having a community
of like-minded people on campus that share the same beliefs and values as you is so important.
Phoebe Shen 17
44

assignments that would require you to work during a religious holiday that forbids such work. If
professors refuse to do this, you should talk to the Dean of Faculty (Amy Marcus-Newhall) or Dean of
Students (Charlotte Johnson).
KOSHER/HALAL FOOD

There is no kosher or halal meal plan on the 5Cs, so if you want to keep kosher or halal
you can either: Eat vegetarian food in the dining halls (Pitzer and Scripps tend to have the best options) and
get home cooked kosher meat meals every Friday night (Hillel or Chabad) and Saturday lunch (Chabad) OR
get special permission to go off of the meal plan and cook your own food. The Trader Joes on Foothill sells
(raw) kosher meat and lots of hechshered stuff! There ARE kosher for Passover (and all year round) lunches
and dinners for all 8 days at Pomonas Oldenborg dining hall that are covered under your meal plan. Look
for an email from McAlister about a month before Passover to sign up. You dont have to be Jewish to sign
up for these meals. There is a halal pizza place that just opened up right in the village (walking distance)
called Pie Street Pizza. We hope to make this a place for Muslim students to hang out and talk, as a halal
restaurant so close is rare!

FINDING OTHER RELIGIOUS STUDENTS

Jewish students:
Lots of Scripps (and 5C students) are Jewish, but most are unaffiliated with the Jewish spaces on campus
and do not engage in much religious practice. If you want to meet more engaged Jews, the obvious Jewish
organizations are your best bet Hillel, Chabad, and Kehillah. There isnt really one cohesive Jewish
community on campus, but rather a lot of Jewish spaces in which to make relationships with other Jewish
students. Additionally, a lot of Jews are involved in one or more of the Israel/Palestine related political
organizations across the consortium: Claremont Students for Israel, Claremont Progressive Israel
Alliance, J-Street, and Students for Justice in Palestine. If you are interested, while none of them are
Jewish organizations, each could be a great place to connect with other Jews from varied backgrounds and
political opinions.
Christian:
Try going to the Christian events hosted at McAlister, like the Sunday services and Fr. Joes pizza and
movie nights. There are two Catholic services on Sunday; one at 10:00 am and one at 4:00 pm, although
times change slightly from year to year. If youre a musician or a singer and want to contribute some
musical talents, the choir meets at 9:00am for the 10:00am mass and at 3:00 for the 4:00 mass. Typically
there are more students at the 4:00 mass and more community members at the 10:00 mass.
Nondenominational Christian services take place every Sunday, with participants meeting for lunch or
brunch before or after. Special services are offered for important Christian holidays, often uniting Catholic
students and other Christian students in collaboration. The McAlister Center also organizes service
opportunities, forums, lectures, and other community-building events. Check them out online for up-to-date
information, service times, and more! Ekklesia and Intervarsity are other great groups for meeting other

45

Christians. Nearby churches and communities are some other options.

Muslim:

Joining the MSA and going to Friday prayers is a great way to find Muslim students, especially if you talk
after prayers to Brothers and Sisters or just say hi to others at MSA events. The community can sometimes
seem divided and small, but once you get to know one or two people, you will start to get to know the whole
community, which is warm and approachable. If you want to start knowing the community, feel free to
message me on Facebook--my name is Noor Hamdy Elfayoumi--or just call me
(858-442-6134) and we can grab a meal and chat!
"It can be frustrating at times to navigate ways

of expressing ourselves at

college. I speak now personally from the experience of someone whose spirituality
is not grounded in any institutional religious tradition, but I feel as though the
same may be relatable to anyone who has difficulty integrating the vast
complexities and conflicts of personality, which ultimately comprise our inherent
human experience.
I have feared the extreme and polarizing judgments that I believed being open
with my Faith may trigger-- being labeled somewhere negatively on the spectrum
of being a culturally appropriating, "new age" hipster, or a brainwashed fanatic
who is uneducated or uninterested in secular matters... Neither of these limiting
characterizations are true.The truth is, we orchestrate the music of our own
spectrums of judgement. And knowingly and unknowingly, We Go To That Which
We Resonate With.
By choosing Beautiful thoughts, Loving thoughts, Kind thoughts, Compassionate
thoughts-- and aligning our actions with integrity to these thoughts-- we invite
Ourselves and All whom we interact with into the infinite music of these
vibrations."

Mcalister center is a great

resource and specifically a
group within mcalister is the
Mulitfaith Service Council
which is a really great group
that is an open space for
people from all religious
backgrounds or no religious
background that gets
together bimonthly and plans
community service events,
panels, and other events for
the 7C community to discuss
various topics revolving
around religion and service. A
nice open minded group/
support community!

46

Get Connected: On-Campus Student Religious and

Spiritual Organizations
The Student Religious and Spiritual Groups represented below are supported directly by or registered with the
Chaplains of The Claremont Colleges, agree to be respectful of those who have different beliefs, and are open to and
value the multi-religious experience of The Claremont Colleges. For more information, see the Guidelines for OnCampus Student Religious/Spiritual Groups and Clubs.
http://www.cuc.claremont.edu/chaplains/downloads/Guidelines_for_Student_Religious-Spiritual_Organizations.pdf

Anointed: The Gospel Choir of The Claremont Colleges

"Anointed" Gospel Choir is dedicated to providing the Claremont community with inspiration through gospel music
while simultaneously ministering to the souls and hearts of those listening. For more information visit the Anointed
Gospel Choir website: https://pomona.collegiatelink.net/organization/anointedgospelchoir
3C InterVarsity Christian Fellowship
3C InterVarsity Christian Fellowship is a community of students who are growing in Christian faith. Anyone is
welcome to our meetings, Bible studies, and events--Christians of any background, students of other faiths, or
students asking questions about faith. You're invited anytime. For more information www.3civ.org
Catholic Student Pastoral Council
Student planning group meets weekly before Sunday evening Mass with Fr. Joe Fenton.
Chabad Student Organization
For more information please contact the Chaplains Office (909) 621-8685.
Christian in the Academy
An informal fellowship of graduate students from a variety of traditions who come together to share a meal and
meet new friends. For more information please contact the Chaplains Office (909) 621-8685.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
Scripture Study Institute Class meets weekly for class and activities.
Claremont Christian Athletes
The purpose of Claremont Colleges Christian Athletes is to provide a safe place where people may come to hear
about and share in the power of God. This includes both testimonials presented as well as discussions based off
of biblical passages or shared testimonials/experiences.
The Claremont Colleges Bah Club
The Claremont Colleges Bah Club aims to increase awareness of the Bah Faith and promote interfaith
dialogue within the Claremont Colleges and the surrounding community. Our goal is to create a space for
fellowship, prayer, and critical inquiry into spiritual questions in the Claremont Colleges, and to investigate the
Bah teachings in the context of these questions. People of all religions and beliefs are welcome at all Bah
Club events.
The Claremont Ekklesia: A Journal of Christian Thought
The Claremont Ekklesia exists to bring Christianity into dialogue with the academic community at The claremont
Colleges. First, we hope to demonstrate that Christian faith and a vigorous intellectual life can be pursued together,
each challenging and enriching the other. Second, we aim to use Christianity as a lens to critically examine and
explore a broad range of subjects through academic scholarship, personal narrative and creative expression. Our hope
is that bringing Christianity into dialogue with the creative learning of these colleges will stimulate discussion in a
way that is relevant and engaging. For more information, visit https://pomona.collegiatelink.net/organization/
claremont_ekklesia
Eastern Orthodox
Community meets on occasion during the academic year for holiday and worship events.
Hillel at the Claremont Colleges
Hillel at the Claremont Colleges is the center for Jewish life at the 7 Cs. We serve the Jewish community in whatever
ways we can, whether through social, religious, or social action opportunities, or through any other aspects of your
daily life. For more information visit the Hillel website.

47

Hindu Society
Group gathers for holy days and special events.
Jewish Mentor Program
The Jewish Mentor Program strives to foster a sense of
community for all Jews, religious and secular, by providing a space for students to self-identify as Jewish in
whatever way they may choose. The program supports the diversity of experiences among Jews and hopes to
serve as a medium for promoting dialogue on Jewish issues, both within the organization and beyond, through
workshops, social events, and other programming. The program not only serves as a resource for students to
meet other Jewish first-years and find community, but it also strives to affirm all aspects of mentees' transition to
college and personal growth.
Multifaith Service Council
The Multifaith Service Council, a group formed by the Office of the Chaplains, brings students of various faith,
secular and spiritual traditions from the Claremont Colleges together to organize service projects, dialogues, and
events to build community, peace, and understanding.
Muslim Student Association
The Muslim Student Association (MSA) functions to promote awareness of Islam among the community, to
provide a support structure for Muslim students, and to hold Islamic events. Some functions of the MSA are to
develop a greater understanding of Islam, promote unity and conduct activities that increase unity and activism.
Membership of the MSA is open to all students of the undergraduate schools, and the graduate schools. For
more information, visit the Muslim Student Association blog or contact the MSA by email.
P.A.G.A.N. (Prayers About Gods and Nature)
This is an informal Pagan/Wiccan 5C group. All traditions are accepted. We hope to create a space for pagans to
congregate, worship, and form a community throughout all of the Colleges. Meeting times are weekly to
socialize, plan rituals, and discuss paganism in general. Anyone is welcome to join the meetings or rituals.
Pomona-Pitzer Christian Fellowship
For more information visit the Pomona-Pitzer Christian Fellowship website.
Pomona/Pitzer Intervarsity Christian Fellowship
Pomona/Pitzer Intervarsity Christian Fellowship meet weekly. All are welcome to attend.
Quakers Society/Friends
Quaker ideals of inquiry-based education, consensus decision making, peace, equality, and integrity will provide
the foundation for our meetings. This 7C Quaker group will be rooted in community. Our meetings will be a
space to transfer knowledge through community by having discussions on how to explore peace, justice and
sustainability within the 7C's as well as outside of them.
Queers of Faith
Queers of Faith is a 7C Interfaith Student Organization for LGBTQAI Students of Faith and their allies. We are
welcoming to students and community members of all faith backgrounds and sexual orientations. Our main goal
is to create a safe place to work through the trials, tribulations, and triumphs that come from living as and/or
loving Queer Religious folk. We also work to raise the wider community's awareness as to our presence.
Soka Gakkai Buddhists
Soka Gakkai International (SGI) is a Buddhist network that actively promotes peace, culture, and education
through personal exchange and social contribution. Soka Gakkai members embrace Nichiren Buddhism. Please
visit the SGI's website for more information. During our meetings, we pray, study and discuss Buddhism and its
application to our daily lives, and support each other in our faith. All are welcome to our meetings! Learn more
about our campus activities.
5C Spirituality Club
The Claremont Spirituality Club invites students to build a community where everyone can explore their views
and goals about health, wellness, and spirituality. We meet once a week in the McAlister Center's library, often
choosing a day and time that works best for the group's varying schedules. The meeting is one hour long and
usually includes a short (non-religious) reading and related discussion, as well as a 5-10 minute meditation. We
often choose our meditations from a book (such as Don't Sweat the Small Stuff series by Richard Carlson,
Ph.D), yet also welcome students to volunteer to lead a meditation if they so choose. The club does not prescribe
nor exhort any one faith, religion, or non-faith. As such, both religious and non-religious people are welcome, as
are those who may yet still be exploring this path. We invite interested students to contact us.

48

Zen Meditation
In this group we practice basic mindfulness, learning to reside in the present moment and experience
it fully. An ancient practice that originated in Asia and is now being widely used in the West, mindfulness is
not an effort to escape the place where we are, nor the pursuit of special, exotic states of consciousness. Instead,
it is the cultivation of openness, acceptance and equanimity, enabling us to become more at peace with our lives.
Parts of our experience that we have suppressed or pushed away are allowed back into our awareness. This
process of self-reconciliation enhances our capacity to handle stress and awakens renewed zest for life. Instead
of divorcing the "spiritual" and "emotional" dimensions of our lives, we allow a time for personal sharing of our
inner experiences, thus creating a small, supportive community.
Off-Campus Organizations
The Chaplains of The Claremont Colleges provide information to interested students about religious and spiritual
resources in the area. Any off-campus religious organizations or individuals who seek to interact with students oncampus must work through the Chaplains Office. Outside groups/individuals are required to register and be approved
through the policies and procedures of The Claremont Colleges and the Chaplains Office. For information regarding
the policies and procedures, please contact the Office of the Chaplains or 909-621-8685.

A Word of Caution on High Pressure Groups

Final Word... Be Careful! and check this brochure to learn how to better respond to high-pressure tactics.
In past years some students have had painful experiences with certain destructive religious groupsgroups not
affiliated with the Claremont Colleges, which are not subject to the collaborative code of non- proselytizing and
mutual respect on which the Claremont Colleges Office of The Chaplains has been founded. These groups are often
less than candid about who they are and what their agenda is as they contact (and in some unfortunate cases harass)
students, particularly newcomers.
If you believe that you are being recruited or harassed by such a high pressure groupor if you are concerned about
a friendcontact any of the Chaplains.
The Chaplains are here to help you have a healthy experience of your spiritual journey while you are at The
Claremont Colleges.

49

Conservative at Scripps
Id like to start this piece by saying that everyones experience in college is wildly
different, so dont take anything I say about attending Scripps as a conservative student
too seriously.
First, the great: Scripps is an exceptional environment in which to explore and discuss
ideas that students may have never been exposed to previously. Classes are designed to
best inspire conversations, and thoughts spil over the lawns and into dorms. Its a place
where learning just happens.
Coming from a conservative family, though, my parents were less than thril ed with the
new perspectives I gained at school. I had been looking forward to holiday dinners and
telling everyone about Claremont, but no one wanted to hear what I had to say. I
found myself defending California the entire time I was home, and at school, I had to
defend the perspectives I had grown up with.
For me, attending a college with a predominantly liberal student body exposed me to new
ideas, some of which I heartily accept and others that I didnt feel connected with.
Being open with my family about why I felt how I did helped us to move past any
hostility, though we do get into debates and my dad shares a plethora of conservative
articles with me. I enjoy being my familys go-to person to explain the basics of race
relations or challenges that women face, even if I know they enjoy talking to my
brother far better.
Scripps has taught me about growing up aside from learning the material for a
future career, because now Im more inquisitive about the world around me and tolerant
of ideas that are different than my own.

50

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52

53

54

55

56

57

Everything You Need to Know about the Registrars Office

Add Deadline
Since a majority of classes only meet two or so times a week, you might only get the chance to attend a class three
or four times before the add deadline. If you find that you feel indescribably angry or anxious while reading a
syllabus, seriously consider dropping that course. Dont torture yourself.
The deadline comes up really quickly, so keep track of it! Keep in mind that if you need to PERM (ask for permission
to enroll in) a class, you should leave the professor enough time to respond, so PERM as soon as you think you may
be looking to get into that class! You can always get your PERM accepted and then decide not to enroll-- this is
fairly common, so dont worry about hurting your profs feelings.
This is also a good time to look at classes that might have reopened.
Drop Deadline
This is about halfway through the semester. If you drop a class later than this day, you will receive a
W (withdraw) on your transcript, and this will be a waste of a course. It is, however, significantly better than
failing a class. If you are between a W and an F, take the W. Also, a lot of people end up dropping classes.
You can be in three classes without being in real danger; keep in mind that, assuming you dont count any previous
credits from AP classes, etc., you need to take a total of 64 credits, which adds up to 4 classes over 16 semesters
(4 years). But again, if it is between your well-being and your class, your well-being comes first.
If you drop down to two classes in a semester, youre technically a part-time student, and this could have serious
consequences. If youre worried about this, talk to your adviser, a trusted professor, or someone in the registrars
office. Theyre here to help you!
If youre not sure about anything, it might help to communicate with your adviser and/or your professor for the
class.
***A note about professors: Many of you probably come from large schools where individual interaction with the
teachers was not common-place. In Claremont, chances are that your professor will know your name. While they may
not reach out if they think something is off, they will be happy to talk with you. If you are like me and hate asking
for things, maybe send an email. If you prefer face-to-face, try going to office hours or setting up an
appointment. You might even be able to catch your professor after or before class briefly.
Overloading
I have never personally taken more than four classes in a semester. A lot of people dont. So if you start hearing all
your friends talking about extra classes, dont panic! It may seem like overloading is the norm, but in fact, it is not.
I recommend thinking very carefully and meeting with your adviser if you are considering taking more than four
classes in a semester.
58

While the workload itself may not always be a problem, beware of the actual time that overloading will take up. Dont
forget that sometimes you have to add time that it would take to get to far classes on other campuses.
Anyway, it is recommended officially that first-years do not overload. Get a feel for the way classes are, first! You
can even add more classes during the add period, then drop them later if youre overwhelmed. The only sneaky
inconvenience would be buying books.
Lastly, I dont mean to scare you, but you should be aware that while you may feel fine (but tired) in more than four
classes, they might catch up with you later, making an easier semester seem inexplicably and amazingly difficult. More
information on what this would look like can be found in the Burnout article in this guide.
Pro tip: GPA is out of 12 here
12 = A
11 = A10 = B+
9=B
8 = B7 = C+
6=C

What to do if disaster strikes

It happens. If you find that for any reason youre having trouble staying in classes, meet with the registrar. Shes
really nice and wants to help you! There are certain penalties that can happen to you if youre having difficulty
completing classes. Warning letters are the first. There is no real penalty, but they are informing you as to what the
more severe consequences can be.
Academic probation is the next concerning status. If you show significant delays in regular progress towards
graduation, you will be put on probation. This could be dropping required courses like Writing 50 or any of the Core
classes (this is pretty much grounds for automatic probation) or anything the registrars office deems significant
(something like continuously completing fewer than four courses a semester). If you know youll have semesters in which
you dont complete a full course load, you should tell them ahead of time.

From the registrars office: A student will be placed on academic probation the first time the semester grade point
average falls below 6.0 (C). Typically, to meet the terms of probation, a student must achieve a semester grade point
average of 6.0 (C) and a passing grade in each of four, full letter-graded courses in the first subsequent semester of
enrollment. The Committee on Academic Review may choose to set additional or course-specific probationary terms.
If the student meets all of the terms of probation but the cumulative grade point average remains below 6.0, the
student will normally be continued on academic probation until the cumulative grade point average also reaches 6.0 or
higher.
Now, if youre a student who had a rough semester due to stress, the worst thing that can be done is to load on more
stress with the threat of dismissal from the college, but unfortunately, this is exactly what academic probation
does. If you are put on academic probation, you can try to unload some of this additional stress by remembering that
59

despite being on probation, you are not trapped! Nobody here wants you to leave or be on probation. Talk to your
professors. I know this advice is very repetitive, but it really does help. And dont forget youre surrounded by an
incredibly caring, helpful, and non-judgmental community. People can and will go out of their ways to help you.
There are other, scarier things that can happen, and you can find those on the registrars site. I dont think its worth
putting here, since it will lead to needless worry.
Incompletes
Taking an incomplete in a class is at the discretion of the professor. In order to meet the criteria for an incomplete
(rather than a withdraw of a fail), you must have completed a majority (roughly 75%) of the work in the class, and
you need a reason. An incomplete doesnt make late or missing grades go away, but instead acts like an extension on
the class. If you do an incomplete, you must turn in the unfinished and agreed-upon work to your professor by the
first week or two of the next semester. Although it is up to the professors individually, you also need a form, which
can be found on the registrar site and in the office.
Petitions
During your time here, you may need to petition. Information is from the registrar site, again:
Students who seek an exception to academic policy or procedure must file a petition for the Committee on Academic
Review. Petitions are required to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
in
7.
8.

Seek exceptions to any published deadline including change in registration or intent to withdraw.
Request a waiver of, or exception to, any stated academic regulation.
Enroll in six or more courses.
Complete a self-designed major.
Participate in a combined degree or other accelerated program.
Postpone required first-year courses, including WRIT 050, CORE001, CORE002, as well as CORE 003
fall of the second year
Change a scheduled examination.
Receive transfer credit for College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) Subject Examinations.

Specific forms are available in the registrar's office to:

Enroll for independent study credit.

Enroll for independent internship credit.
Petition that a specific course meet a specific general education requirementthe gender and women's
studies requirement; the race and ethnic studies requirement; or a particular breadth of study requirement
(fine arts, letters, natural science, or social science).

Jocelyn Gardner 17
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CORE 1
I came to Scripps from a middle-class, mostly white high school in Seattle where I fit in perfectly and thought I had
received a fairly liberal education. Immediately after the first Core lecture, I realized we were going to look at violence in
many forms, not just the gore in horror movies and physical violence I associated with the term. My first semester of college
was spent learning that I had mounds and mounds of privilege. I present as a white, blonde, middle class, straight, able bodied,
cis-gender woman. People who hold the power in institutions that systematically disenfranchise marginalized communities
reflect these identities. I learned about the Prison Industrial Complex, the Panopticon, the revisions of Native American histories by White America, the lack of support for and erasure of the trans community and the physical and psychological violence
affecting all Black lives in post-racial America.
At first glance, Core 1 seems like a normal first-year intro kind of class. It meets three times a week, once in a lecture
with your entire class and twice in a discussion group with a designated faculty member and around 17 other students. You
will read about a book a week, and they will cover all sorts of topics within the realm of the theme, which this year is violence.
Each professor will give a lecture that provides insight on the topic of violence through the lens of their discipline.
I learned so much from Core, but I wasnt immediately able to connect these topics to my daily life. I sat in my core
class and had highly intellectual conversations about these systems of violence that represented the experiences of my classmates and many other people worldwide. My classmates with marginalized identities were asked again and again to provide
an opinion for an entire identity group they are a part of, which is fundamentally unfair, tokenizing, and should be challenged
if you notice this happening in your own sections. While I personally felt engaged in the classroom discussion of hypotheticals, I was unable to understand that these power dynamics affected my daily reality. Because of my privileged status, I wasnt
expected to engage in that way and if youre like me, you will not be expected to, either. Consequently, I was given space to
have discussions about the abstract ideas of racism, classism, ableism, transphobia, etc., but wasnt willing to admit that I perpetuated racism and many other forms of oppression daily by merely existing on the Scripps campus and in the world as a
white student (see Dear White Students in this guide). After a year of attending appropriate trainings, workshops, and events
--normally hosted by SCORE--and actively listening to my more marginalized peers (which allowed me to work through what
having privilege means and what I can do about it inside and outside of the classroom), I realized that Core needed an overhaul. It was not enough to teach an incoming class of students that violence exists in the world. It is Cores job to also give us
the tools to understand how this violence pertains to our daily lives, which will allow us to innovate ways to dismantle it.
There must be an empathetic and humbling component to an academic program when it deals with real human experiences
and systems of power that the majority of our student population at Scripps benefits from.

After recognizing that more privileged students were not engaging with the material on a personal, formative level
while more marginalized students were having to pick up the slack from this unjust classroom power dynamic, we started the
Core Mentor Program. The 17 students who make up the inaugural Core Mentor Team come from a wide variety of experiences inside and outside the Core classroom and hold many different identities. Each mentor has committed to working closely
with one faculty member leading a section. The mentors will attend your weekly lectures so that they stay updated with what
is being presented to you before classroom discussion and will also hold office hours for two hours each week. These office
hours are meant as a space for you to come and talk about a concept you are having trouble grasping, an issue you are having
with another student or faculty member, and, in general, for academic guidance. The mentors are there to serve you, and you
can come to us with issues you would like to keep confidential, or we will help connect you with others in order to work
through your issue. As the Core Mentor Program, our goal is to make Core a place where every Scripps student can connect
what they learn in the Core classroom to their everyday life in order to become more empathetic, engaged champions for justice and equity.
Anna Cechony 17 & Chelci Burroughs 17
61

What

Should

As soon as people know youre in

college, they will repeatedly ask you
about your major. Im a very indecisive
person and love lots of disciplines, so
choosing a major was (and is) difficult
for me. The good news is that you
really cant go wrong. In the humanities,
it doesnt matter what your major is as
long as you like it. I cant speak as
much to the sciences, but if you want to
be pre-med, you can do a wide variety
of science majors and even humanities
majors! Apparently, med schools are
starting to like Anthropology majors
because they understand humans.
Unless you want to do the 3-2
Engineering program, you dont need to
know what you want to do right away. If
you DO want to do the 3-2 Engineering
program, you kind of need to know that
as soon as possible. However, if you
want to be an engineer and didnt start
out in the program, never fear! Physics
majors pursue engineering careers as
well. In general, your interests may
surprise you! If you dont think youre a
science person, take a science or
math class to fulfill your requirements
your first year and really be sure those
important and fascinating areas arent
for you. If you dont think the
humanities are your thing, try out an
English class or a music class to get
requirements done and see if perhaps
youd like to major in an area you didnt
expect. I know many people who
suddenly decided to be pre-med
Biology majors and people who shifted
gears from Chemistry to humanities
majors. Your first two years are prime
time to explore and try out different
majors.
Basically, dont worry too much about
your major just yet. Challenge yourself
and try new things or pursue that
dream of being a Paleontologist that
youve had since you were four. Look
over the different majors and keep an
open mind. Perhaps you may want to
pick one to tell your extended family
about so they dont pester you too
much. In the end, follow your passions!
Writers have studied Physics and
CEOs have studied Medieval Studies
study what interests you and youll be
just fine.
Elisabeth Mayer 17

Major

in?!?!

People I dont know judge me for my life decisions, and especially

for my decision to major in art. I get even more eyebrow raises
when I say that Im also minoring or dual majoring in philosophy.
At the time I applied to Scripps, I wanted to be a physicist.
Throughout high school, I kept setting my sights on different
STEM-related fields. So what happened? Did I fail out of math?
No. I dropped math, but thats not the point. The point is that I
realized I didnt want to take it, and that making a choice like that
is okay. Staying in a field you dont like is only going to burn you
out, and I realized this only after I burned out really badly. (See
guide section on burnout for more information on this topic.)
I know it is scary to feel like you have no direction. After countless
hours poring through course requirement lists and the registrar
page and late-night arguments with my parents, I wondered if Id
have to choose between ambition and the school I love. (When I
say ambition, I mean the kind that grows out of cultural
expectations and other peoples faulty ideas. Im not saying that I
gave up STEM in favor of easier art. If you take an art class
here, youll know that art is not exactly a walk in the park.) Every
class felt like a waste, and it would take me hours and hours and
hours to complete simple assignments. Id get headaches from
pure frustration. But I gave it one more semester, and in that
fateful semester, I ended up in the Artist Book Core III and, as I
held a pen over a piece of scrap paper, remembered that Id been
drawing for nearly 17 years. I know, that sounds ridiculous. How
could I forget that? Youd be surprised. When you have art
beaten out of you for years, you tend to forget about it. When you
start it again, you doubt you still have what it takes. But I stuck
with it because I loved it, and everything (finally) fell into place. By
the end of that semester, I was decided.
It wasnt easy. Letting go of something youve been clinging onto
for years is horrible, but it can be necessary to your own
happiness. It took a year-and-a-half of confusion followed by a
semester or two of moping until I was ready. I had to unlearn all
the expectations Id placed upon myself-- they may seem like
they come from other sources, but think about them. Maybe I felt
that I needed to prove myself somehow. Maybe I felt I owed it to
my scientist parents, whose own parents scorned the idea of
colleges like Scripps. Or my high school, which made a huge
campaign to get girls interested in STEM. When youre worried
about disappointing the entire world, the only person you end up
disappointing is yourself.
Your major doesnt define who you are. Im an artist, but this
doesnt mean I cant nerd out over physics or chemistry. It doesnt
mean I cant study literature or music theory. Thats what the
liberal arts education and the Core curriculum at Scripps are
really about-- fields arent blocked off into neat boundaries.
Youre here because you appreciate all of it, so let yourself
appreciate all of it, and trust me when I say that you will find your
major.
One last thing: despite what other people tell you, your major is
not the be-all-end-all in terms of the direction you want your life to
take. Its not about what you take; its about what you do.
Jocelyn Gardner 17

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63

On being a stem major, I

would say again plan out your
time, and use all the resources
you can. Go to tutoring even if
you don't really need it. Don't
do your homework the night
before. STUDY.

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3/2 Engineering
Cameron Statton 16/17

What you need to know about

the 3/2 Program:

You attend Scripps for 3 years and another

institution for 2 years.

You get both a Bachelors of Arts and a

Bachelors of Science after the 5th year.

Your advisor will be Professor James

Higdon (KECK 116).

You dont need to join the program right

away, BUT you should as soon as possible
to make sure you dont fall behind on requirements (see more facts section for requirements).

What its like to be a 3/2 Engineering

Scripps Student:

The worst part is that you wont be able to enjoy senior year with your
friends or walk with them at graduation. You can only walk once you
receive your second BS degree (with the year below you).

It is so worth it to get a liberal arts and engineering education. You will

be one of the most well spoken and written engineering students you
come across.

You will have lots of classes with mostly boys and it will be frustrating.
But going to an all girls school balances it out.

Not many people know much about the program, including the Scripps
faculty, staff, and even the registrar. You are basically on your own
when registering for classes, so make sure you know exactly what requirements you need to fulfill. The registrar will not be of much help.
Professor Higdon also likes it when students take charge and figure
everything out themselves, but go to him if you are having trouble picking which class to take.

It is a hard program, but if you want to do

engineering, its worth it.

Most people drop the program before the

3rd year.

You wont be able to take many classes

just for fun.

It is hard to fulfill all the requirements for

the program along with the Scripps requirements without overloading some, if not
most, semesters.

You need to submit your Major and Minor forms as if you were the year
above. That means you must submit your Junior Major Form your sophomore year and your Senior Major Form your junior year.

It isnt as hard as it seems, and it is a very rewarding program.

Still Interested? Here are some more facts:

If you want to be a part of the program, you must petition by filling out a form in the Registrars office.
Most 3/2 Engineering students go to Columbia, but there are other options such as USC and Wash. U.
You must hold up a 3.3 cumulative and engineering GPA and cannot get below a B in any program required courses.
Foundation requirements for Columbia as of 2014:
Calculus I, II, III,
Physics Mechanics and Thermodynamics (PHYS33 at KECK),
Physics Electricity, Magnetism and Optics (PHYS34 at KECK),
General Chemistry,
Computer Science (different types of Engineering require different languages),
Economics
English
There are many different types of Engineering, which all have other requirements on top of what is listed above.
See Professor Higdon for the current/major specific requirements.
If you do not fulfill all the requirements, you can still apply, but without guaranteed admission.
Get close with Professor Higdon because he writes recommendations and will also go to bat for you to get into the classes you need or into the program if you havent fulfilled the requirements.
When applying: The application is pretty short and easy. You need three recommendation letters (one math, one science, and your advisor). Watch out for the application deadlines, they are usually in January.
Your financial aid does not transfer over and the Engineering schools tend to be much more expensive and give less aid.

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gh
Why 3/2 Engineering?

The thought of being able to attend two vastly different institutions was very interesting to me
during my college application process. I knew I wanted to go into engineering, but I loved the

feel of small liberal arts colleges. When I heard about the 3/2 Engineering Program at Scripps, I
was excited to be able to get the best of both worlds: a liberal arts education as well as an engi-

neering degree. This program was the reason I attended the Claremont Colleges. In the past
two and a half years here, the program has become even more appealing to me. I feel I can become a better, more-well rounded engineer by gaining a solid background in the core fields
Scripps professors teach their students. I have gained a better understanding of gender studies,
race and ethnic studies, and economics, and have become a better writer. Throughout my time

here, I have also taken many courses to further my degree in Biomedical Engineering.
I entered the program as a Chemical Engineering major, but soon switched to a Biomedical
Engineering major. I feel that BME covers a larger span of fields and gives me an opportunity to
explore the chemical engineering field as well as other fields. I have been very interested in radiation ever since I worked in the BioActinide Chemistry Group at Lawrence Berkeley National
Laboratories. What is particularly interesting about a Biomedical Engineering degree is that I can
do anything from creating medical devices to working in a lab with biomolecules. This gives me
more options for a career path and allows me to work on a combination of different things on the
macro and micro scale. I hope to continue my studies for an extra year at the secondary institu-

ef
tion to gain my Masters Degree. Although I am not certain what I will pursue as a career, I hope
that my research will help others.

Cameron Statton 16

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Managing the Workload at Scripps

(and Other Important Ramblings)

Disclaimer
Please keep in mind that Im writing here [mostly] about my personal experience, and it certainly may differ
from what you experience (our classes, backgrounds, extra-curriculars, styles, professors, health, etc. are
different, after all). I am by no means claiming that my experience is universal, nor should it be. In this article,
I am trying to provide some tips, anecdotes, and background that may be useful to you. I apologize if you feel
that this is not helpful to your personal experienceI hope that it is! If you feel that you are not represented
here, please keep in mind that there are other resources, as well, and I am also trying to incorporate things that
I have heard many other people discuss as well. Youre not alone, and Im happy to answer any questions you
may have directly, if you choose to reach out (laltmann3701@scrippscollege.edu, or find me on Facebook).
WTF is this article about?
Hello, new Scripps students, and welcome to the Claremont Consortium! Youll soon findas youve
probably been hearing ad nauseumthat this is a wonderful place with countless opportunities. Of course, as
a top-notch liberal arts college, top-notch academics are a top priority here, which means Workloads! This
article will hopefully be a good resource for you when it comes to figuring out how to manage your college
workload and life balance. In it, Ill talk about how college is different from high school (specifically, in terms
of school work and time/work management), what resources are available to you, tips to avoid
procrastinating, tips to avoid panicking when you do procrastinate and/or get overwhelmed, how to avoid
burning out (and how to deal with the fact that you probably are already burned out), the importance of good
work environments and how to create them, mental energy-savers and the importance of taking care of your
health (specifically, as it relates to managing your class workload), and the importance of figuring out and/or
refining your work style. Let the learning begin!
College vs. High School (and how to manage the difference)
The biggest, and probably the most commonly-discussed difference between high school and college is that in
college, there is much more freedom. Youll have more control over your academics, more time between
classes, more extracurriculars from which to choose, [probably] more people to meet, more events to attend,
and all the unsupervised time in the world to go do whatever the f*** you want. For a lot of people, this, of
course, means its much easier to procrastinate than it was in high school. My advice? Dont (but more on this
later).
The difference that Ive found even nicer than more freedom is that, in my experience, college has been less
work, but the work has been far more important. No longer will you be trapped in classrooms with teachers
who love to assign coloring worksheets and other intellectually lacking, frustrating busy-work. The work here
is harder and often exhausting (readings are long and dense, problem sets are complex, language tests are
frequent, projects and written reflections abound) but it really does broaden your mind, and youll find
yourself more passionate about certain topics, at least in part because of the hard work. So, in short: college,
in my experience, has meant fewer assignments, but theyre actually worth your timewhich also means
youll be spending more time, thought, and energy (emotional, physical, and intellectual) on each assignment.
Resources to Help with Time- and Work-Management
There are workshops staggered throughout the year that focus on how to manage countless thingswork,
time, energy, your health, your life, etc. These are commonly sent out in emails or posted around campus, so
keep your eyes open! Monsour Counseling and Psychological Services has workshops about these topics, and
the Tiernan Field House also has Peer Health Educators that do some programming on stress-reduction
(which, of course, includes time-- and work-management). Related events pop up all the time, so my advice is

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just to read the emails of events, look at flyers when youre going places, and try to attend the things that
interest you. Professors and friends can also be really helpful in this area; they may have techniques that will
work for you, too!
How to Not Procrastinate
I know, I knoweveryone has probably been intoning the mantra dont procrastinate, dont procrastinate,
dont at you from behind dead eyes for the majority of your academic career. I have never procrastinated
academically, so I guess Im either an excellent or a terrible person to take advice from on this subject. I
choose to believe the former. ;P
For big projects (research papers, studying for midterms, etc.), my go-to technique is what I call the calendar
technique. I figured this out and have been using it successfully since eighth grade; trust meif you stick to
it, it works. With the calendar technique, I print out or draw a calendar (I usually draw it, especially if I plan
to do the project or whatever it is over less than a monthsay, two or three weeksbecause then the squares
have more room for writing in), and then write in what I plan to do on each day. I start by writing down the
official deadline on the calendar, and then I write down my own deadlinewhich I typically make at least a
day before the actual deadline so that if disaster strikes (which for my technologically incompetent self is
anything tech-related; printer jam, pushing a weird button and not knowing what happened, etc.), Im not
screwed. I try to give myself more time than needed for each step of the project, and Im sure to label the days
with the step(s) Im going to accomplish on that day. By doing this, Im building in time for the other things
that will inevitably come upother assignments, snags with my work-study job that need to be resolved by an
inflexible deadline (Im co-Editor-in-Chief of The Scripps Voice), the need for a breather, etc. I find that
having this all written down on a calendar is very helpful because it is a visual reminder not only of what I
have to do, but that I have a plan, and that the plan is forgiving and can be rearranged. Every time Ive used
the calendar technique, Ive crossed things out and moved them to different days. It happens. And the
beautiful thing is that its fine. It really is.
For day-to-day assignments, I use the basic notes app that came pre-installed on my phone. I used to use a
planner, but the neater things look, the calmer I feel, so I prefer to copy and paste if plans change rather than to
draw arrows all over the place and run out of room. Either way, the point is basically that of the calendar
technique: to be able to see what you have to do and when youre planning on doing it. The difference is that
this technique (using a notes app or a planner) involves things to do from many different categories, rather
than being only for one assignment, project, or test. More specifically, the list on my phone will include not
only classes, meetings, and work to do, but also times the dining halls and cafes are open, what time I plan to
go to lunch and/or the gym, when hang-outs, dates, or parties are happening, etc. One thing thats been really
helpful has been planning to do fun activities and putting them on the list. These things are easy to cross of the
to-do list, which feels awesome, and they also help me unwind enough to get back to the grind. Anyway, I
always start my list with my schedulethe classes, meetings, meet-ups, work shifts, etc.that I have to do
that day. Then I double space and list the specific work (not just the assignment; what parts of the assignment
Ill do, eg do first half of philosophy reading) to be done that day. Then I double space again, and write down
stuff that would be nice to do that daywork or otherwisebut that I wont beat myself up for if I dont do it.
My list usually never goes away for the entire semester, because I find it helpful to have multiple days
sometimes even upwards of two or three weekson my list, again, for the same reason as the calendar
technique: I see what needs to be done and whats being done on what days, and therefore I can see where I
can move certain assignments when other things come up. A typical list might look like this:

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Today
Lunch with ____, meet in front of Malott 12pm
Mail letter/check mail
Astronomy 1:30-2:15
Dinner 5:30 with ______
Lit 7-9:50
Make calendar schedule for new lit reading
Study for Fridays psych test (see calendar!)
Philosophy reading
Highlight astronomy notes
Email boss about work ideas
Learn new song on guitar
Finish drawing

Tomorrow
Psych 9-10:30am
Work shift 11-12
Lunch
Philosophy 2-3:15
Lit reading (see calendar!)
Study for psych (see calendar)
Practice cajon
Saturday
Dr. apt. for fucked-up arm, 3pm
Have some goddamn fun, damn it
A really helpful thing that my tenth grade Spanish teacher forced us to do, and which I still do (somewhat
grudgingly, Ill admit) is to download a flashcard app on your phone. Its much easier than having physical
flashcards in that you dont have to worry about them getting lost or blowing away, and theyre always with
you. Stuck in traffic (and not driving)? Pull out your phone and study your vocab for that German test you
have on Thursday. Are an inconvenient ten minutes early for lunch and still waiting for your friends to show?
Those flashcards are waiting for you. Its really annoying and burdensome, but it really does work, and the
app is free.
Another tip that youve probably used before is to give yourself little rewards during the arduous trek that is
studying. Maybe after you read 20 pages, you get to go whiz down the road on your longboard at top speeds,
pissing off all the cars in your path. Maybe after you finish your problem set, you get to call a friend from
home (keeping those connections not only provides support, but can also feel very comforting and familiar,
especially when youre first settling into the community at Scripps). Maybe after finishing an outline and intro
paragraph for your paper, you get to go blow off steam at the gym. Whatever your rewards are, theyll help
keep you motivated, as well as will provide some much-needed--no, really, the work here can be mentally
taxing-- mental health breaks (more on this later).
Finally, there are little things you can do day-to-day that will help you to feel organized. Keeping your room
clean may help you keep your brain from feeling too cluttered. Being on top of emails helps me feel better,
too. Every morning, I deal with emails and check my schedule before I even get out of bed so that I feel
prepared for whats coming for the day. Try different things, and see what works for you!

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So you procrastinated. What now?

First of all, dont panic. Procrastination happens, and you can still get the assignment in on time. Really, you
can. Once you decide to finally get moving on your project, the first thing is to gather up everything you may
need, and go to/create the work environment that works best for you. This includes people (need people
around? Go to a library or ask friends to come over and study with you for support. Dont want people? Go
to the top floor of the Honnold-Mudd Library, where sneezing and throat-clearing are discouraged), sounds
(music, outside noises, etc.), smells (roses? Pencils? Smells that you study with actually help jog your
memory, so wearing a certain perfume for studying and the same perfume for test-taking can actually be
helpful), sensations (work best laying on your bed? Sitting on a pile of rocks so you dont fall asleep?),
places (your room, a browsing room, a library, etc.see article in this guide about study spaces), etc.
Changing up your work environment can also help, so dont be afraid to pack up and move around campus as
needed! Once youre all settled in your ideal/most productive work environment, remember that its okay to
ask for help. Your friends have probably been where you are now, and theyd be happy to lend a hand.
Maybe you ask them to go to the Motley and grab you a bagel and coffee to help you through your allnighter. Maybe you forgot notebooks in your room and need them to bring them to you. Maybe you just want
company. Dont take your friends for granted, but remember that they will probably be happy to help with
these kinds of things, and it never hurts to ask.
Speaking of asking for help If theres a more legitimate reason for your procrastination than you not
feeling like doing the work in a timely manner (e.g. you broke your leg and had to spend the weekend
hobbling around from one doctors appointment to the next, there was a death in the family, youre having a
mental health crisis, etc.), I encourage you to email your professor. Attach the work that you have done,
explain your situation, and ask if you can have more time to complete the assignment/get it up to your
normal standards. Chances are, theyll lend you a hand. Again, dont take advantage of how generous people
are here, but dont give yourself the short end of the stick, either. Asking for help when you need it is never a
bad thing.
Even if there isnt a more legitimate reason for your procrastination than just not getting around to it, you
could also fess-up to your professor in an email or in person and apologize. If youre honest and come
forward before you turn up empty-handed to class, your professors will probably trust and respect you more
than they would otherwise. Admitting mistakes is hard and painful, so if you do this once, you will probably
hold yourself more accountable in the future.
If you have more time than one night to get an assignment done but you dont have as much time as you
would like, take a day with few or no classes to smash things out. If you do this, though, be sure to also
schedule in breaks! I mean it. Burning out is the worst thing you can do with a deadline around the corner,
and scheduling breaks into your hell day will help you avoid or postpone burning out (burnout is one thing
on which you should procrastinate for as long as possible!). More on this in a moment.
Dont burn out! (And if you are already burned out, dont burn out worse!)
Burnout is real. Seriously. Its not just being tired or having a hard time making yourself do something (see
burnout article in this guide). If youve gotten this far in your academic career, youve probably experienced
some level of burnout already. In fact, youre probably burned out right now. Thats just one lovely sideeffect of the way the education system here in the U.S. saps us of our youth and turns us into the bigger
systems death-cogs. But the point is, burnout gets WORSE. If you keep pushing and pushing and never (or
rarely) give yourself a break, burnout can and will reach debilitating levels.
For me, burnout started as having a hard time focusing, and it lasted several months. At my peak of burnout,
it once took me four hours to read five sentences. Im not exaggerating. And this wasnt five hours of taking
breaks and coming back to itit was five hours sitting there staring at the words that I literally couldnt read.
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During my months of burnout, I would often become so anxious that my whole body felt like that stage of
when your foot falls asleep and its between prickly and tickleish, and you cant sit still but it also hurts to
move. As is common with intense burnout (which is a real mental health issue, by the way, but because its
so common, its just accepted and not discussed), I had both anxious and depressive symptoms. I had to drop
a class and quit a job, and pretty much the only thing to do was to wait for the burnout to go away, which, as
I mentioned, took a good semester.
During this semester of tip-top burnout conditions, I learned some things, and I highly recommend that you
take note of them before you have to learn them the hard way. We as humans tend to think that bad things
wont happen to usjust to other peoplebut trust me, youre not invincible. That is something else I
learned the hard way; as someone who did magnificently well in pretty much every way up until burnout, I
too had a dipshit ego that needed to go. Anyway, the point is that to survive the semester and to prevent
burnout from happening again, I had to adopt a new way of thinking about how to work, and my number one
piece of advice to you is to try to adopt a similar way of thinking even before you arrive on campus. I used to
work until all of my assignments were complete, period. I would even ignore basic needs like eating,
drinking, and using the bathroom until I came to a good stopping point, and sometimes, that would take
hours and hours. I believed I had no limit, and so I didnt give myself breaks, thinking of this as weakness.
While this was extreme, idiotic behavior and most of you are probably smarter about health than I was, most
of you also probably push yourselves too hard. Thats not necessarily your fault; the educational system
demands that we push ourselves to breaking point in order to get into institutions like Scripps.
But now that youre here, take care of yourself. It is very possible to do extremely well here and even to not
lower your standards without beating yourself into the ground. If you feel like your creative energy is
running out in one subject, switch to homework for another class, even if you arent done with what you
were originally working on. If you feel like you are approaching your work limit, STOP. Dont wait until
you hit your limityour recovery time will probably be longer than the time you would have spent just
taking an enjoyable break, anyway. You can always write yourself a reminder of where to pick up, even if
youre in the middle of a math problem or a sentence. Seriously. Just stop. During your break, a really good
thing to do is to check in with yourself about what you need. Feel like your mind is going numb? For me,
working out is the answer. For my roommate, its playing guitar. Figure out what helps you. This is also a
good time to check in with your body about what you need. Hungry? Eat something. Thirsty? Drink
something. Tired? Take a nap (20-30 minutes is usually a good amount; long enough that you get some rest,
but short enough that you wont feel like absolute shite when you wake up). Listening to your body and your
needs is number one, and it absolutely is worth the time. Figure out what strategy works best for you, and if
youre having trouble, ask for help. Theres no good reason for your health to suffer for your grades.
More on Health
Most of your professors here at the Claremont Colleges agree with the idea that your health shouldnt suffer
for your grades, and they are often willing to work with you so that this doesnt happen. Your professors will
understand if you need to miss class once or twice, so dont panicjust email them and let them know
whats going on, and then do what you need to do. Emailing them after the fact is okay, too. If you need
academic accommodationstemporary or permanenttalk to Sonia in the Dean of Students Office. People
dont always hold your hand here, but most will go out of their way to help you. Again, when in doubt, just
ask; theres no shame in that, and it can only help you.
Probably the most personally significant lessons I learned at Scripps are that normal to you might not
actually be healthy normal, and that this deserves attention. By being in a new environment with people from
all over the country, I saw that the attitudes expressed in my home town are not universal, and that the way I
responded to that (and to other stressors) was not normal behavior. This is how I discovered that Ive had
various, progressively aggravated eating disorders since middle school. Your health is important, so if
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something feels or begins to feel off, I highly recommend observing those around you and talking to people
you feel you can trust. Talking about my disorder with friends and letting them know what to be aware of
and how they could help has been amazingly important to my recovery. Those who have stood with me
formed by far the most stable and strong support base I have ever known, and I cant thank them enough for
that. My point is this: Scripps students are amazing people, not just amazing students, and if youre
struggling, they will be there for you. Your health is important, and you really, really are worth it.
Your work, your style
Everyone is unique, so your study style will probably be pretty unique, as well. While Ive tried to give you
all a variety of tips to try out, they wont necessarily be the best fit for you. Ask around to see what other
people do, and try out different techniques. Tweak things until they fit your style the best. Its all about what
works for you.
#1 Energy Saver!
And finally, my number one energy saver tip: be nice to yourself! If youre having a hard time, accept that
you are and ask for help from friends, professors, groups, etc. Everyone struggles eventually, even if high
school felt easy, and theres no shame in asking for help--in fact, people are usually really impressed by this!
Everyone knows that you got to Scripps for a reason and are not only an amazing student, but an amazing
person. Theyll be happy to lend a hand.
Lucy Altman-Newell 17

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Fighting Stress
The transition into college academics can often be disorienting for those who are unfamiliar with
how to handle the college classroom. Here are some tips on how to handle your new academic life
that will hopefully aid in minimizing your stress and anxiety.

1. Learn to plan
In college, as you may already know, students get to choose their own class schedules, and classes
are offered in a variety of different times. That means that instead of having eight hours of your
day filled in for you, you might suddenly find yourself with large chunks of time in between
classes or extracurriculars. Knowing how to schedule is going to diminish the risk of becoming
overwhelmed when faced with this newfound freedom. Something to keep in mind as you plan
your day is that you shouldnt feel the need to fill up every extra hour you have. While it's
important to make time for studying, the most important thing you can do is to make time for
yourself. There are many methods of scheduling such as making lists, keeping a planner, or even
writing due dates on a calendar that you can incorporate into your life, and I highly encourage you
to find what works best for you.

2. Learn new study methods

No two classes are ever alike, so dont panic if you find yourself completely deviating from the
study methods you used in previous years, semesters, or even classes. Its perfectly normal to have
to approach your academics differently after being put in this new environment. Take this first
year as a trial period to test out different ways of studying and learning to see what works well
with your varying subjects. The topics you will be discussing here at the Claremont Colleges are
often going to be complex, but you will not be facing this confusion alone. Ask your professors
and classmates questions and try to join study or writing groups.There are plenty of safe spaces
around campus that should be able to help you. By forming these connections and talking to
others about your struggles, you will often find that your fellow classmates are facing similar
issues; this discussion and understanding often makes the tough situations less stressful for all.

3. Learn to prioritize
Some weeks are going to be busier than others, so knowing how to choose what items on your
checklist are the most important is going to be extremely useful. While you should try your best to
complete assignments and read for your next class in order to better create discussions, remember
that it can often become unrealistic for you to finish everything. Dont feel guilty about not giving
something all your time and energy, especially if you find yourself overwrought with work to
finish. Therere only so many all-nighters you can pull. Try skimming reading requirements, use
online resources, and ask for extensions, if necessary, in order to make time for both work and
yourself. Being selective means that you dont have to sacrifice your mental health for your grades.

4. Learn to value yourself

College often comes with a highly competitive academic setting that becomes both a motivator for
students as well as an area of uncertainty and panic. Many of us here experience what is known as
imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome can be described as continuously doubting your successes
as a result of feelings of inadequacy about your own achievements. These feelings are often
unwarranted and create a harmful view of one's place on campus. Those experiencing imposter
syndrome start to focus on the struggles that they're currently facing and suddenly forget that
everything they have accomplished is because of their own hard work. In order to minimize these
feelings, the best thing you can do is to stop comparing yourself or your education to others. You
dont have to be smart like anyone else in particular, or join that club, or get that grade simply
because someone else did. The achievements of others do not make yours any less valid. It is
perfectly acceptable to use your admiration of others to push yourself, but dont let that take away
from what you've already accomplished. Remember that you deserve to be here.
Evelyn Gonzalez 18
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Self-Care

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Self-Care

Everyone needs a day

off once in a while!

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On Mental Health at the 5Cs

Adapted from my article for the Mental Health Column in The Scripps Voice:

I could start this [article] by throwing a bunch of statistics at you, but I do not believe that is the point we
seem to naturally gravitate towards summary, which is not always a good tendency in dealing with groups of
people. People are the point, not numbers.
Mental health reaches far beyond illness and, of course, the problems surrounding mental health run much deeper
than the standard discussion on stigma. Could stigma be a symptom of a larger fault in the way we understand and
treat ourselves and others?
Taking care of our own well being unfortunately does not always take precedence. Stress is omnipresent, yet we are
taught by society that this is normal and that we must handle as much at once as possible. This massive barrier is
effective in making this issue rather quiet if high stress is the norm and seeking help is discouraged, it should
not come as a surprise that people do not know about healthy levels of stress. I am alarmed at the prevalence of
people mostly students who take pride in or laugh about lack of sleep and obscene amounts of work. In the
midst of various commitments and expectations, there is no time to focus on taking care of ourselves or to look
out for others (another thing we are simultaneously commended for and discouraged from).
I am surprised at the lack of discussion about mental health in an atmosphere where caring individuals flourish and
question constructs of normality the way things are. How can we pretend the collective attitude about
mental health is fine when people are told things like: Get over yourself, Its just a phase and Its all in your
head. We internalize this toxic societal view and tell ourselves we are okay and do not need help.
I know people who can list all the American presidents off the top of their heads, yet hardly anyone learns about
psychological, social, and emotional wellness or the self understanding that is relevant and vital to our functioning.
Mental illness can be managed, reduced and even prevented with such information, which is not readily available as
much more than an afterthought to most health programs.
It seems most students are not aware of the extent of the problems facing people suffering from mental illness
and those who provide support. Reaching out to ask for or offer help is very daunting, especially considering there
is no college program here where students can learn about mental wellness, so the majority of us do not know
how to prevent or handle crises. Aside from the horrors those seeking help must endure, students who step in to
seek help for other students are chided for doing too much or not setting boundaries.
Reaching out for help is invasive and confusing. How can we be expected to know what we need for ourselves when
all inquiry about mental health is directed towards Monsour, which cannot be expected to handle everything? The
existence of Monsour is no excuse to dodge all discussion about mental health they do not run our colleges and
they cannot be treated like a magic fix-all cure to metaphorically sweep problems under the rug. There is no
platform to talk about mental health; if we want real information, we have to dig, which takes time and effort.
People suffering from mental illness and their friends have enough on their minds without having to untangle
themselves from red tape and the lack of comprehensive information about all spectrums of mental health.

These are a few ideas I [...] come back to often in this column. I started this column because everyone
deserves peace of mind. I want to clarify that there are resources everywhere.
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Jocelyn Gardner 17

Stigma & Oppression

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85

Hazards Ahead: The Problem With Trigger Warnings,

According to the Research (in The Pacific Standard)
Five studies you should read before you deploy a trigger warning.
RICHARD J. MCNALLY
MAY 20, 2014
Resolutions by campus student groups seldom make national news. Yet when the student senate at the University of California-Santa
Barbara passed a resolution to mandate that syllabi carry what are called trigger warnings, writers across the nation began typing.
Professors, the resolution said, must alert their students to course materials that might produce emotional distress. Students should
be exempt from portions of a class where triggering contentdiscussion of suicide, sexual abuse, kidnapping, or other disturbing
topicsmay occur.
Trigger warnings are increasingly being used on websites and blogs to warn readers away from potentially disturbing content. Their
rapid spread has sparked loud debate about their use, prompting Slate to christen 2013 The Year of the Trigger Warning, and the
New York Times to feature the controversy on the front page of a recent Sunday edition.
In the noise, it is easy to overlook that trigger warnings originated in the feminist blogosphere in part to emphasize the frequency of
sexual assault in America and the trauma that can come with it. The UC Santa Barbara resolution urges the university to require
trigger warnings to affirm its stand against issues of sexual harassment and violence. People who have experienced a trauma and
developed post-traumatic stress disorder remember their experience all too well, reliving it emotionally in the form of intrusive
memories, flashbacks, and nightmares. Warnings on syllabi can enable those who have suffered a traumatic event to avoid reminders
that can trigger discomfort. But as the following studies show, these warnings may be counterproductive. The use of trigger warnings
doesnt just underestimate the resilience of most trauma survivors; it may send the wrong message to those who have developed
PTSD.
MOST TRAUMA SURVIVORS DON'T DEVELOP PTSD
Experiencing trauma does not mean that one will develop post-traumatic stress disorder. Trauma is common, but PTSD is rare. In a
representative survey of 2,181 adults in southeastern Michigan, the epidemiologists Naomi Breslau and Ronald C. Kessler found that
89.6 percent of them had experienced trauma, such as rape, natural disasters, serious accidents, or learning of the sudden,
unexpected death of a loved one. Yet only 9.2 percent of the subjects developed PTSD. These findings imply that risk and resilience
factors affect whether exposure to trauma results in the disorder.
BUT PTSD ISN'T UNCOMMON AMONG SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT
Not all traumatic stressors are equally likely to produce PTSD, as Naomi Breslau and her colleagues confirmed in a recent study. In a
nationally representative sample of 34,653 American adults, interviewers asked respondents, Were you ever sexually assaulted,
molested, or raped, or did you ever experience unwanted sexual activity? Among the women interviewed, 14.2 percent responded
affirmatively, whereas 2.7 percent of men did so, according to Breslau. The lifetime prevalence of PTSD among the female and male
sexual assault survivors was 43.2 percent and 17.1 percent, respectively. Compared to sexual assault, severe accidents and natural
disasters produced far lower rates of PTSD in both women (16.0 and 6.9 percent) and men (6.4 and 3.5).
Influence of Predispositions on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Does It Vary by Trauma Severity? Breslau, N., Troost, J. P.,
Bohnert, K., & Luo, Z., Psychological Medicine, 2013
STILL, MANY RAPE SURVIVORS RECOVER WITHIN MONTHS OF THEIR TRAUMA
The clinical psychologist Barbara O. Rothbaum and her colleagues assessed the symptoms of 95 survivors of rape or attempted rape
over the course of several months. Although 94 percent of the women met symptomatic criteria for PTSD about two weeks after the
trauma, that number dropped to 65 percent after approximately one month and to 47 percent after approximately three months. The
data indicate that about half of rape survivors recover naturally from PTSD within three months of the assault.
A Prospective Examination of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Rape Victims, Rothbaum, B. O., Foa, E. B., Riggs, D. S., Murdock,
T., & Walsh, W., Journal of Traumatic Stress, 1992
CONFRONTING TRIGGERS, NOT AVOIDING THEM, IS THE BEST WAY TO OVERCOME PTSD
Trigger warnings are designed to help survivors avoid reminders of their trauma, thereby preventing emotional discomfort. Yet
avoidance reinforces PTSD. Conversely, systematic exposure to triggers and the memories they provoke is the most effective means
of overcoming the disorder. According to a rigorous analysis by the Institute of Medicine, exposure therapy is the most efficacious
treatment for PTSD, especially in civilians who have suffered trauma such as sexual assault. For example, prolonged exposure therapy,
the cognitive behavioral treatment pioneered by clinical psychologists Edna B. Foa and Barbara O. Rothbaum, entails having clients
close their eyes and recount their trauma in the first-person present tense. After repeated imaginal relivings, most clients experience

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significant reductions in PTSD symptoms, as traumatic memories lose their capacity to cause emotional distress. Working with
their therapists, clients devise a hierarchy of progressively more challenging trigger situations that they may confront in everyday
life. By practicing confronting these triggers, clients learn that fear subsides, enabling them to reclaim their lives and conquer
PTSD.
Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: An Assessment of the Evidence, The National Academies Press, Institute of
Medicine, Washington, D.C., 2008
MAKING TRAUMA CENTRAL TO ONE'S IDENTITY BODES POORLY FOR SURVIVORS
Many women who have experienced sexual assault reject the label victim in favor of survivor. But although the latter term
connotes empowering agency, having trauma become central to ones identity bodes poorly for ones mental health. The
psychologists Dorthe Berntsen and David C. Rubin developed a short questionnaire called the Centrality of Event Scale (CES) that
assesses how important a specific event is to ones personal identity. The CES captures how integrated the event is in ones
autobiographical memory, the extent to which it marks a turning point in ones life story, and the degree to which it shapes ones
expectations for the future. My Ph.D. student, Donald J. Robinaugh, and I found that among 102 women who reported histories of
childhood sexual abuse, the more central their abuse was to their identityas measured by the CESthe worse their PTSD
symptoms. In particular, seeing ones future through the lens of ones abuse was especially associated with the severity of PTSD
symptoms. These data suggest that acknowledging ones abuse but not allowing it to dominate ones sense of self may foster
resilience against the long-term psychologically toxic effects of childhood sexual molestation.
Trauma Centrality and PTSD Symptom Severity in Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse, Robinaugh, D. J., & McNally, R.
J., Journal of Traumatic Stress, 2011

This article is actually really

problematic! See the next article
about trigger warnings to learn why.

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Trigger Warnings

Jocelyn Gardner 17

TW/CW: PTSD, sexual assault, invalidation, suicide

When I see articles like this in my Facebook newsfeed, I get really pissed off. If youve seen my other articles or heard me talk
(ever) youll know how I feel about people invalidating mental health and trigger warnings. This articles author, Richard J.
McNally, takes some faulty views and backs them up with research. As a journalist, I found this article problematic in its
approach and integrity also, so I will now combine both standpoints and share with you the reasons I feel that it is dangerous
and inappropriate.
My problem with the article starts in the second paragraph at, warn readers away from potentially disturbing content. First,
this is not what trigger warnings do. They are not warning readers to not read something, they are giving readers information
so that they can make an informed decision about something that could devastatingly affect their mental health. Thats wildly
different from disturbing content, and you could make the same case for rating movies R. What if they didnt have movie
ratings, and you were watching a movie with the 6-year-old you babysit and suddenly a graphically violent scene happens? At
least if you knew it was coming, you could have made efforts to prevent the problem. And that kind of content is disturbing
content. Triggering content is actually harmful and dangerous. See my Watch Your Language article for more details.
Next, McNally reminds us that the trigger warning originated in the feminist blogosphere in part to emphasize the frequency
of sexual assault in America and the trauma that can come with it. Okay. Thats fine on its own, but he uses it in a context of
dismissal, implying, Ugh, those political correctness fanatic feminists are at it again! I think that is editorializing and not
relevant in an article that is about how studies show that trigger warnings might be overblown (the studies that supposedly show this are
problematic themselves, by the way. More on this later).
After using discomfort to trivialize the response a person can have to a trigger, he goes on to say, But as the following studies
show, these warnings may be counterproductive. Now, Im no expert, but in three years of statistics and analysis of articles
relating to scientific study, I would be inclined to think that he is jumping to conclusions. Not just jumping to them, but
hopping on a spaceship and flying to them, as we will see when I get to these studies. A few small studies may indicate a
pattern in the individuals studied and may be applied to the population of people with the same attributes, but unless you
study a very large number of this population, you are not very likely to get much more than a vague idea about your topic. Not
enough to say that trigger warnings are definitively counterproductive. Plus, giving someone a heads-up so they can be
mentally ready for something that can hurt them does not halt recovery. It prevents derailment of recovery. I will also just note
here that a grand total of zero of these studies actually studied trigger warnings. McNally is using studies about PTSD to make
statements about trigger warnings, when trigger warnings are about more than PTSD. Hes using these studies as scientific
information to back up a predetermined, faulty view on trigger warnings that Ive found a lot of the public shares.
McNally also says that trigger warnings underestimate the resilience of most trauma survivors. No, they dont. Unless they
say, Hey, pansy. Youre too weak to handle the content in this material, so you should just not look at it. I see trigger warnings
as similar to informed consent. You should know what youre getting into. I wouldnt have ever read a trigger warning and felt
that it was insulting. I cant speak for everyone, of course. But, hold on, is he saying that being triggered means you arent
resilient? If hes talking about a kind of psychological resistance, he needs to specify that. Otherwise, he is in fact implying that
a person who is triggered is not resilient.
Now we get to the first study. He gave good information on the study, giving us information about the sample and findings.
Then, he tells us Yet only 9.2 percent of the subjects [who experienced trauma, which was 89.6 percent of them] developed
PTSD. Only 9.2 percent? Only?!? Thats about 26,385,659 people in the United States, if you apply those percentages. Does it really matter that it isnt
the majority? Hes basically saying, Well, its not even 10 percent, so we shouldnt bother with trigger warnings. Yeah, equality, respect, and peace of
mind are overrated. Sure.
The next study found that PTSD is found in higher rates in those who have been sexually assaulted than in those who have
experienced natural disasters and accidents. There is nothing in this section that supports the argument he seems to be pushing
in the other sections. If hes going to editorialize, he could at least be consistent about it.
Fortunately for my word count (which doesnt need to go up, ever), McNally brings in another study that he uses to support
his claim that trigger warnings are unnecessary and counter-productive. The sample size in this study is 95 women. Without
even looking at the study, that raises some questions. Id have failed statistics if I thought that 95 was a big enough sample to
make statements about the population, which is roughly 1,684,210 times greater.
Thats like having a bag of 1.5 million jelly beans and assuming theyre all strawberry-flavored when you pull one strawberry
bean ONEout of the bag. And it gets better. The data indicate that about half of rape survivors recover naturally from PTSD
within three months of the assault. Okay, but does that mean that were allowed to bombard these people with unlabeled
triggers because maybe their traumatic experience was a long time ago? He is, again, making claims based on the idea that more

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survivors will not be triggered than those that will. I dont think it is permissible to dismiss peoples distress because of this.
The next section made me really mad by citing exposure therapy. Ive seen this a lot in regard to avoiding trigger warnings.
Exposure therapy may be the most effective treatment statistically, but you do not have a right to force exposure on someone. Why is
someones psychological treatment left to another person, especially without consent? Exposure therapy is about starting with minor associations and
proving them safe and slowly working up to bigger obstacles. For example, if you have a paralyzing phobia of heights, you may work from looking
outside a second-story window, to images from higher up, to eventually standing at the top of a skyscraper and looking down. You dont start their
therapy on the Sears Tower. And, with therapy, the person has informed consent and can stop on their own terms. When you force exposure in that kind
of intensity, its called flooding and it is actually extremely dangerous and can worsen the condition. People overcome allergies over time, but if
someone were to suddenly jump out of a tree and rub me with a cat, Id not be pleased, as Id probably not be able to breathe. Treat psychological
phenomena the same way.
The language used in that section also doesnt prove what he says. Prolonged exposure therapy and working with their
therapists indicate that long-term therapy is a good thing. So does that mean triggers are a good thing? Maybe, if they involve
knowing beforehand and going into therapy for a long time first. I see absolutely no link between working with a trained
professional and reading a detailed account of rape.
I was not thrilled that he reduced PTSD symptoms to fear in this section, also. Violent flashbacks/panic attacks/dissociation
are not fear. Fear is when your best friend convinces you to see The Conjuring or to go on Kingda Ka.
The last study he references sounds interesting at firsthe says that adopting the trauma as part of a survivors identity can be
harmful. That sounds reasonable. Then I get to, My Ph.D. student and I found Hes citing his own study. Thats cool that he
researches the topic, but this means that he has some stake in trigger warnings usefulness. If people accept trigger warnings,
they are doing what he calls having trauma become central to ones identity, and this discredits his research. Hes not
necessarily wrong in saying that seeing ones future through the lens of ones abuse was especially associated with the severity
of PTSD symptoms. That actually sounds like it makes a lot of sense. However, this is still not a reason to take agency away
from survivors. His researchs validity is a good motive for editorializing. Dont trust everything you read on the Internet, kids.
Before I leave you with an article I found (on the Internet), I would like to explain why I believe trigger warnings are an
intersectional social justice issue, and how it is in this context that I find Richard J. McNallys article irresponsible. You might
notice that the article Ive been critiquing here doesnt mention the fact that people with gender identities other than cis
female experience PTSD and sexual assault. Marginalized gender identities are statistically exposed to violence on a greater
scale, and are more likely to be invalidated and bullied by institutions of power. The likelihood of experiencing violence
increases at the intersections of marginalized identities. For example, a trans person of color who is also disabled and has
already experienced trauma is far more likely to experience it again, while a cis white male is in a place of privilege and
therefore is less likely to experience trauma. (Note that this is not to say that he isnt subject to violent or traumatic events.
Something like a natural disaster does not discriminate, though the research in the McNally article speaks mostly about sexual
assault, which does discriminate.) This briefly explains some of the differences in traumatic experiences that lead to uneven
rates of PTSD.
Another thing to note is that PTSD rates are not going to be 100% accurate because they are based on whether people can get a
diagnosis or not, and the people who experience the most trauma due to intersectional violence are also less likely (due to lack
of economic means, lack of access to therapy, internalized stigma against therapy, etc.) to seek the professional help which
would lead to a diagnosis.
Not seeking help also has implications for recovery. The studies in the McNally article demonstrated that exposure therapy
with a professional over a period of time is the most effective recovery method. It is also a very expensive recovery method. This
leads to incomplete, delayed, or nonexistent recovery in those who cant afford or are told they dont need therapythis means
that triggers encountered in daily life will be more detrimental to these people. So, in effect, in addition to the eight things you
are really saying when you oppose trigger warnings from the article below, those who oppose trigger warnings are also saying
that they dont care that trigger warnings prevent harm to marginalized people. This is potentially sexist, ableist, homophobic,
racist, classist, etc.
Additionally, it is also very possible to be triggered without having full-blown PTSD or PTSD at all. For example, people with
phobias have specific triggers in the subjects of the phobias and things they associate with them. You cant know what any
given persons triggers are, but if someone asks you to respect the fact that x triggers them, dont bring up x when youre with
them, and warn them if you know there will be x in the content theyll see. If you have a phobia, the worst way to be exposed to
a trigger is through surprise. Think of trigger warnings as a way to protect against surprise. If you use the food allergy analogy,
it makes sense that you dont want a surprise allergen in your food. Surprise! This bread has nuts in it, and now your life is in
danger! Or, according to McNally, youll be in discomfort. Someone elses reactions to a trigger are not up to you, nor is their
recovery.
Now, without further ado, here is an amazing article I want to share with you.

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From everydayfeminism.com:

When You Oppose Trigger Warnings, Youre Really Saying These 8 Things
(Content Warnings: Suicide, PTSD)
Ive heard a lot of debate around content warnings (popularly but problematically referred to as trigger warnings) and Ive got
to say, Im stunned. Who knew a simple request could cause this much of a stir?
If youre not familiar, a content warning is a very simple statement at the beginning of an article, film, or comic that lets the
audience know that something potentially distressing will appear in the content theyre about to consume.
Some pretty common ones include sexual assault, alcohol consumption, or violence. If someone has trauma around one of these
areas, and could find themselves triggered by the material, it allows them to opt out or brace themselves before they have a
traumatic reaction to it.
For example, a dear friend of mine is a suicide attempt survivor. In the years after her attempt, she tried to avoid articles and
movies that had some kind of detailed reference to suicide.
Because she had post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of her attempt, engaging with anything that included suicide
would cause a panic attack and flashbacks, and it was very harmful for her mental health and recovery.
For me, content warnings are sort of a no-brainer. As a writer, I want to make sure that my content isnt harming my audience,
and that Im sensitive to the needs of those who are still trying to heal from trauma or dealing with a disability like PTSD,
anxiety, or a phobia.
Life is already difficult for survivors, so why make it harder?
But there is a lot of resistance still, despite it being a fairly simple request. So I want to explore that opposition namely, what
were actually saying to folks with disabilities and trauma when we ignore or mock their requests for content warnings.
You may not be literally saying these things, but the following might be implied whenever you dismiss a survivor of trauma.
1. Adding a Couple of Words at the Beginning of My Content Is So Hard
Many people talk about the inconvenience of content warnings. As a writer, Im calling bullshit on that.
Even if writing an additional sentence at the beginning of my article were difficult (which its not), it will never compare to the
inconvenience of a serious panic attack, a flashback, or a dissociative episode that a survivor might have if they encounter a
trigger in my work.
As writers, filmmakers, content creators, or even educators, we regularly encounter demands on our work. Some people can ask
for the most ridiculous things. But a sentence at the beginning of our work or syllabus? A sentence to help survivors preserve
their mental health? Id say thats the least bizarre or inconvenient request Ive ever gotten.
2. PTSD? Lolz, Who Cares
Many of the folks who request content warnings are people dealing with PTSD. Symptoms of this disorder can be very
debilitating, including panic attacks, dissociation, flashbacks, hyperarousal, and difficulty sleeping.
Content warnings can be important for people with PTSD who are trying to avoid content that may trigger one of their
episodes.
When people oppose content warnings treating them as though they are frivolous requests coming from oversensitive people
they completely undermine the seriousness of conditions like PTSD.
What youre saying to survivors is that PTSD isnt a condition that you recognize or care about, and that you have no interest in
helping folks who are dealing with such a devastating disorder.
Content warnings make content more accessible for people with PTSD because it allows them to have fair warning and choose
to engage with that material when theyre in a place that allows them to do so.
When you oppose those warnings, youre saying that PTSD isnt a legitimate enough condition to warrant a slight adjustment
in how we present material so that folks dealing with this disorder can actually participate when theyre ready and able.
In other words, youre suggesting that you just dont care. And thats pretty lousy.

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3. I Really Want to Make Your Already Difficult Life More Difficult

Ive heard a lot of folks who oppose content warnings saying to me, Welcome to the real world! If you cant deal with this
article, how are you going to deal with real life?
You dont need to tell a survivor that the real world is hard, because they already know that. Theyre already living in it, trying
to survive and trying to heal. And your refusal to include content warnings takes already difficult circumstances and makes
them even harder.
Whats the problem with making writing, film, and (yes) classrooms more accessible for people with trauma? Even if the rest of
the world is going to be a challenge, why add an additional struggle onto their plate?
Its like forcing someone to wear heavy weights while they run a marathon, under the guise that running is hard, and if you
cant deal with the weight, maybe you shouldnt run a marathon!
Yes, the real world sucks. Survivors know that better than anyone. So we should work hard to make safe spaces wherever its
possible to do so especially when its as easy as adding a content warning.
4. Go Ahead, Have a Panic Attack Today
If youre not interested in preventing a panic attack, especially when its so easy to avert, it kind of sounds to me like you dont
care if it happens.
Im just saying.
5. I Dont Think Making My Content Accessible Is All That Important
Folks with disabilities like PTSD, anxiety, and phobias deserve to be able to make educated decisions about whether or not
they engage with triggering content.
It allows them to access your work or your classroom namely, by ensuring that they are in the right place to participate.
We label the deep end of a swimming pool, for example, so that folks who cant swim can make a smart decision about whether
or not they should be on that end of the pool. We create ratings for movies so that parents can decide if their children should be
watching violent films. We label foods that have allergens so that folks with allergies can decide if they should eat that
particular food.
We would never tell someone who cant swim that theyre too sensitive for asking how deep the water is, tell a child
welcome to the real world as we turn on a horror film, or tell someone with allergies to just get over it and eat some peanut
butter.
Content warnings operate on the same principle. Theyre there to prevent danger or distress, so that, like labeling the deep end
of a pool, people can make smart choices about where theyre going to swim (or, in this case, what theyre going to read or
watch).
Content warnings make content more accessible by allowing people to make the right choice and avoid threatening situations
that can jeopardize our mental health. Its not unreasonable to ask for those warnings, especially when they impact a great
number of people.
6. Stigmatizing Mental Health Conditions Is a Cool Hobby of Mine
Telling people with serious disorders like PTSD, anxiety, or phobias to just deal with it or trivializing it by saying theyre
being too sensitive upholds a lot of negative stereotypes about what these mental health issues really look like.
Mental illness is not about being too sensitive or about being politically correct. Mental illness is a serious and valid struggle,
and writing it off as silly or making a meme out of it completely trivializes what should be a very serious deal.
When you act like content warnings are just a silly request, what youre really saying is that mental illness and the people who
are surviving with it every day are just silly.
I dont know about you, but I dont think that night terrors and insomnia, repeated flashbacks of the worst moment in your life,
and panic attacks that leave your hands numb and your breathing restricted are all that funny.
Instead of treating mental health struggles as a joke, we need to treat it with the seriousness that it deserves. And if thats a
little inconvenient, so be it.

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7. I Like to Ignore My Audience and My Impact

If you dont care about the impact that your work has on the community that you are serving whether its with your articles
or your films or a lesson you give in your classroom what exactly is the point of what youre doing?
As a writer, Im concerned if there are people who cant access my content and learn from it because each time that they try to,
they are harmed by what Ive put out into the world. As a writer, Im concerned if my impact is way different than my intention.
I recognize that I wont make every single person happy with my writing. There will always be individuals who are a bit
disgruntled. But I also recognize that when a community calls on me to make my content better, I should tune in and see if
theres a way that I can do it.
Entire communities have called on us to include content warnings because its a significant enough concern to unite around.
Instead of ignoring that, I feel that I and other content creators have a responsibility to tune in.
We should think critically about who our work is serving. And if our work is not accessible to everyone, and if there is a
community that is negatively impacted by what were doing, we should think about ways that we can make our work better so
that anyone and everyone can participate.
Theres a big difference between being displeased with your work and actually being harmed by it. And if theres an easy way to
prevent that harm, and to include more people in our work, I think its worth doing.
Otherwise, who are we serving? And more specifically, who are we excluding?
8. Your Trauma Doesnt Matter to Me
Ultimately, the big takeaway that many folks have when you refuse to include content warnings is that the trauma that they
have experienced isnt important to you.
Whether it was a veteran who just barely made it out of combat alive, a black man who was the victim of a vicious hate crime,
or a woman who was violently sexually assaulted, what youre saying to them is that what theyve been through and what they
need to survive is completely and utterly unimportant to you.
And if you arent the slightest bit concerned about that message, theres some deeper reflection that needs to happen.
Because while no one is asking you to fix their struggles for them or hold their hand, what they are asking is that you care
enough to write a single sentence on that article or in that syllabus, just enough to give them the chance to opt out or put some
self-care in place if they need to.
Their request isnt ridiculous.
Whats ridiculous is that people are still debating about this, as if your convenience trumps their trauma.
***
So Im a little passionate about content warnings, if you couldnt tell.
Im passionate because it can make a world of difference for folks who are already struggling. Its so easy, and yet it can be the
difference between a decent day and a day ridden with panic and dysfunction.
While we cant reasonably have a content warning for every single trigger that exists, I dont think its difficult to have some
guidelines some very basic warnings that folks can abide by so that we can prevent some of the harm that is done to survivors
of trauma.
Many platforms, including right here at Everyday Feminism, have already made the shift. And guess what. It was no big deal.
Its not about censoring our work a heads up doesnt censor anything, just the way that labeling the deep end of the pool
doesnt magically change the depth of the pool, or labeling allergens doesnt change the ingredients in the food but rather,
identifies them.
I am committed to including content warnings when I can because I believe that survivors deserve to make educated decisions
so that they can manage their health and wellbeing. When a community comes together and asks us to do right by them, I think
we have an obligation to do our best to respond.
And honestly? With a measure that is so simple, the bottom line is that theres just no good reason not to .

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ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition in which characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and
impulsivity. ADHD is most commonly diagnosed in young people, according to the Center for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC). An estimated 9% of children between ages 317 have ADHD. While ADHD is usually diagnosed in
childhood, it does not only affect children. An estimated 4% of adults have ADHD.
With treatment, most people with ADHD can be successful in school, work and lead productive lives. Researchers are
using new tools such as brain imaging to better understand the condition and to find more effective ways to treat and
prevent ADHD.

Symptoms

While some behaviors associated with ADHD are normal, someone with ADHD will have trouble controlling these
behaviors and will show them much more frequently and for longer than 6 months.
Signs of inattention include:

Becoming easily distracted, and jumping from activity to activity.

Becoming bored with a task quickly.
Difficulty focusing attention or completing a single task or activity.
Trouble completing or turning in homework assignments.
Losing things such as school supplies or toys.
Not listening or paying attention when spoken to.
Daydreaming or wandering with lack of motivation.
Difficulty processing information quickly.
Struggling to follow directions.

Signs of hyperactivity include:

Fidgeting and squirming, having trouble sitting still.

Non-stop talking.
Touching or playing with everything.
Difficulty doing quiet tasks or activities.

Signs of impulsivity include:

Impatience.
Acting without regard for consequences, blurting things out.
Difficulty taking turns, waiting or sharing.
Interrupting others.

Causes
There are several factors believed to contribute to ADHD:
Genetics. Research shows that genes may be a large contributor to ADHD. ADHD often runs in families and some
trends in specific brain areas that contribute to attention.
Environmental factors. Studies show a link between cigarette smoking and alcohol use during pregnancy and
children who have ADHD. Exposure to lead as a child has also been shown to increase the likelihood of ADHD in
children.

- See more at: https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions/ADHD#sthash.hBV3JHuu.dpuf

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ADHD Support
ADHD is one of the conditions most strongly linked to genetics. People with ADHD do not lack
intelligence or disciplinethey are just challenged by sustaining the focus needed to complete tasks.
Contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or info@nami.org if you have any questions about
anxiety disorders or need to find support and resources.

Helping Yourself
Many of the strategies that help youth with ADHD, including structure, organizational tips and coaching
as well as medication interventions can be helpful for you as an adult living with ADHD as well.
Developing an individualized approach to your treatment, one that focuses on your strengths and
circumstances, is just as critical for you as an adult as it is for children.
One of the major areas of focus for adults living with ADHD is learning to manage the disorder in the
workplace. Symptoms can cause difficulties in some or all of the following areas:
Organizing paperwork, prioritizing tasks and estimating the amount of time it takes to get started on and complete
projects in a timely manner
Focusing, sustaining and shifting attention from one project to another
Staying alert, sustaining effort and processing information in a reasonable amount of time
Remembering facts while actively processing other information
Regulating impulsivity and picking up on the nonverbal cues from others

There are a lot of things you can do to keep yourself organized and work with a low level of stress. Know
your rights and work with your employer to make your environment suitable for your needs. Some
common accommodations include:
Keep in mind that you will want to talk with your supervisor and ensure that these accommodations will
not cause an undue burden on your place of employment. You can find more information about
accommodations by visiting the Job Accommodation Network website. [This can be used for some ideas

when applying for DoS Accommodations]

Scheduling regular meetings with supervisor to prioritize tasks Integrating interesting projects with more mundane tasks
Developing a checklist of assignments, and a workflow chart
Allowing the employee to audio record instructions and

that provides an idea of time required for each project

Using an electronic filing system
Extending deadlines on projects and tasks
Providing a distraction-free workspace
Breaking up big assignments into smaller tasks
Providing structured breaks

meetings, and/or providing written instructions on projects

and training
Allowing the employee to work from home
Engaging the help of a job coach
Allowing the employee to skip social events
Assigning a mentor to assist the employee

- See more at: https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions/ADHD/Support#sthash.jduMlYGg.dpuf

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Anxiety Support
Coping with anxiety can be challenging, but NAMI is here to provide support and information for you and your family. Contact the NAMI
HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or info@nami.org if you have any questions about anxiety disorders, or finding support and resources.

Helping Yourself

Anxiety disorders can impact even the smallest details of life. Its important to get help and know how to stay resilient when things
are tough. Here are some ways you can work towards recovery:

Become an expert. Learn about medication and treatment options. Keep up with current research. Build a personal library of
useful websites and helpful books.

Know your triggers and stressors. If large groups make you cringe, plan to see the Sunday matinee. If taking a walk outdoors
reduces your anxiety before a big meeting, schedule a 10 minute walk before the meeting starts. Being mindful of triggers and
stressors will help you live your life with fewer limitations.

Partner with your health care providers. Actively participate in your treatment by working with mental health care
professionals to develop a plan that works for you. Talk with them about your goals, decide on a recovery pace youre
comfortable with, then stick to the plan. Dont quit when something doesnt go well. Instead, talk to your doctor or therapist
about options and possible changes.

Get healthy. Studies have reported that 30 minutes of vigorous, aerobic exercise can eliminate symptoms, while low-key
activities like meditation, yoga or Tai Chi relieve stress. Regular exercise can reduce many symptoms. Diet is also an important
factor. Try to eat healthy, balanced meals, and pay attention to food sensitivities. In some people, certain foods or additives can
cause unpleasant physical reactions, which may lead to irritability or anxiety.

Avoid drugs and alcohol. These substances may seem to help with anxiety at first, but can disrupt emotional balance, sleep
cycles and interact with medications. Coffee, energy drinks and cigarettes worsen anxiety.

Find support. Share your thoughts, fears and questions with other people. NAMI offers Connection Recovery Support Groups and
Peer-to-Peer education programs, as well as online discussion communities.
If you live with a mental health condition, learn more about managing your mental health and finding the support you need.

Helping a Family Member or Friend

Learn about triggers, stressor and symptoms. By being informed and aware, you may be able to prevent an increase in
symptoms. Look for things like rapid breathing, fidgeting or avoidance. Discuss your friend or family members past
experiences with them so they can clearly recognize the signs early.

Create a treatment role. Increasingly, mental health professionals are recommending couple or family-based treatment
programs. Occasionally, a therapist might enlist a loved one to help reinforce behavior modification techniques or help
with homework. Ultimately the work involved in recovery is the responsibility of the person with the disorder, but you can
play an active, supportive role.

Communicate. Speak honestly and kindly. Make specific offers of help and follow through. Offer alternatives that may be
more comfortable for your loved one so she can still be involved. Tell the person you care about her. Ask how she feels and
dont chide or judge.

Allow time for recovery. Understanding and patience need to be balanced with pushing for progress and your expectations.

React calmly and rationally. Even if your loved one is in a crisis, its important to remain calm. Listen to him and make him
feel understood, then take the next step towards getting help.
Find out more about taking care of your family member or friend and yourself.

- See more at: https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions/Anxiety-Disorders/Support#sthash.3p3GC8de.dpuf

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Bipolar
Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental illness that causes dramatic shifts in a persons mood, energy and ability to think clearly.
People with bipolar have high and low moods, known as mania and depression, which differ from the typical ups and downs most
people experience. If left untreated, the symptoms usually get worse. However, with a strong lifestyle that includes selfmanagement and a good treatment plan, many people live well with the condition.
With mania, people may feel extremely irritable or euphoric. People living with bipolar may experience several extremes in the shape
of agitation, sleeplessness and talkativeness or sadness and hopelessness. They may also have extreme pleasure-seeking or risktaking behaviors.
Peoples symptoms and the severity of their mania or depression vary widely. Although bipolar disorder can occur at any point in
life, the average age of onset is 25. Every year, 2.9% of the U.S. population is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, with nearly 83% of
cases being classified as severe. Bipolar disorder affects men and women equally.

Symptoms
A person with bipolar disorder may have distinct manic or depressed states. A person with mixed episodes experiences both
extremes simultaneously or in rapid sequence. Severe bipolar episodes of mania or depression may also include psychotic symptoms
such as hallucinations or delusions. Usually, these psychotic symptoms mirror a persons extreme mood. Someone who is manic
might believe he has special powers and may display risky behavior. Someone who is depressed might feel hopeless, helpless and be
unable to perform normal tasks. People with bipolar disorder who have psychotic symptoms may be wrongly diagnosed as having
schizophrenia.
Mania. To be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a person must have experienced mania or hypomania. Hypomania is a milder form of
mania that doesn't include psychotic episodes. People with hypomania can often function normally in social situations or at work.
Some people with bipolar disorder will have episodes of mania or hypomania many times; others may experience them only rarely. To
determine what type of bipolar disorder people have, doctors evaluate how impaired they are during their most severe episode of
mania or hypomania.

Although someone with bipolar may find an elevated mood very appealing
especially if it occurs after depression
the high does not
stop at a comfortable or controllable level. Moods can rapidly become more irritable, behavior more unpredictable and judgment more
impaired. During periods of mania, people frequently behave impulsively, make reckless decisions and take unusual risks. Most of the
time, people in manic states are unaware of the negative consequences of their actions. It's key to learn from prior episodes the
kinds of behavior that signal "red flags" to help manage the illness.
Depression. Depression produces a combination of physical and emotional symptoms that inhibit a persons ability to function nearly
every day for a period of at least two weeks. The level of depression can range from severe to moderate to mild low mood, which is
called dysthymia when it is chronic.
The lows of bipolar depression are often so debilitating that people may be unable to get out of bed. Typically, depressed people have
difficulty falling and staying asleep, but some sleep far more than usual. When people are depressed, even minor decisions such as
what to have for dinner can be overwhelming. They may become obsessed with feelings of loss, personal failure, guilt or
helplessness. This negative thinking can lead to thoughts of suicide. In bipolar disorder, suicide is an ever-present danger, as some
people become suicidal in manic or mixed states. Depression associated with bipolar disorder may be more difficult to treat.

Causes
Scientists have not discovered a single cause of bipolar disorder. They believe several factors may contribute:

Genetics. The chances of developing bipolar disorder are increased if a childs parents or siblings have the disorder. But the role
of genetics is not absolute. A child from a family with a history of bipolar disorder may never develop the disorder. And studies
of identical twins have found that even if one twin develops the disorder the other may not.
Stress. A stressful event such as a death in the family, an illness, a difficult relationship or financial problems can trigger the
first bipolar episode. Therefore, an individuals style of handling stress may also play a role in the development of the illness. In
some cases, drug abuse can trigger bipolar disorder.

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Brain structure. Brain scans cannot diagnose bipolar disorder in an individual. However, researchers have identified subtle
differences in the average size or activation of some brain structures in people with bipolar disorder. While brain structure
alone may not cause it, there are some conditions in which damaged brain tissue can predispose a person. In some cases,
concussions and traumatic head injuries can increase the risk of developing bipolar disorder.

Diagnosis
To diagnose bipolar disorder, a doctor may perform a physical examination, conduct an interview and order lab tests. While bipolar
disorder cannot be identified through a blood test or body scan, these tests can help rule out other illnesses that can resemble the
disorder, such as hyperthyroidism. If no other illnesses (or other medicines such as steroids) are causing the symptoms, the doctor
may recommend the person see a psychiatrist. To be diagnosed with bipolar illness, a person has to have had at least one episode of
mania or hypomania.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) defines four types of bipolar illness:

Bipolar I Disorder is an illness in which people have experienced one or more episodes of mania. Most people diagnosed with
bipolar I will have episodes of both mania and depression, though an episode of depression is not necessary for a diagnosis. To
be diagnosed with bipolar I, a persons manic or mixed episodes must last at least seven days or be so severe that he requires
hospitalization.
Bipolar II Disorder is a subset of bipolar disorder in which people experience depressive episodes shifting back and forth with
hypomanic episodes, but never a full manic episode.
Cyclothymic Disorder or Cyclothymia, is a chronically unstable mood state in which people experience hypomania and mild
depression for at least two years. People with cyclothymia may have brief periods of normal mood, but these periods last less
than eight weeks.
Bipolar Disorder "other specified" and "unspecified" is diagnosed when a person does not meet the criteria for bipolar I, II or
cyclothymia but has had periods of clinically significant abnormal mood elevation. The symptoms may either not last long enough
or not meet the full criteria for episodes required to diagnose bipolar I or II.

People can describe symptoms in a variety of ways. How a person describes symptoms often depends on the cultural lens she is
looking through. In Western cultures, people generally talk about their moods or feelings, whereas in many Eastern cultures, people
refer to physical pain. Research has shown that African Americans and Latinos are more likely to be misdiagnosed, so people who
have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder should look for a health care professional who understands their background and shares
their expectations for treatment.

Related Conditions
Common conditions that people with bipolar disorder also experience include:

Anxiety disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Substance abuse. Many people use alcohol or drugs to try to control their moods or treat their symptoms. Using drugs makes
the illness worse and can lead to more frequent relapses and increased suicide attempts.

These other illnesses can make it hard to diagnose and treat bipolar disorder. For example, the antidepressants used to treat
obsessive-compulsive disorder and the stimulants used to treat ADHD may worsen symptoms of bipolar disorder and may even
trigger a manic episode. Successfully treating bipolar disorder almost always improves these related illnesses. And successful
treatment of PTSD, ADHD or substance abuse usually improves the symptoms of bipolar disorder.

- See more at: https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions/Bipolar-Disorder#sthash.itbViIfP.dpuf

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Bipolar Support
Coping with the ups and downs of bipolar disorder isnt easy. But if you or a family member or friend is struggling, there is help.
NAMI and NAMI Affiliates are there to provide you with support for you and your family and information about community
resources.
Contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or info@nami.org if you have any questions about bipolar disorder or
finding support and resources.

Helping Yourself
If you have bipolar disorder, the condition can exert control over your thoughts, interfere with relationships and if not treated,
lead to a crisis. Here are some ways to help manage your illness.
Pinpoint your stressors and triggers. Are there specific times when you find yourself stressed? People, places, jobs and even
holidays can play a big role in your mood stability. Symptoms of mania and depression may start slow, but addressing them early can
prevent a serious episode. Feelings of mania may feel good at first, but they can spiral into dangerous behavior such as reckless
driving, violence or hypersexuality. Depression may begin with feeling tired and being unable to sleep.
Avoid drugs and alcohol. These substances can disturb emotional balance and interact with medications. Both depression and mania
make drugs and alcohol attractive options to help you slow down or perk up, but the potential damage can block your recovery.
Establish a routine. Committing to a routine can help you take control and help prevent depression and mania from taking control.
For example, to keep the energy changes caused by depression and mania in check, commit to being in bed only eight hours a night
and up and moving the rest of the time. Aerobic exercise is a good strategy for regulating body rhythm.
Learn from past episodes. Pattern recognition is essential to spotting the early symptoms of an impending manic episode.
Accepting support from family members or friends who can recognize early symptoms is important. Symptoms often follow very
specific patterns, and this can be learned and planned for. 2 nights of a small sleep change or the even the repeated use of a
certain phrase can be examples of early warning signs.

Form healthy relationships. Relationships can help stabilize your moods. An outgoing friend might encourage you to get involved with
social activities and lift your mood. A more relaxed friend may provide you with a steady calm that can help keep feelings of mania
under control.
If you live with a mental health condition, learn more about managing your mental health and finding the support you need.

Helping a Family Member or Friend

Recognize early symptoms. You may be able to prevent a serious episode of the illness before it happens. Symptoms of mania and
depression often have warning signs. The beginnings of mania typically feel good and that means your family member may not want
to seek help. Identify signals such as lack of sleep and speaking quickly that signal impending mania. A deep depression often only
begins with a low mood, feeling fatigued or having trouble sleeping.
Communicate. Not everyone enjoys confronting problems head on, but doing so is critical to healthy communication. Make time to
talk about problems. But know that not just any time is right. For example, if your family member has bipolar II and becomes angry,
it might be safe to try and talk through the situation. But if your friend with bipolar I becomes angry, your reaction may need to
be different. Its more likely that this anger will turn to rage and become dangerous, including physical violence.
React calmly and rationally. Even in situations where your family member or friend may go off, ranting at you or others, its
important to remain calm. Listen to them and make them feel understood, then try to work toward a positive outcome.

- See more at: https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions/Bipolar-Disorder/Support#sthash.DVAh1nYC.dpuf

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Depression
Depression is more than just feeling sad or going through a rough patch. Its a serious mental health condition that requires
understanding, treatment and a good recovery plan. With early detection, diagnosis and a treatment plan consisting of medication,
psychotherapy and lifestyle choices, many people get better. But left untreated, depression can be devastating, both for the people who
have it and for their families.
Some people have only one episode in a lifetime, but for most people depression recurs. Without treatment, episodes may last a few
months to several years. People with severe depression can feel so hopeless that they become a risk for suicide.
An estimated 16 million American adultsalmost 7% of the populationhad at least 1 major depressive episode last year. People of all
ages and all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds can experience depression, but it does affect some groups of people more
than others. Women are 70% more likely than men to experience depression, and young adults aged 1825 are 60% more likely to have
depression than people aged 50 or older.
Getting a comprehensive evaluation is important. Underlying medical issues that can mimic a major depressive episode, side effects of
other medications (like beta blockers or antihypertensives) or any other medical causes need to be ruled out. Understanding life
stressors and prior responses to treatment effort can help shape a good treatment plan. Understanding how any co-occurring
conditions fit into the diagnostic picture also informs treatment options.

Symptoms
Just like with any mental health condition, people with depression or who are going through a depressive episode (also known as
major or clinical depression) experience symptoms differently. But for most people, depression changes how they function day-to-day.

Changes in sleep. Many people have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or sleeping much longer than they used to. Waking up
early in the morning is common for people with major depression.

Changes in appetite. Depression can lead to serious weight loss or gain when a person stops eating or uses food as a coping
mechanism.

Lack of concentration. A person may be unable to focus during severe depression. Even reading the newspaper or following the
plot of a TV show can be difficult. It becomes harder to make decisions, big or small.

Loss of energy. People with depression may feel profound fatigue, think slowly or be unable to perform normal daily routines.
Lack of interest. People may lose interest in their usual activities or lose the capacity to experience pleasure. A person may have
no desire to eat or have sex.

Low self esteem. During periods of depression, people dwell on losses or failures and feel excessive guilt and helplessness.
Thoughts like I am a loser or the world is a terrible place or I dont want to be alive can take over.

Hopelessness. Depression can make a person feel that nothing good or interesting will ever happen. Suicidal thoughts often
follow these kinds of negative thoughtsand need to be taken seriously.

Changes in movement. People with depression may look physically depleted or they may be agitated. For example, a person may
wake early in the morning and pace the floor for hours.

Physical aches and pains. Instead of talking about their emotions or sadness, some people may complain about a headache or an
upset stomach.

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How a person describes the symptoms of depression often depends on the cultural lens she is looking through. In Western cultures,
people generally talk about their moods or feelings, whereas in many Eastern cultures, people refer to physical pain.

Causes
Depression does not have a single cause. It can be triggered, or it may occur spontaneously without being associated with
a life crisis, physical illness or other risk. Scientists believe several factors contribute to cause depression:

Trauma. When people experience trauma at an early age, it can cause long-term changes in how their brains respond
to fear and stress. These brain changes may explain why people who have a history of childhood trauma are more
likely to experience depression.

Genetics. Mood disorders and risk of suicide tend to run in families, but genetic inheritance is only one factor.
Identical twins share 100% of the same genes, but will both develop depression only about 30% of the time. People
who have a genetic tendency to develop depression are more likely to show signs at a younger age. While a person

may have a genetic tendency, life factors and events seem to influence whether he or she will ever actually experience
an episode.

Life circumstances. Marital status, financial standing and where a person lives have an effect on whether a person
develops depression, but it can be a case of the chicken or the egg. For example, depression is more common in
people who are homeless, but the depression itself may be the reason a person becomes homeless.

Brain structure. Imaging studies have shown that the frontal lobe of the brain becomes less active when a person is
depressed. Brain patterns during sleep change in a characteristic way. Depression is also associated with changes in
how the pituitary gland and hypothalamus respond to hormone stimulation.

Other medical conditions. People who have a history of sleep disturbances, medical illness, chronic pain, anxiety, and

attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more likely to develop depression.

Drug and alcohol abuse. Approximately 30% of people with substance abuse problems also have depression.

Treatment
Although depression can be a devastating illness, it often responds to treatment. The key is to get a specific evaluation
and a treatment plan. Today, there are a variety of treatment options available for people with depression.

Medications including antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotic medications

Psychotherapy including cognitive behavioral therapy, family-focused therapy and interpersonal therapy
Brain stimulation therapies including electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or repetitive transcranial magnetic
stimulation (rTMS)
Light therapy, which uses a light box to expose a person to full spectrum light and regulate the hormone melatonin
Exercise
Alternative therapies including acupuncture, meditation, and nutrition
Self-management strategies and education
Mind/body/spirit approaches such as meditation, faith, and prayer

Though depression cannot be cured, it can be treated effectively. Read more on our treatment page.

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Depression Support
Coping with depression isnt easy. But if you or a family member or friend is struggling, there is help. NAMI and NAMI
Affiliates are there to provide you with support for you and your family and information about community resources.
Contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or info@nami.org if you have any questions about depression or
finding support and resources.

Helping Yourself
Leading a balanced lifestyle can help you manage your depression. Here are some suggestions from real people who are
living with depression.
Learn all you can. Learn about medications and treatment options. Attend local conferences on treating depression and
network with other people at meetings and support groups. Build a personal library of useful websites and helpful books.
Recognize early symptoms. Identify the triggers, times of year, or other factors that may aggravate your depression
symptoms, so you can identify an emerging episode and get the help you need as soon as possible. Dont be afraid to ask
the people around you for helpthey can help monitor your behavior.
Partner with your health care providers. Develop trust and communicate openly. Give your health care provider the
information he or she needs to help you recover, including complete reports about your reactions to medications, your
symptoms, or anything that could trigger your depression.
Know what to do in a crisis. Learn about your communitys crisis hotline or emergency walk-in centers. Know how to
contact them, and keep the information handy.
Find emotional support from others living with depression. Share your thoughts, fears and questions with other people
who have the same illness. Connect with others on online message boards or peer-support groups like NAMI Peer-toPeer.
Avoid drugs and alcohol. These substances can disturb emotional balance and interact with medications. You may think
using drugs or alcohol will help you perk up, but using them can block your recovery.
Get healthy. Eat well and exercise. To relieve stress, try low-key activities like meditation, yoga or Tai Chi.
If you live with a mental health condition, learn more about managing your mental health and finding the support you
need.

Helping a Family Member or Friend

Recognize early symptoms. You may be able to prevent a serious episode of the illness before it happens. Depression often
has warning signs, such as a low mood, feeling fatigued or having trouble sleeping. Discuss your friend or family
members past episodes with them, so they can clearly recognize the signs early.
Communicate. Speak honestly and kindly. Dont chide people with depression for failing to be grateful or urge them to
try harder to be happy. Instead, make specific offers of help and follow through. Tell the person you care about him or
her. Ask how he or she feels.
React calmly and rationally. Even if your family member or friend is in a crisis, its important to remain calm. Listen to
them and make them feel understood, then take the next step toward getting help.

- See more at: https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions/Depression/

Support#sthash.5WsALQlm.dpuf
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Eating Disorders

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Eating Disorder Support

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PTSD
Traumatic events, such as military combat, assault, an accident or a natural disaster, can have long-lasting negative
effects. Sometimes our biological responses and instincts, which can be life-saving during a crisis, leave people with
ongoing psychological symptoms because they are not integrated into consciousness.
Because the body is busy increasing the heart rate, pumping blood to muscles for movement and preparing the body to
fight off infection and bleeding in case of a wound, all bodily resources and energy get focused on physically getting
out of harms way. This resulting damage to the brains response system is called posttraumatic stress response or
disorder, also known as PTSD.
PTSD affects 3.5% of the U.S. adult populationabout 7.7 million Americans
but women are more likely to develop the
condition than men. About 37% of those cases are classified as severe. While PTSD can occur at any age, the average
age of onset is in a persons early 20s.

Symptoms
The symptoms of PTSD fall into the following categories.

Intrusive Memories, which can include flashbacks of reliving the moment of trauma, bad dreams and scary
thoughts.

Avoidance, which can include staying away from certain places or objects that are reminders of the traumatic
event. A person may also feel numb, guilty, worried or depressed or having trouble remembering the traumatic
event.

Dissociation, which can include out-of-body experiences or feeling that the world is "not real" (derealization).
Hypervigilance, which can include being startled very easily, feeling tense, trouble sleeping or outbursts of anger.

Diagnosis
Symptoms of PTSD usually begin within 3 months after a traumatic event, but occasionally emerge years afterward.
Symptoms must last more than a month to be considered PTSD. PTSD is often accompanied by depression, substance
abuse or another anxiety disorder.
People can describe symptoms in a variety of ways. How a person describes symptoms often depends on the cultural
lens she is looking through. In Western cultures, people generally talk about their moods or feelings, whereas in many
Eastern cultures, people more commonly refer to physical pain. African Americans and Latinos are more likely to be
misdiagnosed, so they should look for a health care professional who understands their background and shares their
expectations for treatment.

Treatment
PTSD is treated and managed in several ways.
Medications, including mood stabilizers, antipsychotic medications and antidepressants.
Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or group therapy.
Self-management strategies, such as "self-soothing". Many therapy techniques, including mindfulness, are helpful to
ground a person and bring her back to reality after a dissociative episode or a flashback.
Service animals, especially dogs, can help soothe some of the symptoms of PTSD.
Though PTSD cannot be cured, it can be treated effectively. Read more on our treatment page.

Related Conditions
Someone with PTSD may have additional disorders, as well as thoughts of or attempts at suicide:
Anxiety disorders, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder and OCD
Borderline Personality Disorder
Depression
Substance abuse

See more at: https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions/Posttraumatic-Stress-Disorder#sthash.r4jts9cN.dpuf - See

more at: https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions/Posttraumatic-Stress-Disorder#sthash.r4jts9cN.dpuf

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OCD
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by repetitive, unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and irrational, excessive urges to do
certain actions (compulsions). Although people with OCD may know that their thoughts and behavior don't make sense, they are often unable to stop
them.
Symptoms typically begin during childhood, the teenage years or young adulthood, although males often develop them at a younger age than
females. More than 2% of the U.S. population (nearly 1 out of 40 people) will be diagnosed with OCD during their lives.

Symptoms

Most people have occasional obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors. In an obsessive-compulsive disorder, however, these symptoms generally last
more than an hour each day and interfere with daily life.

Obsessions are intrusive, irrational thoughts or impulses that repeatedly occur. People with these disorders know these thoughts are
irrational but are afraid that somehow they might be true. These thoughts and impulses are upsetting, and people may try to ignore or
suppress them.
Examples of obsessions include:

Thoughts about harming or having harmed someone

Doubts about having done something right, like turning off the stove or locking a door
Unpleasant sexual images
Fears of saying or shouting inappropriate things in public

Compulsions are repetitive acts that temporarily relieve the stress brought on by an obsession. People with these disorders know that these rituals don't
make sense but feel they must perform them to relieve the anxiety and, in some cases, to prevent something bad from happening. Like obsessions,
people may try not to perform compulsive acts but feel forced to do so to relieve anxiety.
Examples of compulsions include:

Hand washing due to a fear of germs

Counting and recounting money because a person is can't be sure they added correctly
Checking to see if a door is locked or the stove is off
"Mental checking" that goes with intrusive thoughts is also a form of compulsion

Causes

The exact cause of obsessive-compulsive disorders is unknown, but researchers believe that activity in several portions of the brain is responsible. More
specifically, these areas of the brain may not respond normally to serotonin, a chemical that some nerve cells use to communicate with each other.

Genetics are thought to be very important. If you, your parent or a sibling, have an obsessive-compulsive disorder, there's close to a 25% chance that
another immediate family member will have it.

Diagnosis
A doctor or mental health care professional will make a diagnosis of OCD. A general physical with blood tests is recommended to make sure the

symptoms are not caused by illegal drugs, medications, another mental illness, or by a general medical condition. The sudden appearance of symptoms
in children or older people merits a thorough medical evaluation to ensure that another illness is not causing of these symptoms.
To be diagnosed with OCD, a person must have must have obsessions, compulsions or both; obsessions or compulsions that are upsetting and cause
difficulty with work, relationships, other parts of life and typically last for at least an hour each day

See more at: https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions/Obsessive-Compulsive-Disorder#sthash.4JW548f5.dpuf - See more at: https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions/ObsessiveCompulsive-Disorder#sthash.4JW548f5.dpuf

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Self-Harm
People often keep their habit a secret, but the urge to self-harm isnt uncommon, especially in adolescents and young adults.
Many overcome it with treatment.
Whether a person has recently started hurting his or herself or has been doing it for a while, there is an opportunity to improve
health and reduce behaviors. Talking to a doctor or a trusted friend or family member is the first step towards understanding
your behavior and finding relief.

What is Self-harm?
Self-harm or self-injury means hurting yourself on purpose. One common method is cutting yourself with a knife. But any time
someone deliberately hurts herself is classified as self-harm. Some people feel an impulse to burn themselves, pull out hair or pick
at wounds to prevent healing. Extreme injuries can result in broken bones.
Hurting yourselfor thinking about hurting yourselfis a sign of emotional distress. These uncomfortable emotions may grow
more intense if a person continues to use self-harm as a coping mechanism. Learning other ways to tolerate the mental pain will
make you stronger in the long term.
Self-harm also causes feelings of shame. The scars caused by frequent cutting or burning can be permanent. Drinking alcohol or
doing drugs while hurting yourself increases the risk of a more severe injury than intended. And it takes time and energy away
from other things you value. Skipping classes to change bandages or avoiding social occasions to prevent people from seeing your
scars is a sign that your habit is negatively affecting work and relationships.

Why People Self-harm

Self-harm is not a mental illness, but a behavior that indicates a lack of coping skills. Several illnesses are associated with it,
including borderline personality disorder, depression, eating disorders, anxiety or posttraumatic distress disorder.
Self-harm occurs most often during the teenage and young adult years, though it can also happen later in life. Those at the most
risk are people who have experienced trauma, neglect or abuse. For instance, if a person grew up in an unstable family, it might
have become a coping mechanism. If a person binge drinks or does drugs, he is also at greater risk of self-injury, because alcohol
and drugs lower self-control.
The urge to hurt yourself may start with overwhelming anger, frustration or pain. When a person is not sure how to deal with
emotions, or learned as a child to hide emotions, self-harm may feel like a release. Sometimes, injuring yourself stimulates the
bodys endorphins or pain-killing hormones, thus raising their mood. Or if a person doesnt feel many emotions, he might cause
himself pain in order to feel something real to replace emotional numbness.
Once a person injuries themself, they may experience shame and guilt. If the shame leads to intense negative feelings, that person
may hurt themself again. The behavior can thus become a dangerous cycle and a long-time habit. Some people even create
rituals around it.
Self-harm isnt the same as attempting suicide. However, it is a symptom of emotional pain that should be taken seriously. If
someone is hurting herself, she may be at an increased risk of feeling suicidal. Its important to find treatment for the underlying
emotions.

Treatment and Coping

There are effective treatments for self-harm that can allow a person to feel in control again. Psychotherapy is important to any
treatment plan. Self-harm may feel necessary to manage emotions, so a person will need to learn new coping mechanisms.
The first step in getting help is talking to a trusted adult, friend or medical professional who is familiar with the subject, ideally a
psychiatrist. A psychiatrist will ask that person questions about their health, life history and any injurious behaviors in the past and
present. This conversation, called a diagnostic interview, may last an hour or more. Doctors cant use blood tests or physical exams
to diagnose mental illness, so they rely on detailed information from the individual. The more information that person can give,
the better the treatment plan will be.
Depending on any underlying illness, a doctor may prescribe medication to help with difficult emotions. For someone with
depression, for instance, an antidepressant may lessen harmful urges.
A doctor will also recommend therapy to help a person learn new behaviors, if self-injury has become a habit. Several different
kinds of therapy can help, depending on the diagnosis.

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Psychodynamic therapy focuses on exploring past experiences and emotions

Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on recognizing negative thought patterns and increasing coping skills
Dialectical behavioral therapy can help a person learn positive coping methods

If your symptoms are overwhelming or severe, your doctor may recommend a short stay in a psychiatric hospital. A hospital offers
a safe environment where you can focus your energy on treatment.

What to Do When Someone Self-harms

Perhaps you have noticed a friend or family member with frequent bruises or bandages. If someone is wearing long sleeves and
pants even in hot weather, they may be trying to hide injuries or scarring.
Keep in mind that this is a behavior that might be part of a larger condition and there may be additional signs of emotional
distress. They might make statements that sound hopeless or worthless, have poor impulse control, or have difficulty getting along
with others.
If youre worried a family member or friend might be hurting herself, ask her how shes doing and be prepared to listen to the
answer, even if it makes you uncomfortable. This may be a hard subject to understand. One of the best things is tell them that
while you may not fully understand, youll be there to help. Dont dismiss emotions or try to turn it into a joke.
Gently encourage someone to get treatment by stating that self-harm isnt uncommon and doctors and therapists can help. If
possible, offer to help find treatment. But dont go on the offensive and dont try to make the person promise to stop, as it takes
more than willpower to quit.

- See more at: https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions/Related-Conditions/Self-harm#sthash.FA35B702.dpuf - See more at: https://

www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions/Related-Conditions/Self-harm#sthash.FA35B702.dpuf - See more at: https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/
Mental-Health-Conditions/Related-Conditions/Self-harm#sthash.FA35B702.dpuf - See more at: https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions/
Related-Conditions/Self-harm#sthash.FA35B702.dpuf - See more at: https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions/Related-Conditions/Selfharm#sthash.FA35B702.dpuf t

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Mental Health Resources

Half of Us
Suicide Prevention Resource Center
Transition Year
Reachout
OK 2 Talk
Monsour Counseling and Psych
Mental Health ColumnThe Scripps Voice

RECOGNIZED NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS THAT SPONSOR SUPPORT GROUPS

Anxiety and Depression Association of America
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
National Eating Disorder Association
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Mental Health America
Network of Care
Alcoholics Anonymous
American Association of Suicidology
Attention Deficit Disorder Association
Emotions Anonymous
Federation of Families for Childrens Mental Health
Narcotics Anonymous
Obsessive Compulsive Foundation
Self Mutilators Anonymous
Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
TARA National Association for Personality Disorder
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

GENERAL ONLINE RESOURCES

ULifeline
SAMHSA Treatment Locator
MentalHelp.net
MentalHealth.com
NICHYs State Search Tool
MentalHealth.gov
UCLAs Center for Mental Health in Schools
UMDs Center for School Mental Health
The Balanced Mind Foundation
Hazelden.orgs Resources for Family Members
The Dart Foundations Gateway to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Information
University of Michigans Mental Health Resources
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism
National Institute on Drug Abuse
Healthy Place: Americas Mental Health Channel
Choices in Recovery
ACHAs Mental Health Resources
Active Minds Mental Health Resources
The Jed Foundations Programs & Research
McLean Hospitals College Mental Health Program
Behavior Online
NACADAs Mental Health Issues in Advising
The Checkup: Meltdown U. and Mental Health Tips for Parents of College Kids
Caltechs Online Mental Health Resources
The University of Chicagos Online Resources Mental Health Disorders
LawLifeline.org
Yahoos Mental Health Directory
The New York Timess Information on Mental Health
The National Association for the Dually Diagnosed
The APAs College Students Guide

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TIPS TO BODY POSITIVITY:

LOVING YOUR BODY
Bodies are inherently diverse and unique. Unfortunately, it seems that mainstream media refuses to acknowledge how our differences need
to be addressed. We are not carbon copies of one another and I assure you we are not and cannot all be white, thin and able-bodied. We
are not born to mold ourselves into these very limited categories and we should not be made to feel as though we have to. Media has had
the power to perpetrate and influence the ways in which we process what is acceptable within ourselves and those around us. Whether
consciously or unconsciously, we internalize these images and as a result start to apply them to our own perceptions about ourselves. This
leads to damaging ideas about our own bodies. One way to combat these ideas has sprung up with the emergence of the body positive
movement that, while still in its early stages, has been a running start towards more positive and inclusive interpretations of body image.

The body positive movement recognizes that beauty does not exist as a binary or a hierarchy. It isnt just fat or skinny, as we often like to
categorize it. Although there is still a bit of work to do within this movement to create an all-embracing space, I believe that the body
positivity movement is starting to work within the structures of ability, race and gender to change how these often oppressive states start
to affect how we see ourselves and those around us in terms of beauty. When we address the aforementioned structures, it will be easier
for this movement to become intersectional, and to thereby create a safe place in which to talk about the issues we face daily. The body
positive movement allows those people who have been made to feel insignificant and unwanted by societys presentations of beauty to
start to feel comfortable and confident with who they are.
Here are five simple tips to get you started:
1. Remember that loving yourself is a learning process.

2. Refuse to let yourself be defined by anyone elses standards.

It is not going to come easily. There are going to be days

in which you just do not have the energy to combat all the
negativity that comes your way, and that is okay. We are
all going to be different in terms of how we start to address our negative body perceptions. What matters is that
we choose to engage with what body positivity means to
us, and that we work towards that goal for ourselves.

You are in control and you get to decide what is going to define you. Do
not let yourself fall prey to the idea that there is only one standard definition of beauty that has value. One way to help yourself move away from
societys definition of beauty is to go on a media diet. Try to avoid the constant onslaught of manipulative images and articles. Ignore diet ads, advertisements and commercials that try to instill a sense of guilt and worthlessness about your body. Living without these images for a while is going to
make the process of crafting a positive image of yourself a lot easier.

3. Stop comparing yourself to others.

Our society has this obsession with presenting image
as a competition. Do not
place your self worth on
other people. While its
often nice to be surrounded
by those who support you,
being able to boost your
own self-esteem is the key
to a more confident you.
Encourage yourself and
those around you to see that
worth lies in areas other
than image by emphasizing
equally (and perhaps far
more) important attributes
like intelligence, humor or
kindness.

4. Fake it til you make it.

Its very important to make body positivity a daily occurrence. As much as I wish that self love could be something
instantaneous, I know how difficult it can be to reverse everything we learned about beauty and body image. Taking it day
by day is a useful tool that is going to rewire any detrimental
attitudes. Start with affirmations in front of the mirror. Tell
yourself how great youre looking today and how good you feel
about yourself. While you may not believe it now, soon
enough youll find that itll come naturally and itll start to feel
genuine.
5. Do not accept your flaws; embrace them.
The idea that you have flaws is perfectly normal. No one is
perfect, after all, but that does not mean you have to hate yourself for it. Start by creating a healthy relationship with your
body and embracing all the parts of yourself that make you
you.
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The body positive movement is

not going to succeed unless we
make a constant effort
to eradicate feelings of inadequacy within ourselves and others. Its up to us as individuals
to create an environment in
which self-love can flourish. Itll
take time to reach a state in
which we can all feel confident
in who we are.

Evelyn Gonzalez 18

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Phobias

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Jocelyn Gardner 17

Crisis
The content in this article may be disturbing or triggering to some individuals. Proceed with caution!
TW: mental illnesses, eating disorders, hospitalization, self-harm, suicide, sexual assault, abuse, alcohol and drug use, violence, bias-related incidents, etc.

CATEGORIES OF CRISIS explored in this article, in order: mental health (suicidal, self harm, manic episode, eating disorders/disordered
eating, drug use/abuse, panic attacks, depression, disruption of normal functioning); abuse, sexual assault, and partner violence; violence
and crime; bias-related incident; academic issues; personal/life events; financial crises; physical health; alcohol and drugs

Sometimes, people just

need someone to listen.

If something feels
off, trust your gut.

Dont wait for someone

to reach out to you.

If someone reaches out to you, DO NOT take it for granted. Reaching out is very hard, and
your reaction can help decide whether this person will end up seeking more help or not.

Also, someone might be mad at you for helping them, at first. Try not to let this
bother you. If you really care about someone, you will put their safety before your
friendship, and they will eventually understand this. Theyd do the same for you.

Mental Health Crises

I find that of all the information you get during orientation, this topic is by far the most lacking. For more information on everything
mental health-related, there are articles throughout the guide, including critical looks into mental health and basic fact sheets.
There are many different ways in which mental health crises can present. Crises are different for everyone, so if someone says theyre
having a crisis, believe them! And believe yourself, too. Ive seen people push off their own feelings with internalized invalidation, and this
only makes things worse-- and even more dangerous. Pushing away feelings and hiding crisis only exacerbates the situation! Even if the
crisis seems like its getting better at first, remember that it can come back later-- mental health crises are very different from other kinds
of crises in this way. For this reason, its important to get support at the earliest feelings of crisis.
Again, its different for everyone, but here are some examples that can indicate crisis:
*** I AM NOT A MENTAL HEALTH OR OTHER KIND OF CRISIS PROFESSIONAL***

Suicidal thoughts, ideation, actions (WARNING: THIS SECTION MAY BE VERY TRIGGERING)

This is always considered crisis

You deserve to life, you deserve to feel okay, you deserve to get the help you want and need.
DO NOT WAIT. Get help right away!

PHONE NUMBERS OF PEOPLE WHO CAN HELP

*NOTE: most of these numbers are written on your ID holders youre given during move-in!
Campus Safety
RA on duty
Dean on call, available through Dean of Students
Psychologist on-call, available through campus safety
911
Hotline

(909) 607-2000
(909) 708-7603 or (909) 708-7604
(909) 621-8277
(909) 607-2000
1-800-273-TALK

WARNING SIGNS (from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention):

Talk
If a person talks about:
Killing themselves.
Having no reason to live.
Being a burden to others.
Feeling trapped.
Unbearable pain.
Behavior
A persons suicide risk is greater if a behavior is new or has increased, especially if its related to a painful
event, loss, or change.
Increased use of alcohol or drugs.
Looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching online for materials or means.

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 Acting recklessly.
Withdrawing from activities.
Isolating from family and friends.
Sleeping too much or too little.
Visiting or calling people to say goodbye.
Giving away prized possessions.
Aggression.
Self-Harm.
Mood
People who are considering suicide often display one or more of the following moods:
Depression.
Loss of interest.
Rage
Irritability
Humiliation.
Anxiety.
You might not always be 100% sure that someone is suicidal, but it is better to be safe.

You can ask clarification questions

See Active Listening for some tips
Social media is a place where signs often go unnoticed

WHAT TO DO TO SUPPORT A PERSON WHO IS SUICIDAL

DO NOT leave this person alone.
A person who is suicidal is still a person and deserves respect-- RESPECT them.
LISTEN to the person. Ask questions. Offer support.
Say that you are there to support them no matter what
Do not say you know how they feel
Do not guilt-trip
Do not invalidate
Do not panic
Do not use ableist language, such as calling someone crazy or mental or insane
Try to be gentle, but firm
Do not be overly positiveit can come off as belittlement
Support is the most important thing for a person who is suicidal.
The more support, the better.
Do not compromise your own well-being, either. Get some support for yourself and do not try to support someone
alone. Call in a friend, a neighbor, a Peer Mentor, an RA, etc.
Do not gossip. While you should get help and tell people who can give you help whats going on, DO NOT spread
word around about what happened.
Violating someones privacy often feels very infantilizing and violating to that person. Remember that a person may
feel that way even when you have to tell someone to get them helpthis is why keeping in mind respect and
agency is important.
RESPECT- While you might have to break privacy to get the person help, this does not permit you to tell everyone you know. This
does not permit you to tell anyone you dont need to tell.
AGENCY- you have to assume the person who is suicidal is mentally compromised and cant make rational decisions, but this does
not mean that you should treat them like they are undeserving of having a say in how to proceed, or at least of knowing whats
going to happen.
HOSPITALIZATION
If someone needs to be watched, they will probably have to be taken off-campus to a mental health facility. This is not easy. But when it
comes down to it, when there is a crisis, this is needed.
You do not need to feel guilty if you call for help and the person who is suicidal ends up in a hospital. I know it is hard to not feel
like you did something too extreme, but hospitalization-- no matter how difficult it may be-- could save a life.
These types of places can be traumatic, but they are the best place you can be if you really need that level of help.
Seeing a friend be hospitalized can be traumatic for you, also, and you should have some place to get the support you need, as
well-- seek it!

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Self-harm

Self-harm includes intentional physical injury and deprivation (food, sleep, etc.)
There are different levels of self-harm, but all fall under the category of threat to self

WHAT TO DO IF SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS SELF-HARMING

Stay with this person and talk to them, following the advice in the suicidal section
Encourage this person to seek help, and, if you are comfortable, offer to go with them to their chosen place of support
Do not intervene on someones behalf without first talking to them, unless you are 100% sure that they are self-harming and the selfharm is serious (produces any kind of injury that requires medical attention).

DO NOT ASSUME THAT SOMEONE IS BETTER ONCE THEYVE GOTTEN HELP. RECOVERY TAKES TIME AND SUPPORT.

Manic episode (From PsychCentral.com and Web MD)

WHAT IS A MANIC EPISODE?
A manic episode is characterized by period of at least 1 week where an elevated, expansive or unusually irritable mood, as well as notably
persistent goal-directed activity is present. The mood disturbance associated with manic symptoms should be observable by others (e.g.,
friends or relatives of the individual) and must be uncharacteristic of the individuals usual state/behavior. These feelings must be
sufficiently severe to cause difficulty or impairment in occupational, social, educational or other important functioning. Symptoms also
cannot be the result of substance use or abuse (e.g., alcohol, drugs, medications) or caused by a general medical condition. Three or more
of the following symptoms must be present:

Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity

Decreased need for sleep (e.g., one feels rested after only 3 hours of sleep)
More talkative than usual or pressure to keep talking
Flight of ideas or subjective experience that thoughts are racing
Attention is easily drawn to unimportant or irrelevant items
Increase in goal-directed activity (either socially, at work or school, or sexually) or psychomotor agitation
Excessive involvement in pleasurable activities that have a high potential for painful consequences (e.g., engaging in unrestrained
buying sprees, sexual indiscretions, or foolish business investments)
People who experience a manic episode are often diagnosed with a type of bipolar disorder.

HOW TO SUPPORT SOMEONE WHO IS HAVING A MANIC EPISODE

Spend time with the person, depending on their level of energy and how well you can keep up. People who are manic often feel
isolated from other people. Spending even short periods of time with them helps them feel less isolated. If the person has a lot of
energy, walk together, which allows the person to keep on the move but share your company.
Answer questions honestly. But do not argue or debate with a person during a manic episode. Avoid intense conversation.
Don't take any comments personally. During periods of high energy, a person often says and does things that he or she would not
usually say or do, including focusing on negative aspects of others. If needed, stay away from the person and avoid arguments.
Prepare easy-to-eat foods and drinks (such as peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, apples, cheese and crackers, and juices), because it
is difficult for the person to sit down to a meal during periods of high energy.
Avoid subjecting the person to a lot of activity and stimulation. It is best to keep surroundings as quiet as possible.
Allow the person to sleep whenever possible. During periods of high energy, sleeping is difficult and short naps may be taken
throughout the day. Sometimes the person feels rested after only two to three hours of sleep.
Again, having the person contact their doctor or another professional is a good idea

Eating disorders/disordered eating

o See Changing the Culture: It's Up to Us and I Had No Idea for some information
o There are hotlines and chats specific to eating disorders
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN EATING DISORDER AND DISORDERED EATING? (from PsychologyToday.com)
What distinguishes disordered eating from a full-blown eating disorder? It is all about degree. An individual with disordered eating is
often engaged in some of the same behavior as those with eating disorders, but at a lesser frequency or lower level of severity. However,
disordered eating is problematic and to be taken seriously, though the symptoms might not be as extreme as those of a diagnosable
eating disorder. Individuals with disordered eating may be at risk for developing a full-blown eating disorder and are more likely to have a
history of depression and/ or anxiety, or be at risk for anxiety and depression at some point in the future.

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Symptoms of disordered eating may include behavior commonly associated with eating disorders, such as food restriction, binge eating,
purging (via self induced vomiting or excessive exercise, and use of diet pills and/ or laxatives). However, disordered eating might also
include:
Self worth or self esteem based highly or even exclusively on body shape and weight
A disturbance in the way one experiences their body i.e. a person who falls in a healthy weight range, but continues to feel that
they are overweight
Excessive or rigid exercise routine
Obsessive calorie counting
Anxiety about certain foods or food groups
A rigid approach to eating, such as only eating certain foods, inflexible meal times, refusal to eat in restaurants or outside of ones
own home
HOW TO SUPPORT SOMEONE WHO SUFFERS FROM AN EATING DISORDER OR DISORDERED EATING
Listen! Use active listening (see article on this topic in the Guide). Try to listen without judgment. There might be a lot of shame, and
the person might not even know they have a problem, yet.
Do not force someone to eat, not eat, or otherwise change behavior significantly. As much as you want things to get better right
away, it cant happen suddenly. You dont want to make the person feel uncomfortable and then hide the problem.
Do not shame someone about anything, for any reason, especially relating to food, body, exercise, or the way they eat (or dont).
Even if youre just joking, its not okay.
Make this a habit. Please. Shaming anyone about these things, whether they have an eating disorder/disordered eating
or not, supports the harmful parts of our culture that create these types of disorders and therefore makes it extremely
for anyone with eating disorders/disordered eating to break the cycle.
Do not make the conversation about food, eating, exercise, weight, body image, etc.
The person might not yet be ready to address whats going on, so be sensitive to that. If you feel that they are in significant danger,
though, talk to them about getting help or call someone yourself (if you do call someone yourself, let them know that you are doing
this and why. All people-- people with disorders included-- deserve respect).
Eating disorders are very hard to understand, sometimes, for those who do not experience them. Look up resources and get informed
so that you can better help someone.
Offer help, but try to take it at their pace. This is a very different situation from a suicidal person.

Drug use/abuse

This is another issue that is often accompanied by a lot of shame and hiding, so confrontation is difficult. Make sure you make it clear
that you care and are willing to listen and support without judgment.
Dont try to take all of the substance away at once unless youre sure the situation is that bad. You dont want the persons body to go
through withdrawal without professional support. Get help.
Spend time with the person doing things that dont involve the substance.
If there is a health-related (physical or mental!) emergency created by the substance, get help right away.

Panic attacks
Panic attacks are different for everyone, and can differ even from one attack to another for the same person . Many times, symptoms will
be similar to those of a heart attack and the person suffering from a panic attack may think that they are dying. For this reason, remind
them that they are going to be okay and that you are there with them and will not go away. People use the phrase casually, but panic
attacks can be incredibly serious and life-threatening and should not be trivialized.
WHAT TO DO TO SUPPORT SOMEONE WHO IS HAVING A PANIC ATTACK
Stay calm so that you can better help the person
You can gauge what is helping by body language if the person cant tell you
Ask them to focus on something they can sense
The ground under their feet
Water over hands
Cold sensation
The feeling of an object
A smell
A quiet sound
You can do something with the 5 senses
Ask them to name 5 things you can see
4 you can feel
3 you can hear
2 you can smell

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1 you can taste

Count slowly together
Ask them to focus on your voice as you describe something like a color, a scene, or a scenario
Remind them that youre there with them and its safe
If they permit you and you are comfortable, you can be close.
If you are in a situation that is provoking the attack, try to get the person out
If they are worried about work, the next day, someones reaction, etc., ask them to think only about right now, and that you can take
care of everything else later
Give them water
STAY WITH THEM
If you are in a crowded place, try to get somewhere more quiet
Help them breathe deeply and slowly
For some, systematic muscle relaxation can help
If they are very tense, giving them a stress ball can help
Let them know they will be okay and the attack will end, and that they arent losing it or anything

Depression

DO NOT be overly cheerful. All that says is that you dont understand anything theyre feeling.
Also, do not assume you know what theyre feeling. Depression isnt sadness like the way youd feel after watching The Titanic or
something. Understand that depression is a crushing lack of interest that can lead to many different things like apathy, lack of feelings,
or even panic
Again, the best thing you can do is offer your full support.
Day-to-day activities can seem insurmountable, so offer to be there to help
Dont judge or blame
Ask them to come do something with you, like go on a walk. Being outside and active may help.
Get other friends involved, but dont gossip.
Never be condescending. Treat the person with depression as you would normally.
Make sure that you get the support you need, as well. Depressed mood is contagious.
If you think there is danger, see the suicide and self-harm sections above

Anything that disrupts normal functioning

Normal functioning is defined by the individual, not by society

These can be undiagnosed disorders, temporary disorders, rough patches, etc.
Examples include anything that limits a persons lifestyle, like not being able to leave their room at certain times, reliance on a
substance, inability to care for personal hygiene, homicidal tendencies, outbursts, high anxiety, etc.
People tend to compartmentalize mental illnesses and treat them as totally separate entities, but there is overlap between all
of them. The whole thing is a gray area, in a sense. Because of this, I recommend looking through all of the above information to get a
more holistic sense of what you can do to help.

HOW TO SUPPORT SOMEONE WHOSE NORMAL FUNCTIONING HAS BEEN DISRUPTED

Offer your support and non-judgmental listening
Stay in contact
Remember that no matter what, this person is a person and they deserve respect, dignity, and choice
Because of the way mental health is treated and seen in todays society, you might be the best source of validation. Dont forget just
how bad stigma is (see Stigma article in this Guide), and what it does when it is internalized.
When in doubt, REACH OUT.
Through a crisis, a lot of people here might be extremely concerned about their work and their grades. Remind them that work is
nothing in comparison to their well-being. This society values productivity and success over well-being. Remind them that THEY are
what matter.

Abuse, Sexual Assault, and Partner Violence

See Resources for Survivors of Sexual Assault and Title IX articles for resources and hotlines!
You deserve to feel safe and respected!

WHAT IS ABUSE?
Abuse can be physical, emotional, psychological, economic, verbal, or sexual. It can happen in any type of relationship (not just romantic
relationships).

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 Physical abuse: blocking you, attacking, grabbing, pulling hair, staring, throwing things, punching, slapping, threatening harm,
breaking things, tying, burning, cutting, preventing you from medical care, preventing you from leaving
Emotional abuse: intimidation, guilt-tripping, embarrassing, talking down to you, ignoring your feelings, threatening, invalidating,
being possessive, spying, stalking, constantly contacting, checking your phone/emails, making you need to justify yourself, being
excessively jealous, blaming, cutting you off from your friends, baiting, lying, giving unwanted attention, favoritism (think of
parents comparing children), threatening legal action, brainwashing, infantilizing, objectifying, putting into no-win scenarios,
projecting self onto you, behaving well to keep you and abuse you more, giving silent treatment, mocking (there is a lot of overlap
with psychological and verbal abuse)
Psychological abuse: this is anything that results in psychological trauma. Exclusion, threatening, depriving, isolating, making you
feel like you are crazy, playing mind games, manipulating, twisting things to make them your fault or your flaw. Psychological
abuse can happen when other forms of abuse are chronic or internalized. It is especially bad if it starts from a young age.
Economic abuse: withholding money, setting conditions for money, controlling access to money, forcing you to leave a job, helping
you get fired, shaming your spending, not allowing you to work, taking money from you, using your money, preventing you from
using transportation
Verbal abuse: yelling, swearing, insulting, arguing constantly, interrupting, putting you down, mocking, being excessively loud,
using tone to cause fear
Sexual abuse: unwanted sexual attention, pressuring you into sexual contact, forcing unprotected sex, sabotaging birth control,
making you participate in or watch pornography, forcing you to have sexual contact with someone else, touching, forcing
abortion, sexual harassment, name-calling, slut-shaming, doing a sexual act without consent (including while you are unable to
give consent), sexual assault, or any sexual contact between an adult and someone under the age of consent, incest

If someone tells you its happening

Believe them
Listen to them
Dont blame them, or ask what they did to bring about the abuse/assault/etc.
Tell them that you support them, and will continue to do so
Do not talk badly about the abuser. This can make the person youre helping feel extremely guilty for not hating the abuser. You
can talk about how the abusive behavior is wrong, but not about the actual person doing the abuse.
Be gentle and patient
Reserve judgment. This is not about you.
Do not ask why they wont just leave. Abusive relationships are complicated and there are often many ties.
Listen to what they want and think is bestdont force your help or opinion.
Tell them that you appreciate them telling you and the bravery that it must have taken to do so.
Validate
Ask if they want or need a safe place to go (a safe place can be a different room to stay in, maybe)
Offer to keep them company or walk them somewhere if they want.
Offer to help if they want to reach out for more help. This can be going with them to meet with a dean, counselor, RA, etc. or
calling a hotline for them, for example.
Remind them that they have a lot of allies.
Remember that a lot of abuse is rooted in violence toward certain identities, but it can happen to anyone. No ones experience is
less or more legitimate than another persons.

*** There is never a time when you can tell someone their experience is not legitimate or that it is less than someone
elses! If someone comes to you, do not disrespect them by saying, Well, at least You were lucky that etc.***

No matter what the outcome is, be supportive. Sometimes people will not leave the abuser; that is their choice.

If you suspect its happening

Bring it up gently and privately, or if you arent comfortable with this, let someone else know so that they can do it or help you do it.
Remember that you should not spread your suspicions aroundthis is a violation of the privacy of the person you want to help. Do
not reduce their life to gossip.
If you confront the person you know and they do not respond positively, remind them that youre there to support them, but back
off.
Keep in mind that people who are being abused or have been might have a hard time trusting and opening up.
If they are open to it, share with them the available resources or look at them together

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If you see it

Dont ignore it. People tend to think that another persons relationship isnt their business, but politeness shouldnt get in the
way of helping someone.
Cause a distraction to let the abuser know you notice and to get their attention away from abusing.
Ask the person being abused if they need help.
If you believe there is immediate danger, call 911 or campus safety at (909) 607-2000 immediately.
Call a hotline.
Trust your gut
Do something. The worst thing to do is to be passive.

Violence and Crime

Call campus safety (909) 607-2000 or 911, or use one of the blue lights, red phones, or call boxes. After a crisis, make sure you are
checking in with someone, like an administrator, counselor, professor, staff member, RA, etc. The damage of a crisis oftentimes lasts long
after the actual event ends. It is good to process what happened, and there are people trained to help with that.

Bias-related incident
Bias-related incidents are serious. If you see it happen or it happens to you, please report it! From Scripps:

Scripps College Notification Protocol for Bias Related Incidents

This Communications Protocol is intended to provide a framework for Scripps Colleges responses to bias-related incidents.

Statement of Purpose
Bias-related incidents are expressions of hostility against another person (or group) because of that persons (or groups) race, color, religion,
ancestry, age, national origin, disability, gender or sexual orientation, or because the perpetrator perceives that the other person (or group) has
one or more of those characteristics. As used in this Protocol, the term bias-related incident is limited to conduct that violates the Scripps
College Principles of Community, one or more of the Claremont colleges disciplinary codes, and/or which is not protected by the First
Amendment of the United States Constitution or by analogous provisions of state law. A hate crime is an especially severe form of bias-related
incident, and such crimes fall far beyond the bounds of constitutional protection. However, the category of bias-related incidents extends
beyond hate crimes and other actions that would constitute criminal offenses under relevant penal codes.
In the event that a bias-related incident occurs on Scripps campus, this Protocol shall govern communication to the community

Procedure For Responding To Bias-related Incidents:

Any person, including faculty, staff, students and visitors to the College, observing an incident or evidence of possible bias
incident and/or hate crime shall notify College staff and/or Campus Safety before taking any action (such as disposing or
removing evidence, altering scene, etc.).
The college staff and/or campus safety shall follow the protocol of The Claremont Colleges by contacting the Scripps College
Dean of Students.
The Dean of Students will communicate to the Scripps community and to the Chief Student Affairs Officers on other campuses
and the Chief Administrative Officer at CUC using the protocol outlined on the next page.
In the event that the Dean of Students is unavailable, she or he will have designated a second in command to whom the
communication will be directed. The second in command then is responsible for informing the Dean of Students as quickly as
possible and implementing the following protocol. The Associate Dean/Residence Life will ensure that professional and student
residence life staff members are instructed about response protocols for such incidents and shall be trained about this protocol.
At each mandatory dorm meeting, Resident Advisers will describe the notification protocol for bias-related incidents (and have
copies available of the notification protocol).
The Dean of Students will notify the Scripps community as soon as possible by e-mail. The e-mail communication should:
Provide a brief description of the incident;
List any information about initial steps that have been taken to address the incident;
Provide instructions about how to report information about the incident; and
Conclude with a standard paragraph on steps community members should take in the event they see a bias-related incident and
the availability (upon request) of the log of incident communications originating from Scripps College as well as The Claremont
Colleges.
A copy of the e-mail will be sent to the Presidents Advisory Committee on Diversity and Inclusion (PACDI) members
simultaneously with the community
The Dean of Students also shall:
Notify personnel responsible to handle the incident following the Colleges standard emergency protocols; Utilize RAs, Scripps
Associated Students, and other student leaders in ways consistent with their position description and responsibilities to assist the

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College in responding to the incident; and

Utilize informational sessions for community members to receive information in person, ask questions, and generally discuss
incident as appropriate to the incident.
The Dean of Students will keep a log of incident communications originating from Scripps College. A copy of this log also will be
available at SARLO and SCORE. The log shall include a description of each incident, and the institutional and/or police response to
the incident. The log of bias-related incidents and/or hate crimes for Scripps is available to students, faculty and/or staff.
With reference to The Claremont Colleges protocol for bias-related incidents (#7), the Scripps Dean of Students may (a) inform
students, faculty, and staff by unbundled e-mails of bias-related incidents or hate crimes that occur on the other campuses, (b) post
notices at the Motley, (c) utilize RAs, Scripps Associated Students, other student leaders, in ways consistent with their position
description and responsibilities, (d) notify PACDI and any other appropriate college-specific body at Scripps that may be charged
with handling matters of this nature, (e) and utilize informational sessions for community members to receive information in
person, ask questions, and generally discuss the incident(s) such as mandatory dorm meetings and/or community meetings.
PACDI is charged with working with the community(ies) affected by the bias-related incident or hate crime to find appropriate ways
to address their concerns. Bias reports will become a regular agenda item for PACDI meetings.

In terms of support, there are so many communities that would be more than happy to help you at Scripps and the 5Cs. Find someone
you are comfortable withits most important that you feel listened to and safe.

Academic Issues
If youre having a serious academic issue (being put on probation or suspended, having low-grade notices in many classes, etc.), the worst
thing you can do is to delay getting help (academic, mental health, or otherwise). I know that there is a fine line between a healthy and
unhealthy challenge, but if something feels wrong about your work to you, its better to be safe and reach out. Your professors are there
for youyou can go to office hours, send an email, talk before or after class, etc. Letting your professors know that youre aware that
theres an issue opens the door for some help and builds trust between you and the professor.
If youre having trouble in more than one class for a long time, there may be other, underlying complications (See Burnout section. A lot
of times, you can be burned out without knowing it. Even after doing no work all summer!). In that case, try meeting with someone from
Monsour. Yes, I know, Monsour is for mental health problems. That kind of dismissal is based on a stigmatizing and otherizing viewpoint
thats been drilled into our heads (i.e., I write a column about mental health, so Ive seen it all some way or another). If you think you
strained a muscle, you might see a trainer or a doctor. Same goes for your brain. Monsour has workshops, also.
There are many reasons for struggling academically, and none of them are that you arent smart enough to be here.

Personal/life events
Things happen. If you find that a lot of stuff is going on outside of your academic life and that these things are affecting your academic
performance, talk to your professors. They are understanding! And they would rather know before youre in deep water, if possible. You
might also want to look into temporary accommodations from the Dean of Students Office. Call them to set up an appointment. While you
cannot rely on your peers to hold you up, theyre a good source of support. Aside from friends, there are also your Peer Mentors, Team
Leader, and RAs. Chances are, someone can relate to what youre going through, so dont be afraid to reach out!

Financial Crises
If your family is having a financial crises, talk to the offices hereFinancial Aid, Dean of Students, etc. They will meet with you and do what
they can to outline your options and direct you to help, especially when it comes to figuring out how to remain at Scripps. Financial issues
are as legitimate a reason to seek out advice as any. Also, while this probably wont solve your personal financial crisis, it may be helpful to
see the Saving Money at Scripps article in this Guide for some personal spending tips.

Physical Health
For a physical health emergency, call 911, which will direct you to campus safety, who can help you from there. They can drive you to a
medical facility or contact local police if needed. There are hospitals in Montclair and Pomonaboth are very close. There are also a
number of nearby urgent care facilities-- some of whom accept the school health insurance plan-- but they might not have emergency
rooms. If it is not an immediate emergency, you should go to the Student Health Center.
Student Health Services information:
website: http://www.cuc.claremont.edu/shs/
phone number: (909) 621-8222
address: 757 N College Way, Claremont, CA 91711
If you dont have transportation to a health center, call campus safety, call friends, and/or post in Scripps-related Facebook groups (eg
Current Students, Class of ___, etc.) asking for a ride-- people here will usually jump at the opportunity to help!

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If you are having health problems that interfere with class, the best thing to do is communicate with your professors and reach out to the
Dean of Students Office. You may be able to get temporary accommodations.
From Claremont University Consortiums Student Health Services site:
Urgent Care/Emergency Care Summer Care Providers (will accept school insurance):
Jennifer Sun, M.D. 689 W. Foothill Blvd., Ste B Claremont, CA 91711 (909) 482-2058
Lester Holstein III, M.D. 1601 Monte Vista Ave Ste 100 Claremont, CA 91711 (909) 630-7938
Family Health Center 1770 N. Orange Grove Ave., Suite 1 Pomona, CA 91767 (10 Freeway Left on Garey Right on McKinley
Left on Orange Grove) (909) 469-9494
Emergency Care Centers
Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center 1798 N. Garey Avenue Pomona, CA 91767 (Garey Avenue and 10 Freeway) (909) 8659500 Phone (909) 865-9600 Emergency Room (909) 865-9623 Emergency Room Fax (909) 865-9782 Physician Referral Line 24
Hour Emergency Care
San Antonio Community Hospital 999 San Bernardino Road Upland, CA 91786 (East on 6th St which becomes Arrow Hwy then
becomes San Bernardino Rd) (909) 985-2811 Phone (909) 920-4747 Emergency Room (909) 920-4731 Emergency Room Fax 24
Hour Emergency Care
Urgent Care Centers
Pomona Valley Health Center at Claremont Urgent Care Center 1601 Monte Vista Avenue Suite 190 Claremont, CA 91711 (Monte
Vista Avenue at Claremont Blvd) (909) 865-9977 Phone (909) 946-0166 Fax Hours: 8 am to 8 pm (Monday-Friday) 9 am to 5 pm
(Sat/Sun, Holidays)
Central Urgent Medical Care 8891 N. Central Avenue (corner Arrow Hwy/Central), Suite A Montclair, CA 91763 (909)297-3361
phone 8am-8pm (Everyday)
Mountain View Urgent Care at Casa Colina 255 E Bonita Ave., Building 1, Ste. 100 Pomona, CA 91767 (909) 643-2980 phone MonFri 1pm-9pm Weekends and holidays 9am-5pm
Poison Control Center 1-800-876-4766

Alcohol and Drugs

I made alcohol and drugs a separate section from medical crises because there is one key thing that makes it different from other
emergencies: people who have been hurt because of alcohol and drugs are afraid of getting in trouble. Scripps and the state of

California have an amnesty policy, which means that if you call for help for a friend under the influence, they wont penalize
you. They value your safety, and want you to get help if you need it!
The Signs of Alcohol Poisoning (from awareawakealive.org)
If you suspect that someone has alcohol poisoning, even if you dont see the classic signs and symptoms, seek immediate medical care. In
an emergency, follow these suggestions:
If the person is unconscious, breathing fewer than eight times a minute or has repeated,
uncontrolled vomiting, call 911 immediately.
Keep in mind that even when someone is unconscious or has stopped drinking, alcohol continues to
be released into the bloodstream and the level of alcohol in the body continues to rise. Never
assume that a person will sleep off alcohol poisoning.
If the person is conscious, call 800-222-1222 and youll automatically be routed to your local poison
control center. The staff at the poison control center or emergency call center can instruct you as to
whether you should take the person directly to a hospital. All calls to poison control centers are
confidential.
Be prepared to provide information. If you know, be sure to tell hospital or emergency personnel
the kind and amount of alcohol the person drank and when. Dont leave an unconscious person
alone. While waiting for help, dont try to make the person vomit.
Alcohol poisoning affects the way your gag reflex works. That means someone with alcohol
poisoning may choke on his or her own vomit or accidentally inhale (aspirate) vomit into the lungs
which could cause a fatal lung injury.
If you or someone needs help, do not hesitate to reach out!
If you are in doubt, call one of the on-call RAs at (909) 708-7603 or (909) 708-7604. You can also call campus safety at (909) 607-2000. If
you dial 911 on campus, the call first goes to campus safety.
See the infographic and article on alcohol for information on drinking and some alternatives.

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Mental Health Hotlines and Info Centers

Crisis Call Center

National Institute of Mental Health Information

Center

800-273-8255 or text ANSWER to 839863

866-615-6464

Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week

8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday to Friday

http://crisiscallcenter.org/crisisservices.html

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/site-info/contact-nimh.shtml

Depression and Bipolar Support

800-273-TALK (8255)

National Mental Health Association Hotline

Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week

800-273-TALK (8255)

http://www.dbsalliance.org

Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week

http://www.nmha.org

National Hopeline Network

800-SUICIDE (784-2433)

National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and

Eating Disorders

800-442-HOPE (4673)

630-577-1330

Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST, Monday to Friday

http://www.hopeline.com

http://www.anad.org
Crisis Center and Hotlines Locator by State
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/getinvolved/
locator

National Eating Disorders Association

800-931-2237
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, Monday to Friday

Suicide Prevention Services Depression Hotline

630-482-9696

http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
National Suicide Hotline

Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week

800-SUICIDE (784-2433)

http://www.spsamerica.org

800-442-HOPE (4673)

Your Life Iowa: Bullying Support and Suicide

Prevention

Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week

(855) 581-8111 (24/7) or text TALK to 85511 (48 PM

every day)
Chat is available MonThurs from 7:30 PM12:00 AM
http://www.yourlifeiowa.org

http://www.hopeline.com

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

800-273-TALK (8255)
Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week

Al-Anon/Alateen

http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

888-425-2666
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST, Monday to Friday

The National Alcohol and Substance Abuse

Information Center

http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/index.php
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism
800-662-HELP (4357)

800-784-6776
Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week
http://www.addictioncareoptions.com

Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week

http://www.niaaa.nih.gov

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More Hotlines and Info

AIDS and HIV

Rape, Sexual Violence, and Domestic Violence

AIDSinfo

Crisis Call Center

800-HIV-0440 (800-448-0440)

800-273-8255 or text ANSWER to 839863

12 p.m. to 5 p.m. EST, Monday to Friday

Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week

http://www.aidsinfo.nih.gov

http://crisiscallcenter.org/crisisservices.html

National AIDS Hotline

loveisrespect, National Teen Dating Abuse

Helpline

800-CDC-INFO (232-4636)

(866) 331-9474

Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week

Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week

http://www.cdc.gov/hiv//links.htm

http://www.loveisrespect.org

Project Inform: National HIV/AIDS Treatment

Hotline

National Domestic Violence Hotline

800-822-7422 or 415-558-9051 in the San

Francisco Bay Area

800-799-SAFE (7233)

7 a.m. to 1 p.m. EST, Monday to Friday

Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week

http://www.projectinform.org

http://www.ndvh.org

Sexuality and Sexual Health

Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network

American Sexual Health Association

800-656-HOPE (4673)

919-361-8488

Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week

8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday to Friday

http://www.rainn.org

http://www.ashastd.org

Safe Horizons Rape, Sexual Assault & Incest

Hotline

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) INFO

800-CDC-INFO (232-4636)

Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-621-HOPE (4673)

Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week

Crime Victims Hotline: 866-689-HELP (4357)

http://www.cdc.gov

Rape, Sexual Assault & Incest Hotline: 212-2273000

GLBT National Youth Talkline

TDD phone number for all hotlines: 866-604-5350

800-246-PRIDE (7743)

Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week

4 p.m. to 12 a.m. EST, Monday to Friday

http://www.safehorizon.org

12 p.m. to 5 p.m. EST, Saturday

Your Life Iowa: Bullying Support and Suicide

Prevention

http://www.glnh.org/talkline
Planned Parenthood National Hotline
800-230-PLAN (7526) - for routing to local
resources

(855) 581-8111 (24/7) or text TALK to 85511 (48

PM every day)
Chat is available MondaysThursdays from 7:30 PM
12:00 AM
http://www.yourlifeiowa.org

Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week

http://www.plannedparenthood.org

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More Hotlines and Info

On-Campus

Trans Lifeline
U.S.:(877) 565-8860

Campus Safety

(909) 607-2000

Canada: (877) 330-6366

RA on duty

This hotline is staffed by volunteers who are all

trans identified and educated in the range of
difficulties transgender people experience.
Operators are generally available twenty-four
hours a day, seven days a week.

Dean on call, available through Dean of Students

(909) 708-7603 or (909) 708-7604

(909) 621-8277

Psychologist on-call, available through campus safety (909) 607-2000

Campus Safety (also call for On Call Dean or On Call
Therapist from Monsour)
(909) 607-2000

http://www.translifeline.org

Homelessness and Runaways

Boys Town National Hotline - serving all
at-risk teens and children

Monsour

(909) 621-8202

Student Health Services

(909) 621-8222

Office of the Chaplains

(909) 621-8685

800-448-3000
Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week
http://www.boystown.org/hotline
Crisis Call Center

Crisis Textline

800-273-8255 or text ANSWER to 839863

Text Start to 741-741

Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week

Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week

http://crisiscallcenter.org/crisisservices.html

http://www.crisistextline.org/

National Runaway Switchboard

800-RUNAWAY (786-2929)
Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week
http://www.1800runaway.org
See Mental Health Resources and Advocates for more
resources, outreach, and support.

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Disability 101: Information and Resources

What is disability?
Disability is a dynamic between the body and/or mind (like energy level, anxiety, stress, mobility, chronic
pain, and/or illness) and social and cultural ideas about what is normal and what is abnormal. These
sociocultural norms influence institutions, societies, and the systems we are a part of, and establish privilege
for those considered normal and take power away from those labelled abnormal.
- https://valeriamsouza.wordpress.com
People are disabled when they have physical or mental differences or impairments while living in a society
where their bodies and ways of thinking, communicating, sensing, or moving are not treated as normal or
natural.
- http://www.autistichoya.com/p/definitions.html
Disability can be any number of physical or mental chronic illnesses, impairments or differences that
substantially and frequently limits one or more major life activities, like being able to communicate with
others, doing basic self-care, processing information cognitively, keeping a job or traveling, eating or
sleeping. A given disability may be about or impact mobility, cognitive function, sight, speech/language,
hearing or more than one of those things. Just like it's hard to create one, big blanket definition for sex that fits
everyone, the same is true for disability, so not everyone disabled shares the same definition.
-http://www.scarleteen.com/article/bodies/disability_dharma_what_including_learning_from_disability_can_teach_everyone_about_se

What is ableism?
Mia Mingus defines ableism as the system of oppression (and domination) that provides or denies and
withholds resources, agency, and superiority/dignity based on ones ability.

Ableism is a systemic problem, not an individual problem. While ableism can and does show up in
interpersonal interactions, its important to remember that oppression against disabled folks is acted out by
institutions and systems, and not just between individuals.
Oppression against disabled people is upheld by the ideology that people are inferior, have a worse quality
of life, or have lives less valuable or worth living on the basis of actual or perceived disability.
-www.autistichoya.com/p/definitions.html
What is ableist language and why is it important to be critical of the language we use?
Words are used to oppress people. Language is inherently political. Both as individuals and as larger social
and cultural groups, it is self-evident that the language we use to express all sorts of ideas, opinions, and
emotions, as well as to describe ourselves and others, is simultaneously reflective of existing attitudes and
influential to developing attitudes.
- http://www.autistichoya.com/p/ableist-words-and-terms-to-avoid.html
What are some examples of ableist language?
-http://www.autistichoya.com/p/ableist-words-and-terms-to-avoid.html
crazy/mad
stupid
dumb
blind to X
idiot
deaf to X
insane
wheelchair-bound
invalid
handicapped
lame
maniac
r******d
psycho
differently abled
special ed/special needs
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When you use terms like insane or stupid to invalidate what someones saying, youre using disability as
a metaphor to describe something negative, even though disability isnt inherently negative. When you say
youre crazy, youre reinforcing that mentally ill people shouldnt be listened to, believed, or valued. If
someone is wrong because theyre acting like theyre mentally ill, then someone who is mentally ill would
logically always be wrong.
The term wheelchair-bound implies that someones wheelchair is restricting them. The real problem isnt the
wheelchair, though, its that our society has normalized walking and doesnt support wheelchairs with
elevators, ramp access, accessible bathrooms, etc. If our world was designed to accommodate all types of
mobility, would people be wheelchair-bound?
Its important to investigate the meaning of the language we use so that were not stigmatizing disability. You
might not know that some words have been used to oppress disabled people, since theyre used so frequently
now. For example, the word lame literally means limping and hobbling. Thats probably not what you mean
when you say thats so lame.
Try to think about the deeper meanings of the words youre using, and question why disability is understood
and portrayed so negatively within the English language and within greater cultural contexts. Its great to stop
using ableist language, and its even better to think and act critically.
What language should I use when talking about disability?
When talking about disability, use disabled and not differently abled, unless youre referring to a friend
who has specifically requested that you use differently abled to refer to them.
Differently abled:
Tries to say that disabled people are just as valid as everyone else, but it erases that being disabled
in an ableist world means lack of power and access. The diversity of bodies and minds should be
celebrated, and its also important to recognize that there is inequality between able-bodied and
disabled people.
Is euphemistic, which implies that disability is too harsh or impolite to talk about. That limits
discussion around disability and further stigmatizes it. Since we cant eliminate ableism by
ignoring it, we should talk openly about disability.
- http://www.autistichoya.com/2013/08/differently-abled.html
Different parts of the disability community use person first language vs. identity first language. Its
important to always refer to people in the way that they prefer!
Person first language = person with a disability. Person-first language historically was used to counter the
dehumanization that came with a disability diagnosis or label. People were being dehumanized by being
called imbeciles, morons, r****ds, so to counter that advocates argued that they were people despite their
disability. Some disabled people think that person-first language still acknowledges that disability lessens
someones humanity by trying to separate people from it.
Identity first language = disabled person. Some disabled folks believe that this acknowledges that disability
is an important aspect of someones identity, and that people have value no matter what. Just as people say
queer person instead of person with queer, identity-first language says that we can take pride in our
disabilities.
Models of Disability
Medical Model:
the disabled individual is the problem, not the ableist society

disability is an individual defect that must be eradicated/cured in order for the disabled person to become
human
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the individual must be courageous and overcome their disability

Social Model:
the ableist society is the problem, not the individual
disability is socially constructed and r einfor ced in the built envir onment, peoples attitudes, and
provision of services/distribution of resources
people are disabled when society labels their bodies, ways of thinking, communicating, sensing, and/
or moving as abnormal or unnatural.
social model doesnt account for the fact that physical experiences of disability--such as pain,
hallucinations, fatigue--are not socially constructed
Political/Relational Model (imagined by Alison Kafer):
complicates medical and social model
recognizes that folks can have complicated feelings about disability--can want to not be in pain, for
example, while also identifying with disability and being proud of being disabled
recognizes that ableism isnt the cause of embodied experiences like pain, fatigue, hallucinations, etc
disabled people can benefit from medical intervention, but recognizes that medicine helps construct
notions of which bodies are normal and which arent
the political/relational model neither opposes nor valorizes medical intervention; rather than
simply take such intervention for granted, it recognizes instead that medical representations,
diagnoses, and treatments of bodily variation are imbued with ideological biases about what
constitutes normalcy and deviance. In doing so, it recognizes the possibility of simultaneously desiring
to be cured of chronic pain and to be identified and allied with disabled people" (Alison Kafer 6).
Non-apparent vs. Apparent Disabilities
People with non-apparent disabilities (for example: chr onic pain, mental illness, and lear ning
disabilities):
sometimes have to fight to be believed about their disabilities, and can have more difficulty asserting
access needs
have the privilege of being read as able-bodied.
non-apparent disabilities sometimes become visible: for example, if a person with anxiety starts
shaking or becomes jittery, they are more likely to be understood as having some sort of disability.
The way people with apparent disabilities are treated changes based on the environment:
sometimes infantilized, receive stares and rude questions, or, in more unsafe environments, are
assaulted and killed.
Being read as disabled depends on the context the person is in and there is no definite line between having a
non-apparent vs. apparent disability.
Ableism and Intersectionality
If we only talk about ableism, then we ignore the ways in which disabled folks who are marginalized by other
forms of oppression are further impacted by ableism. It is vital to think and act critically so that the
experiences of multiply marginalized disabled people are held front and center.
Ableism and Misogyny: Doctor s often dismiss women with chr onic illnesses, saying that theyre
hysterical/over-emotional.
Ableism and Racism/White Supremacy/Police Brutality: Autistic behavior s (such as stimming) can be
interpreted as signs of aggression or disobedience when expressed by bodies of color (in particular Black
bodies) because of the way that white supremacist thinking codes black folks actions.

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Ableism and White Supremacy/Misogynoir: Depr ession is tr eated at lower r ates for black women
because white supremacy/misogyny codes black women as being strong and self-sacrificing, independent
and dependable ... -- essentially nonhuman.
-http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jn-salters/black-women-depression_b_5227546.html
Ableism and Classism: Folks often have to shop ar ound for differ ent medicines and ther apists, which
is extremely expensive. On top of that, therapy itself is costly and rarely covered by insurance.
Ableism and Capitalism: Disabled bodies ar e sometimes incapable of being pr oductive. Capitalism
says that people who cannot produce are not valuable. Under capitalism, disabled bodies are understood are
being disposable and worthless if they cannot produce/labor.
Ableism and Normalized Gender and Sexuality: Cisgender and heter osexual identities ar e nor malized.
Folks who are trans and/or queer are understood to have deviant genders and/or sexualities. The standard of
how a body should be gendered and perform gender places a standard of abnormality and freakishness
upon trans bodies.
Ableism and Dyadism: Dyadism is systemic/institutionalized oppr ession of inter sex people. The thr eat
which intersex bodies pose to the natural order of correct bodies leads to violence on intersex bodies
deemed as a valid medical intervention.
Ableism and Documentation: Confidentiality r ules for car e ar e confusing, and that pr events people
from getting care because they fear deportation as a result of being reported by doctors/therapists.
Navigating Ableism at Scripps
Part of fully understanding ableism as a systemic experience is recognizing the ways in which its embedded
in our own lives. For disabled students, college can mean a host of challenges that many non-disabled
students dont encounter, and Scripps is no exception. But facing these challenges alone and/or for the first
time at college can be an alienating experience. Here are tips for navigating ableism at Scripps as a disabled
student:

Be open and sensitive about access needs dont be afraid to assert your own, and
remember others when you are with them.

Talk to your professors about accommodations if you require them. While the Dean of
Students office should notify your professors via email of your classroom accommodations,
you are the only person who can hold them accountable. Approach them after class or
during office hours to make sure that they know the dealio, that they are able to implement
accommodations, and that youre both comfortable communicating about your needs.

Reach out to other disabled students on campus through DIDA (Disability, Illness, and
Difference Alliance-- claremontdida@gmail.com, https://www.facebook.com/
ClaremontDida) or 5CDMN (5C Disability Mentor Network-- fivecdmn@gmail.com) for
support.

Develop a network of support. Connect with your peers at Scripps, but also explore what is
outside of our college.

Familiarize yourself with the correct terms to use to refer to certain disabled people. If
youre stuck or dont know, ask yourself, Which term is most compassionate? Which
doesnt devalue the person or pathologize their disability?

Dont be afraid to call people in and educate when ableist things happen around you,
especially if you identify as able bodied.

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Ways you can work against ableism in your relationships:

Do not make assumptions about the abilities that folks around you do or do not have
Ask how you can support your friends
Offer to drop off food for your friends who have energy-related disabilities
Call out ableist language by explaining the violence of ableist ideology--especially around able-bodied
peers
Hugs (if consensual!)
Believing your friends when they say they can/cant do something
Offering alternatives sometimes if your friends cant do something--for example, if friends are going
out dancing, offer to stay in and watch movies with a friend who isnt up to going out
Affirming your friends experiences instead of minimizing and comparing, i.e. That sounds really
difficult and stressful instead of Oh, thats not a big deal, I had three essays due last night or
Yeah, I feel really exhausted all of the time, too.
Dont search for solutions unless folks want that--its not about you fixing anybody
Ask what people need--advice, or just support?
Learn more about ableism and support methods
Be careful about offering unsolicited aid or assuming people can't do things they haven't specifically
said they have difficulty with
In order to create a space where friends feel comfortable expressing themselves fully, allow for honest
answers to the question, how are you? and don't always expect an answer to the question.
Allow for the dismissal of sensitive/overwhelming material. It may be helpful to have a designated
code word for when a topic is too much-- stop, drop, and roll into a new conversation.
Know your own worth in a friend group. Sometimes the best course of action is to remove yourself
from a toxic situation. Self care is always number one.
Resources for Disabled Students
Sonia De La Torre-Iniguez, Assistant Dean of Students, Dir ector of Academic Suppor t Ser vices, and
Deputy Title IX Coordinator: call her at the Dean of Students office at (909) 621-8277 or email her at
SDelator@ScrippsCollege.edu.
Your Peer Mentor, Team Leader and/or your RAs
The RA on-call phone numbers: (909) 607-2000 and (909) 708-7604
24-Hour Suicide Prevention Hotline: (310) 399-5411

Pacifica Recovery Services An eating disorder recovery center with 3-hour sessions consisting of
supervised meals, a support group with processing time facilitated by a therapist, and meetings with a
dietician and a psychiatrist. Contact Pacifica by phone at (909) 447-5081 or by email at
pacificarecovery@aol.com; Pacifica is located at 415 W. Foothill Blvd., Suite 210
Project Sister Family Services an organization that supports survivors of sexual assault and provides
services for including a 24-hour hotline, volunteer advocates for navigating medical and judicial processes,
counseling, support groups, walk-in clinic. A Project Sister therapist is available at 1030 Dartmouth Ave
every Tuesday: walk-in sessions are from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and by-appointment sessions are from 10 a.m. to 4
p.m. Their 24-hour hotline is (909) 626-4357 and their office phone is (909) 623-1619; email Project Sister at
info@projectsister.org
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Pomona Valley namipv.or g: Confidential infor mation and
referral helpline about mental health management (909-399-0305), classes about mental illness and treatment,
support groups for people with mental illnesses and their supporters, and programs community outreach.
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Their website is namipv.org and their phone number is (909) 399-0305.

Tri-City Mental Health Center has outpatient ser vices, a wellness center with open hour s and
programming for the community, classes about mental illness and mental health first aid, referrals to outside
therapists/psychiatrists, a peer support program and more. Their website is tricitymhs.org. (909) 623-6131.
Monsour Counseling and Psychological Services (MCAPS) Counseling ser vices, psychiatr y, and they
are people you have to go through to get back to school if you go to a psych hospital. We recommend
talking to the folks in DIDA, 5C Mental Health Alliance, and 5CDMN for therapist recommendations!
Monsour is open Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Their office phone is (909) 621-8202 and their
after-hours emergency line is (909) 607-2000.
Planned Parenthood: 918 W Foothill Blvd. #A, Upland. (909) 985-0065
24-Hour Walgreens Pharmacy: 1241 West Foothill, Upland. (909) 985-2713

Pomona Valley Hospital: 1798 N. Gar ey Ave., Pomona

San Antonio Community Hospital: 999 San Ber nar dino Ave., Upland
RAINNs National Sexual Assault Hotline: (800) 656-4673 (free, confidential, 24/7).
Health Education Outreach (HEO) is located on the first floor of the Tranquada Student Services Center;
HEO provides outreach programs and workshops on health and wellness, free HIV tests every Tuesday
from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and free nutrition services. You can email the free nutritionist, Whitney Tawney, at
Whitney_Tawney@cuc.claremont.edu.
Student Disability Resource Center: pr ovides disability awar eness tr ainings and wor kshops,
instructional support for faculty, testing and study spaces for students, and digital and online disability
education resources.
Student Health Services (SHS): Offer s doctor s, nur se pr actitioner s, and medical suppor t staff. They
also do laboratory work and basic imaging, and dispense some medications and immunizations.
Appointments scheduled in advance are offered at no charge to students. Walk-in appointments, labs,
imaging and prescriptions cost money. If you have SHIP, you have to go through SHS in order to get
referred to an outside doctor, or else you have to pay $100.
Off-campus resources:

Claremont Service Center for Independent Living: http://www.scil-ilc.org

Suicide Prevention Hotline: (310) 399-5411

24-Hour Walgreens Pharmacy: 1241 West Foothill, Upland.

(909) 985-2713

Information about DIDA

The Disability Illness and Difference Alliance (DIDA) is a student-led group for disabled undergraduate
students and their allies. DIDA is committed to creating safe spaces for discussions surrounding issues of
disability, and to confronting and organizing against ableism on campus. We promote awareness of
disability issues through weekly discussions, events, and other programming. DIDA members work
collaboratively to create community, share knowledge, and discuss ways to improve the experiences of
disabled students at the Claremont Colleges.
To get more information about DIDA:

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Like DIDA at www.facebook.com/ClaremontDIDA/

Join the FB group at www.facebook.com/groups/ClaremontDIDA/
Information about 5CDMN
The 5C Disability Mentor Network (5CDMN) is a student-led program that brings together disabled students
across the Claremont Colleges. Through the 5CDMN, disabled students build meaningful friendships and
connections, learn from each other, and have fun! 5CDMN is structured around the belief that we all have
valuable and important experiences and knowledge to share with others. Unlike other mentorship programs,
the 5C Disability Mentor Network consists of groups (2-4 members per group) of students that are made up of
first years through seniors. These groups are organized around a mix of shared interests and/or similar
disabilities. 5CDMN members are encouraged to spend time both with their small group and with other
groups at various 5CDMN events and activities that take place over the course of the year.

Become a part of the program: http://goo.gl/forms/e4mA57UB8w

Like 5CDMN at https://www.facebook.com/5CDMN

By:
Eden Amital 17
Felicia Agrelius 17
Leanna Namovic 17
Grace Fors 18
Martha Bea Parker 18

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For information on professors and accommodations, please contact DIDA (claremontdida@gmail.com)

For information on
professors and
accommodations, please
contact DIDA
(claremontdida@gmail.com)

For information on professors and accommodations, please contact DIDA (claremontdida@gmail.com)

For information on
professors and
accommodations, please
contact DIDA
(claremontdida@gmail.com)

For information on professors and accommodations, please contact DIDA (claremontdida@gmail.com)

For information on
professors and
accommodations, please
contact DIDA
(claremontdida@gmail.com)

For information on professors and accommodations, please contact DIDA (claremontdida@gmail.com)

For information on
professors and
accommodations, please
contact DIDA
(claremontdida@gmail.com)

For information on
professors and
accommodations, please
contact DIDA
(claremontdida@gmail.com)

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Watch Your Language

In this community, we are very aware that the media, capitalism and
consumerism can lead to dangerous promotion of certain ideals and widespread
circulation of stigmatizing information. Just look at the advertising industry,
which in many different senses manipulates feelings of want or need. Certain
images, identities, and ways of life are promoted or put down. We know such
ideas set forth are bad, but we still somehow take part in their circulation -it seems there is no escape when harmful ideas (such as binary-enforcing and
misogynistic gender roles) are inextricably woven into culture. But heres the
catch: just because the media shows it, just because the corporations sell it,
just because you didnt know any better doesnt mean that this thought pattern
isnt harmful. We hear this kind of language in discussions of microaggression
in other social justice areas. Unfortunately, ignorance does not factor in to
whether your words and actions may cause damage. What you dont know can, in
fact, hurt you.
Again, I find myself running into an idea [I frequently reference]. You
never know what someone is currently going through or has experienced. It takes
seconds and a small amount of effort to be mindful, to think critically about
the kinds of things you say and do, while it may take an enormous amount of
time and willpower for a person to recover from a trigger. Many people in
recovery from trauma, addiction and eating disorders, to name a few examples,
are bombarded with triggers everywhere. As a college community that seems to be
committed to making groups of people and individuals feel as safe as possible,
we do consider the effect our campus culture has on people. However, the
problem persists. I wouldnt go so far as to say that preventative measures are
explicitly taken in most areas, but generally people do not tend to knowingly
add to the problem. By being passive, even inadvertently, you allow, even
encourage, a violent system to persist.
Perhaps taking measures to be mindful of those who might need you to is
inconvenient, but this concept applies to mindfulness of any difference. People
who are different do not exist to inconvenience you, and by the same token,
your life isnt about them. Im not advocating for what people often attack as
overly-politically-correctness to the point of censorship. Some language and
topics make people uncomfortable, but there is a monumental difference between
discomfort and danger. A theme that comes up often in Scripps discussions in
and out of class is identity. My perception (and personal belief) is that
assigning an identity to a person, or in any way attacking or trivializing a
persons self-defined identity, is violent. This extends to mental health.
Would you think the same way about issues of race or gender? If your language
makes people feel attacked based on some part of their identities, wouldnt you
want to change it?

Mental health isnt about feelings; depression isnt about being sad;
addiction isnt as simple as wanting or needing something. In recovery,
people have to try to change their integrated thought patterns and tendencies,
which become somewhat automatic and involuntary,which becomes threatening in
recovery, as even certain thoughts themselves act as triggers and continue this
cycle. And this runs much deeper than feelings or just habits. People who
experience certain things may not appreciate being branded as a single aspect
of their life or as a victim, either. Your words matter.
Being mindful extends beyond the obvious ideas of not using certain words
such as insane as a casual descriptor, not incorrectly applying terms (I am
so OCD! My notes have to be so neat) and not joking about serious matters such
as sexual assault or suicide. College culture is ripe with triggers that seem
commonplace and harmless to most people. Consider eating disorders and
disordered eating recovery-- just think for a minute about where those triggers
may be. People recovering are subjected to so much adverse information on not
only a daily, but an hourly basis. Examples include the ever-present discussion
of weight and appearance, use of fat constantly, negatively and derisively,
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talk of having to make up for eating a certain thing or earning the right to
eat it, obsessions with dieting and exercise, etc. These are only a few
examples, and everyone is different, which brings me to an important point.
You cannot cover everything; there is no way to possibly know everyones
triggers and avoid them. So why bother? you may ask. This is a common
argument I have seen, but you can apply it to many other areas-- if you cant
prevent all murder, whats the point of trying? To this, I ask, when did
individual peoples peace of mind become insignificant? And being mindful
covers many of the more common triggers, so why sacrifice collective
mindfulness as prevention altogether based on the cases that cant always be
reached?
Youll find that individuals tend to matter more when you think about them as
separate people rather than as an entity in some vague, amorphous other
group. If a friend is grieving over a loved ones death, you certainly would
try to be more sensitive. You probably wouldnt shame a victim of a shooting
for being triggered by kids playing with Nerf guns. So, what makes other
triggers different? Why are some triggers brushed off and trivialized,
especially in relation to other factors such as gender and race? You dont
need to know the feeling or fully be able to place yourself in someone elses
shoes. Respect the fact that everyone is different not weaker-- and that
there are some things that are pretty damn scary that you might not
understand.
Call it sensitive. I dare you.
Jocelyn Gardner 17

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The Problem With White Feminism

While all feminists are important to the cause, not all feminisms are created equal. Even within positive and empowering spac es
specifically designed to create equality, there seems to be a hierarchy and a prioritization of some womens issues over othe rs.
Currently, our society tends to overemphasize the experiences and issues of white, middle -class women without realizing that their
realities are not universal. In order to really engage with feminism, we as a society need to broaden our view of womens iss ues in
terms of intersectionality in order to properly address the plights of all women.
White, middle-class feminism can take many forms, but the main idea behind this type of feminism is that by putting an emphasis
on both racial and class distinctions, what this term is really getting at is the interlocking systems of power that this gro up holds and
the ways in which it negatively affects those who do not fall within these categories. Those individuals that have race and c lass
privileges need to acknowledge that they are often in positions that rely on domination and subjugation, which tends to rende r the
voices of other groups mute. The issue is that white, middle-class women are not and simply cannot reflect the interests and
necessities of a diverse group of women, although historically it has often been made out that way. Often times this type of
feminism is alienating and deters women of color from joining the feminist movement because they are often considered sellout s
by the members of their own communities.
This term also illustrates that in terms of policies and basic rights, only some of these issues are being addressed and hear d. It is not
that one issue carries more weight than others, but it is important to realize that often, different groups prioritize differ ent things
simply because they have to. Some of the privileges, and I dare say luxuries, afforded to middle -class white women who are fighting
for certain rights tend to focus or prioritize those issues that directly affect them. White middle -class feminism is: addressing the
wage gap but failing to speak about how it is even more disportionately spread when discussing women of color, trying to stip ulate
what is oppressive within other cultures without challenging their own, starting body positive campaigns whose main focus is white,
able-bodied individuals, campaigning for access to birth control while many minority women cannot achieve legal status and
therefore have been disproportionately overlooked within the healthcare systems, and failing to recognize or even outright ig noring
those women of color who have made amazing contributions to the feminist movement.
Feminists need to avoid creating the very same oppressive structures within themselves that they are trying to combat. One wa y to
do this is by creating safe and intersectional spaces where all women feel as though they are being heard. Feminism is never going to
be successful if we allow it to continue to mimic only the ideals of current dominant groups. The term intersectionality, a s coined
by Kimberl Crenshaw, suggests that and seeks to examine how various biological, social and cultural categories such as gend er,
race, class, ability, sexual orientation, religion, caste, species and other axes of identity interact on multiple and often simultaneous
levels, contributing to systemic injustice and social inequality.
Intersectionality holds that the classical conceptualizations of oppression within society, such as racism, sexism, biphobia,
homophobia, transphobia, and belief-based bigotry, do not act independently of one another. Instead, these forms of oppression
interrelate, creating a system of oppression that reflects the intersection of multiple forms of discrimination.
By looking at equal pay, for example, we can see how intersectionality can help problematize the ways in which it has been lo oked
at in society. Like I mentioned, the idea that women make 77 cents fewer than men only takes into account how white womens
earnings measure up without mentioning that Asian, black and Hispanic women make even less than that amount. White middle class feminism often ignores issues of race, class and other important identities to look at how certain issues affect women
differently. Intersectionality is necessary because it takes all identities and issues into account without the threat of era sure.
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It always interests me to see the different responses I get when I align myself with the term feminist. Responses
range from So, what, do you hate men? to Oh, I could never call myself a feminist because I believe men and women
should be equal. I think what shocks me the most is how misguided the views of feminism truly are and how these misconceptions make it easy to dismiss its ideas and goals. It is easy to scorn something when you do not understand it, and I
think that is the major issue here.
When I first came to Scripps, I was very surprised to find that not only do many women here not identify as feminists,
but that they actually feel strongly about distancing themselves from the word.
This uneasiness towards the term, I think, stems from years of misconceptions surrounding the idea of feminism and exactly what it means to be a feminist, which is where it gets a little tricky. In the 90s, Pat Robertson defined the feminist agenda as a socialist, anti-family political movement that encourages women to leave their husbands, kill their children, practice witchcraft, destroy capitalism and become lesbians. It is understandable that many people would not want
to align themselves with an idea that has been so muddled and misinformed as to become misleading. The word, however,
has emerged and changed over time and with it, I believe, came a positive shift in society.
Let me make it perfectly clear: you are a feminist if you advocate for womens rights on the grounds of political, social and
economic equality and in doing so believe in eradicating the restraints that gender places on everyone men, women and
gender queer. Feminisms goal is to ensure that a persons gender does not restrict or discredit any of his or her successes
or inhibit his or her capability for prosperit y and happiness. While it was once (and sometimes still is) considered a dirty
word, the term feminist is now being welcomed and embraced.
Where before celebrities carefully tiptoed around the term to avoid its negative connotations, such as when Katy Perry
said I am not a feminist, but I do believe in the strength of women, icons like Ellen Page and Beyonc are now openly
identifying themselves as feminists. In doing so, they become activists for the term.
There are many different ways to be a feminist and many different types of feminism. But when you choose not to identify as a feminist, what you are essentially saying is that you are choosing to be willfully ignorant of the issues that currently affect our society. In doing so you tarnish every name that has ever made efforts and sacrifices so that we as
people have the rights and freedoms that we do now.
I think it is important that we learn not to dismiss other peoples ideas of feminism (unless it is Robertsons). Everyones
struggle is as different as his or her background. We, as a society, have so many different experiences in terms of gender,
sexuality, race and socio-economic class that it is often difficult to understand each others viewpoints.
In that respect, we have a long way to go. No movement is perfect. But it is important to remember that feminism has
the capability of being an all-encompassing, inclusive term, and that is so important. When you really start to believe in
the message of equality and everything that it stands for you will soon find that you, in fact, have been a feminist all
along.
Evelyn Gonzalez 18
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Tips for Exhibiting Allyship towards Transgender People

http://www.glaad.org/transgender/allies

The following tips can be used as you move toward becoming more accountable when talking about gender. Of course, this list is not
exhaustive and cannot include all the "right" things to do or say - because often there is no one "right" answer to every situation you might
encounter. Your actions will help change the culture, making society a better, safer place for transgender people - and for all people (trans
or not) who do not conform to gender expectations.
You can't tell if someone is transgender just by looking: Transgender people don't all look a certain way or come from the same
background, and many may not appear "visibly trans." It's not possible to look around a room and "see" if there are any transgender people.
(It would be like a straight person looking around the room to "see" if there are any gay people.) You should assume that there may be
transgender people at any gathering.
Don't make assumptions about a transgender person's sexual orientation: Gender identity is different than sexual orientation. Sexual
orientation is about who we're attracted to. Gender identity is about our own personal sense of being male or female (or someone outside
that binary). Transgender people may have any sexual orientation.
If you don't know what pronouns to use, listen first: If you're unsure which pronoun a person prefers, listen first to the pronoun other
people use when referring to that person. Someone who knows the person well will probably use the correct pronoun. If you must ask
which pronoun the person prefers, start with your own. For example, "Hi, I'm Dani and I prefer the pronouns she and her. What about
you?" Then use that person's preferred pronoun and encourage others to do so. If you accidentally use the wrong pronoun, apologize
quickly and sincerely, then move on. The bigger deal you make out of the situation, the more uncomfortable it is for everyone.
Don't ask a transgender person what their "real name" is: For some transgender people, being associated with their birth name is a
tremendous source of anxiety, or it is simply a part of their life they wish to leave behind. Respect the name a transgender person is
currently using. If you happen to know the name someone was given at birth but no longer uses, don't share it without the person's explicit
permission. Similarly, don't share photos of someone from before their transition, unless you have their permission.
Understand the differences between "coming out" as lesbian, bisexual, or gay and "coming out" as transgender: "Coming out" to other
people as lesbian, gay, or bisexual is typically seen as revealing a truth that allows others to know your authentic self. The LGB community
places great importance and value on the idea of being "out" in order to be happy and whole. When a transgender person has transitioned
and is living as their authentic gender - that is their truth. The world now sees them as their true selves. Unfortunately, it can often feel
disempowering for a transgender person to disclose to others that he or she is transgender. Sometimes when others learn a person is trans
they no longer see the person as a "real" man or woman. Some people may choose to publicly discuss their lives in an effort to raise
awareness and make cultural change, but please don't assume that it's necessary for a transgender person to always disclose that they are
transgender in order to feel happy and whole.
Be careful about confidentiality, disclosure, and "outing": Some transgender people feel comfortable disclosing their transgender status
to others, and some do not. Knowing a transgender person's status is personal information and it is up to them to share it. Do not casually
share this information, or "gossip" about a person you know or think is transgender. Not only is this an invasion of privacy, it also can have
negative consequences in a world that is very intolerant of gender difference - transgender people can lose jobs, housing, friends, or even
their lives upon revelation of their transgender status.
Respect the terminology a transgender person uses to describe their identity: The transgender community uses many different terms to
describe their experiences. Respect the term (transgender, transsexual, genderqueer, cross-dresser, etc.) a person uses to describe
themselves. If a person is not sure of which identity label fits them best, give them the time to figure it out for themselves and don't tell
them which term you think they should use. You wouldn't like your identity to be defined by others, so please allow others to define
themselves.
Be patient with a person who is questioning or exploring their gender identity: A person who is questioning or exploring their gender
identity may take some time to find out what identity and/or gender expression is best for them. They might, for example, choose a new
name or pronoun, and then decide at a later time to change the name or pronoun again. Do your best to be respectful and use the name
and/or pronoun requested.
Understand there is no "right" or "wrong" way to transition - and that it is different for every person: Some transgender people access
medical care like hormones and surgery as part of their transition. Some transgender people want their authentic gender identity to be
recognized without hormones or surgery. Some transgender people cannot access medical care, hormones, and/or surgery due to lack of
financial resources. A transgender identity is not dependent on medical procedures. Just accept that if someone tells you they are
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Don't ask about a transgender person's genitals, surgical status, or sex life: It would be inappropriate to ask a non-transgender person
about the appearance or status of their genitals, and it's equally inappropriate to ask a transgender person those questions. Don't ask if a
transgender person has had "the surgery" or if they are "pre-op" or "post-op." If a transgender person wants to talk to you about such
matters, they will bring it up. Similarly, it wouldn't be appropriate to ask a non-transgender person about how they have sex, so the same
courtesy should be extended to transgender people.
Avoid backhanded compliments or "helpful" tips: While you may intend to be supportive, comments like the following can be hurtful or
even insulting:
"I would have never known you were transgender. You look so pretty."
"You look just like a real woman."
"She's so gorgeous, I would have never guessed she was transgender."
"He's so hot, I'd date him even though he's transgender."
"You're so brave."
"You'd pass so much better if you wore less/more make-up, had a better wig, etc."
"Have you considered a voice coach?"
Challenge anti-transgender remarks or jokes in public spaces - including LGB spaces : You may hear anti-transgender comments from antiLGBT activists - but you may also hear them from LGB people. Someone may think that because they're gay it's ok for them to use certain
words or tell jokes about transgender people. It's important to challenge anti-transgender remarks or jokes whenever they're said and no
matter who says them.

Support gender neutral or all gender public restrooms: Some transgender and gender non-conforming people may not feel
like they match the signs on the restroom door. Encourage schools, businesses, and agencies to have single user, unisex and/or
gender neutral bathroom options. Make it clear that transgender and gender non-conforming people are welcome to use
whichever restroom they feel comfortable using.
Help make your company or group truly trans-inclusive: "LGBT" is now a commonplace term that joins lesbian, bisexual, gay,
and transgender under the same acronym. If you are part of a company or group that says it's LGBT-inclusive, remember that
transgender people face unique challenges, and that being LGBT-inclusive means truly understanding the needs of the trans
community.
At meetings and events, set an inclusive tone: At a meeting where not everyone is known, consider asking people to
introduce themselves with their name and pronouns. For example, "Hi, I'm Nick and my pronouns are he and him." This sends
the message that you are not making assumptions about anyone's gender, and that people are free to self-identify. Start with
yourself and use a serious tone that will discourage others from dismissing the activity with a joke. However, if you feel this
practice will have the effect of singling out the transgender people in the room, avoid it. Also, in a group setting, identify people
by articles of clothing instead of using gendered language - for example, the "person in the blue shirt," instead of the "woman
in the front." Similarly, "Sir" and "Madam" are best avoided. If bathrooms in the meeting space are not already gender neutral,
ask if it's possible to put gender neutral signs on them.
Listen to transgender people: The best way to be an ally is to listen with an open mind to transgender people themselves.
Talk to transgender people in your community. Check out books, films, YouTube channels, and transgender blogs to find out
more about transgender lives.
Know your own limits and be honest with your knowledge (or lack thereof): Don't be afraid to admit when you don't know
something. It is better to admit you don't know something than to make assumptions or say something that may be incorrect
or hurtful. Then seek out the appropriate resources that will help you learn more.
(Updated May 2015 / Adapted from MIT's "Action Tips for Allies of Trans People.")

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Biologically female/Biologically male:

Biological sex is far more complicated
that XX and XY. The idea that sex is
your real gender and gender
identity is what you choose to be is
false. Gender and sex are both social
constructions.
Transtrender: A term used to
invalidate trans people, suggesting that
people are coming out as transgender
because it is a trendy thing to do.

F2M/M2F: Female to male/male to

female. See note below. Do not use
this term unless a trans person has told
you it is okay to refer to them this way.

Trans* : This term was one I

thought was acceptable and
actually more inclusive, but the
point of the asterisk is actually
include those who have not
surgically transitioned, as if
trans people who refuse or
cant afford or havent yet had
gender affirming surgery arent
trans. Lots of trans folks dont
want to have surgery for
various reasons -- being
transgender doesnt mean you
have had surgery. This is a
form of gatekeeping. DONT
use this! Only ok if NO
asterisk
Crossdresser/Drag Queen/Drag
King : Dont use these terms
unless someone specifically
refers to themselves as
such. This is usually a cis
person who chooses to dress up
in clothes of the opposite
gender, however, Trans folks
can
be
Crossdresser/Drag
Queens/Drag
Kings
too.
Problematic because it is often
used to invalidate trans people
and because clothes do not
belong to a certain gender.
These are straight up slurs:

Tranny

Transvestite

it

Transgendered

He-she

Shemale

Hermaphrodite (when
talking about humans)

When talking about other

people and I don't know their
pronouns, I default to the
singular "they" because its
neutral. So is "zie."
Gender Reassignment Surgery:
Old term for gender affirmation/
gender confirmation surgery.
Slurs:
Cripple
Retarded
Herp/Derp
Mongoloid

When you are

talking about
everyone who is
not a cismale,
you can say all
marginalized
genders.

Trans is an umbrella term for anyone whose gender

does not match with the gender they were assigned at
birth. So that can be trans women, trans men, nonbinary folks, two spirited folks, bigender, trigender,
androgynous, agender, genderfluid, etc. And they can
all use different pronouns. Basically, if the terminology
or words you are using are trying to decipher what
someone's genitals look like, that is offensive. And the
other thing about trans folks is that a lot of them are
trans because they understand gender in a decolonized
and different way, so it is really hard to understand
sometimes for cis people raised in western society.

A note on "queer": Queer is an umbrella term that includes

gay folks, lesbians, all types of bisexuals, intersex, and
trans folks. This is a reclaimed slur, and many think that it
can only be used by the groups that historically have been
called queers in a derogatory way. It is also used to talk
about queer theory and sexuality studies, which
encompasses all sexualities that arent heterosexuality. Its
a tricky word, often acceptable in academia, but many older
folks in the LGBTQA+ community still view it as a slur
that they refuse to reclaim. Obviously, when organizations
or academic departments call themselves queer, its okay to
use, as well as when people call themselves queer.
Female/male-identified: This
term implies that trans folks
identify as a woman or a
man, instead of simply being a
woman or a man. Use the term
male/female/man/woman :
She is a female.

Eunuch:
someone who
has had their
penis removed
or has been
sterilized. Do
not use this
term.

Transexual :
Another way to
say transgender.
This word is
not to be used
unless a person
describes
themselves this
way. Outdated
term that is
often offensive;
do not use.

When writing about

Trans issues, if you
are using a term you
are unsure of in order
to identify what
someones genitals
are, you are being
offensive.

If you dont know someones

pronouns, use they or something
else that is considered neutral like
Ne or Zie.
Transwoman/transman: It is
prefered that transwoman/
transman be written trans
woman/trans man so that
trans is a descriptor, not a
prefix used to create another
type of woman. Think queer
woman or black woman.

Preferred pronouns: See

female/male identified.
Pronouns are not preferred
they are someones pronouns.
Use the term pronouns What
are your pronouns?

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Transgender : umbrella term for trans

women, trans men, non-binary folks,
bigender folks, two spirited folks,
genderqueer folks, gender fluid folks,
and all other genders that are not cis (a
cisgender person is someone whose
gender matches the gender they were
assigned at birth).

AMAB/CAMAB/DFAB : Assigned
male at birth/Coercively assigned
male at birth/Designated female at
birth
AFAB/CAFAB/DFAB : Assigned
female at birth/Coercively assigned
female at birth/Designated female at
birth
Pronouns : Always ask people for their
pronouns. Here are a few common ones:
She/her/hersHe/him/histhey/them/
theirNe/nem/nir/nirs/nemselfzie/zir/zir/
zirs/zirself

Disabled Community The disabled

community includes people with physical
disabilities and mental illness(es) (or both)
Intersex: Someone whose hormones,
chromosomes, genitals, and/or other sex
characteristics do not fit within the sex/gender
binary. Someone who is not Intersex is dyadic.
Gender Presentation : How someones gender
is perceived by others, usually do to
superficial factors, such as clothing,
mannerisms, hairstyle, etc.

"women-identified
people," "women and
trans women" (implies
that trans women are not
women)
"womyn" (used by
feminists to distinguish
women from men, but has
also been used by radical
feminists to argue that
trans women are not
women)

"both genders,"
"opposite genders" -reinforces the idea of
the gender binary

Equating menstruation/wombs/vaginas with

womanhood -- not all people who menstruate are
women (trans men, non-binary people, etc.), not
all women menstruate (trans women, postmenopausal women, some women with
polycystic ovary syndrome)

"born a boy/girl," "was

a man/woman" when
referring to binary
trans people who have
transitioned; "assigned
male/female at birth"
is preferred

equating gender/sexuality with genitals

Ableist Language: Here is a link to a

bunch of ableist words and phrases, as
well as alternative words that more
accurately describe what you mean :
http://www.autistichoya.com/p/ableistwords-and-terms-to-avoid.html

"women-born women" is a common phrase that radical

feminists use to exclude trans women; 'cis/cisgender women" is
preferred, although usually when someone is using the phrase
"women-born women," it's also the content, not just the
language, that's problematic for trans issues: recognizing that
not all trans people want to medically transition (and not just
people who are nonbinary or genderqueer), not
overemphasizing social/medical transition as core to trans
identity.

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One thing you will encounter in your Scripps College career is

PGP, or Preferred Gender Pronouns. This might be new to you,
as it was to me! But heres the thing: while it may seem new

and positive, PGP is actually not a good thing. Theres nothing

wrong with Gender Pronouns! However, once we say preferred,
were invalidating the entire idea. How people identify is how
they identify; it is not a preference. It doesnt work like having a real name and a preferred nickname! The heart of the
issue is that we cannot tell other people what their identities

are, and we cannot tell them that identities they present to

us are incorrect or lesser.

Jocelyn Gardner 17
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In my experience, Scripps has been a pretty cool place in which to be queer. Finding queer friends is
not that hard. More likely than not, you will make them without even trying (or knowing)! Being queer
away from home has been very freeing for me and I have benefitted from the distance from my family and
my high school. There is no singular queer community here, though others might disagree and call it
insular. There are queer people all over the place, many of whom do not show up to particular events, talk
loudly about The L Word at the Motley, have short hair, and give the look to other visibly queer people.
If you are having trouble finding queer friends, or your roommate low-key thinks youre going to

hell, I strongly recommend you come to FAMILY meetings, at least at the beginning of the year. Its both a
political and a social organization. You can like us and learn more about our mission on Facebook. If you
message us your e-mail well add you to our e-mail list. I say we because I am on FAMILY leadership this
year. I understand FAMILY isnt a great place for everyone always, and there are a handful of other groups/
resources available to you:
The QRC (Queer Resource Center) has both a mentor program and also an intern program. First
years can apply to be mentees and participate in a bunch of social activities and also apply to be on
the intern team for the following year. The QRC hosts dialogues, socials, parties, etc. for all
Claremont Students. You can like them on Facebook, too.
If youre a queer and/or trans person of color, I strongly recommend attending events only open to
QTPOC (queer and trans people of color). Being in QTPOC spaces feels awesome and last year,
there were a handful of dialogues/meetings/dinners etc. just for us. They will be heavily advertised
around campus via poster and Facebook event (FAMILY will also always plug these events) so you
will know about them. If youre a queer woman of color, I also strongly recommend asking to join the
5C Women of Color Facebook group.
There are also other pockets of Claremont that do a lot of queer programming that arent specifically
queer organizations-- the Asian American Resource Center at Pomona, for instance, has had a
Queer & Asian (Q&A) committee. Also, every semester Monsour has an LGTBQ therapy group
facilitated by one to two counselors. I know nothing about the counselors who are facilitating it next
year, but one good thing about it is that it doesnt count against your max of eight counseling
sessions if you dont have access to mental health support outside of the Colleges.

Questioning at Scripps: You now go to a small private liberal arts womens college. This is the kind of place
that can facilitate questioning all different aspects of your gender and sexuality. Newly discovering your
queerness does not make your queerness any less valid than someone who was memorizing Tegan and

Sara lyrics in the womb. Even those people come to Scripps and start questioning other stuff. Fuck all of
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this baby queer business. Its some infantilizing bullshit.

-Tara Partow 17

As a [queer] minority who might still not have a handle on your confidence, you may feel
like you stand out in the crowd. It could be the smallest things, a vague difference in appearance,
in behavior, in expression. You might walk into a room and panic upon finding that youre the only
one with hair styled in a particular way, that the clothes you wear seem to stand out, or that youre
just overall a tad bit more gender nonconforming than the rest of the crowd. Or maybe you just
cant quite pinpoint exactly what it is about yourself that bothers you, but you know that feeling of

alienation is therethat the people around you dont seem welcoming because of who you are.
But to give fuel to those feelings of not belonging is to tell yourself that you are wrong in a
space. You are not wrong. You deserve to feel welcomed. The fact that you exist and you are
present in a place is a statement, a statement that deserves to be acknowledged and understood.
You dont need to exude confidence; merely believe that you deserve to be accepted and
welcomed. If people seem hesitant to take you in, you are not at fault. Never lose faith in the
progress a little time can accomplish. Simply persisting and being in a space is a big stepnever

forget to give yourself credit for that.

And besides, maybe the group over there is just more concerned with the way you perceive
them, anyhow. Show them your warmth!
-Odaris Barrios-Arciga 18

Advice for the college ace: Sexual experimentation thats what college is all about, right? Or at least, thats
what everyone seems to think. But for those of us who are asexual, or even people who just arent really that
into the idea of wild casual sex, that pervasive attitude can be a little difficult to work around sometimes. Ill
be honest: as someone who is asexual, the college party scene can be intimidating. I sometimes find
myself feeling like, just by going to a party and talking/dancing with attractive people, Im leading them on
as if everyone else at the party is there with some sexual goal in mind, and Im the little lie thats going to
mess that up for them. But thats absolutely ridiculous. Chances are, that cute girl with the blue hair dancing

over there is just enjoying her evening like I am, and all shes worried about is having fun and avoiding some
homework.
Heres a little piece of advice I would give to everyone out there: dont think about college as THE
TIME FOR SEXUAL ADVENTURES, because that puts so much pressure on the encounters you have with
others. Instead, think about it as a time for self-discovery and learning how to be yourself, away from the
175

confines of the friends, family, and home that youve known for so long. You have the opportunity to

reinvent yourself, if you really want to, because youre going to be meeting a million new people who know
nothing about you yet. So if that means discovering that youre actually definitely bi and really into sex with

people, then knock yourself out (with consent, of course)! Or if it means discovering that maybe you dont
really feel like a woman, and that, yea, sex really isnt something youre into, then thats great, too. Youve
just learned something new about yourself! And theres no need to push yourself into things youre not
comfortable with just to fit this college ideal that everyone seems to keep telling you about.
Just remember, there are always people to talk to. In an ideal world, a switch would just flip in your
brain and BOOM you know with confidence who you are. But thats not often the case, so after youve had
some new inklings about your identity, feel free to discuss it with someone. Whether its your bomb-ass

roommate, or your new best friend, or just someone in FAMILY or at the QRC who knows exactly what you
re talking about, feel confident in the knowledge that your identity is valid, and youre not alone. College is
new for every first-year, so embrace that however you see fit.
-Marly Coe 18

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Representation: Seeing More People Like Me

Race & Prejudice in Mental Health

177

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179

So...What are you? Being Multiracial at Scripps

Scripps is such a fantastic place for discussion of so many different topics, and I dont think I would
have personally learned so much about being biracial without some of the discussions that have taken place
here. However, this is because, as a biracial student, I didnt feel like my experience was ever centered
on or fully included in any of the narratives that were taking place. I mean, even when we are discussing
issues of race, the topic of being multiracial doesnt come up very often at Scripps and in general. Maybe
this is because there are so few of us here or maybe its because our community perpetuates the idea that
there arent many of us here, by so commonly separating identities into White, Black, Latino and Asian. I
know I exist, and I know there are others, and if we as a liberal arts college community are really
going to continue to promote and boast about our ability to think in terms of intersectionality, we must
remember to include the narratives of folks who are, by definition, born intersectional.
To give you a little background, I grew up in a fairly conservative, predominantly white, and severely
suburban town in central New Jersey, and I have very early memories of the confusion that my mixed heritage
brought about in me and in those around me. While people-peers and even adultscould accept other races
without much problem, they never seemed to be able to wrap their heads around the fact that people from
different races could be together. Neither can some multiple choice answer options, apparently.
A unique challenge of being multiracial is that you might not feel like you belong in any of the communities
of your heritage. I have also encountered situations where biracial black students are told that they aren
t Mexican or Filipino enough to be incorporated and centered into those specific identity-based clorgs
and are default just black. I have seen language and appearance barriers provoke this type of behavior,
which is truly unjust and marginalizing. If I say that Im Asian-American, people automatically ask me
how much I am. And since the answer to that is, apparently, not enough, Im excluded. Ive been
personally told on many occasions that Im too white or that it is so strange that Im not white
because of how I look or because of what my name is. Hold on a minute. Havent we agreed that no one can
assign someone else an identity? I have a problem with being called oversensitive when I get frustrated
with people who proclaim, What?! But you MUST be white! Look at you. And your name! Excuse me, thats
not up to you. Please do not assume that I am a certain race. And do not assume everyone is one raceits
the twenty-first century, people. Fifty years ago my parents couldnt be married; please tell me were
past that time.
Another strangely frequent occurrence is having to answer questions about race from complete strangers or
just pretty rude questions/remarks. The bottom line is to show respect to everyone and to think about the
unique (emphasis on uniqueno ones challenges invalidate other peoples challenges, and although some
people have things in common, we are all individuals) challenges of others before judging and wrongfully
identifying and/or excluding others. I know it sounds preachy and generic. Too bad.
We multiracial people are not weird, mistakes, or mutts. And although sometimes we may pretend
its fun when you try to guess our ethnicities, it makes us into this other entity, like some specimen
to study and classify. This process of objectification makes us feel and appear less than human, which
inherently leads to us being treated as such. In many cases, confusion, deviseness, ignorance, and/or fear
of the unknown leads to violence- institutional, physical, sexual, mental, and verbalagainst multiracial
people.
I was curious and looked up some multiracial viewpoints, and I found something from dlmagazine.org that I
thought is worth sharing with you as a parting thought:

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Your whiteness doesnt let you experience the rejection of those of your own race. You arent
mistaken for your race. You arent labeled as a half-half by your family nor do you have to
lie about your ethnicity to just avoid a conversation on your family history. You do not have
people talking to you loudly because they think that somehow yelling at you will make you
understand English better. You dont get a follow-up question of where youre actually from, when
you say youre from Chicago. You dont have random people telling you Ni Hao, Hola,
Salaam, or Namaste in the street. You dont feel invisible, because somehow the government
thinks you dont exist enough for a f****** little box on your job application. And you dont get
taken aside for further questioning and have the privilege of being felt up, because lets be
honest, random selection is bulls***.
You dont understand what its like being multiracial and a by-product of immigrants. I do. I am
trapped in the state of invisibility by my own birth country. I am American, but somehow, I dont
feel American. I am everything, yet I am nothing.

Jocelyn Gardner17 & Chelci Burroughs17

181

Cultural Appropriation 101

Cultural appropriation is the adoption of elements of one
culture by members of a different cultural group, especially
if the adoption is of an oppressed people's cultural
elements by members of the dominant culture. Below is a
flowchart to help you figure out what cultural appropriation
is and isnt (Huffington Post).

Cultural Appropriation Flowchart by Jeff Kunzler on Behance

182

183

From page 23 of http://archive.adl.org/education/courttv/pyramid_of_hate.pdf

184

How would the average Scripps student describe an activist in our community? Perhaps one
who can speak in front of the masses, catalyzing an emotional drive to create positive change?
Maybe even a person who brings about social awareness of privilege and oppression by speaking
up in class, even when they are outnumbered? Someone who is genuine? Strong? Feminist? Mediates tension? Openly includes others? Openly corrects others? Someone who uses their voice?
Not only have I seen all of the above, more obvious, attributes in folks that promote activism
in the Scripps College community, but I can also recall one of my most moving and courageous
displays of activist leadership being the time I laid on a dining hall floor, for three hours, as silent
protester. Many would believe that silently taking up physical space during lunch rush hour is perhaps the exact antithesis of the dominant narrative of the vocal leader. However, in my experience, it has been even more powerful and constructively impacting.
On December 11th, 2014, I laid in solidarity with other marginalized black students as we silently demonstrated against the unjust, brutal, and oppressive treatment of black bodies across
the U.S. and within our liberal arts colleges. This time, I was not bringing about awareness of injustice by forming a vocal rebuttal against an oppressive comment in class or during a SAS BeHeard forum; rather, I was intentionally using my silent body as a political tool to take up space,
unapologetically grasping the attention of the many bystanders. By the end of three hours on the
cold, echoing cafeteria floor, we had incited an amount of consciousness that our voices could not
have encouraged alone.
We courageously laid there in front of our fellow classmates, roommates, and teammates
while showing them that systemic oppression promoted by white supremacy was not just a black
issue, it was not just a lower income issue, and it was not an issue that doesnt exist in
progressive Claremont. By making ourselves openly vulnerable during this protest, we, as black
students, exhibited a form of leadership that moved many of our white 5C peers to want to engage
in necessary conversations that would only make our community closer, stronger, and more equitable. By the end of the day, I knew that my activist involvement within the all black student die-in
campaign would not soon be forgotten. In terms of positive leadership impact and activism on
Scripps and the larger 5C communities, Id say this was our biggest success yet.
I would like to also point out that protesting is not the only form of activism that exists on our
campus. By merely existing, as an obvious difference, within the predominantly white, ablebodied and wealthy Scripps College institution and community, I face daily challenges of prejudice and alienation. Every morning when I walk into my first class, I am reminded that my time
here is bigger than myself. I am currently the only Black and Latina woman pursuing the rigorous
3/2 Engineering and Physics curriculum, and if you were to review my transcript, you would see
that I am excelling with a 3.3 GPA. Not only do I make a point to try my damn best in STEM fields
dominated by white male bodies, but I also incorporate other forms of leadership that resist prevailing narratives and stereotypes. So I guess in the end, my story, my existence, my presence, my
power, and my brilliance, are all things that can be categorized as recent and ongoing acts of political resistance and activism on the Scripps campus. And with the right motives, thoughts, and actions, yours can be, too.
Chelci Burroughs 17
185

Active Listening: Making People Feel Heard

Felicia Agrelius 17

I feel best supported when I feel listened to. I feel empowered when people dont tell
me what to do, but rather guide me through my own decision-making process. When I
am flustered, confused, or overwhelmed, I need someone to help me sort out whats
going on. This all happens through effective, active listening. At first, it can be awkward
to actively listen to someone, but with practice, it will become increasingly natural and
comfortable.
Basics:

Take a genuine interest in understanding what the person has to say.

Dont tell them how to solve their problem. Instead, give them space to talk through it themselves.

Use open-ended questions that encourage the person to talk about what they want to say.
Avoid questions with yes/no answers.

Dont talk about yourself or compare what youve experienced. Each situation is nuanced, and
creating parallels is unnecessary and can feel like you arent listening to the persons descriptions.

Dont minimize what theyre saying. Avoid saying they are overreacting or that their problem
isnt a big deal. Instead, validate what theyre feeling!

Be aware of your body language. Be open and face the person youre listening to. Leaning forward, making eye contact, nodding, and giving verbal encouragers like mhmm all help to establish a connection.

Here are some steps you can think about when youre listening actively:
Establish the facts.

Repeating the intent or content of what the person has said makes sure youre on the same
page.

Be clear and concise. Capture the essence of what the person said without the details.

Be tentative and give the person youre talking with the opportunity to disagree with you.

Example: So, you procrastinating on your paper because you got behind on the reading. You have a lot to do in the next two days and arent sure if you can get everything
done.

Provide feedback.

Reflect back the persons statements to help you understand and help the person identify their
own feelings.

Try to make connections between the details of the story to figure out what the big picture or
main problem is. Zoom in on feelings.

It sounds like you feel So youre saying I think youre saying... are great phrases to use.

Example: So, you are mad at yourself for procrastinating on your paper. Youre also
worried because you dont think you can produce a paper that youll be proud of.
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Active Listening: Making People Feel Heard

Ask questions.

Ask open-ended and leading questions to encourage the person to speak more.

Leading questions sound like would you like to talk more about it? Could you tell
me more? What happened then?

Open-ended questions expand the discussion: How? What? Where? Who? Which?

Try to avoid why because it can make people become defensive or feel patronized.

Avoid yes/no questions because that shuts down the dialogue and prioritizes your understanding in the conversation.

Be careful not to be a detective--ultimately, youre helping someone understand their own

feelings; its not about you figuring out all of the details and solving their problem for them.

Label.

Help the person label their emotions and offer the person an opportunity to correct you.

Example: That sounds very overwhelming.

You can also try to bring up the nuances of what theyre saying by offering them a suggestion of what feeling theyre implying. To go to the example weve been using, try something
like So youre saying youre angry and stressed. Are you feeling anything else? Maybe
theres some embarrassment at the thought of turning in a bad paper or continuing a cycle
of procrastinating now that youre in college.

Validate.

Convey that it is okay for the person to feel whatever they are feeling.

Remember that is is okay for the person to have those feelings, regardless of whether you
think theyre being dramatic or overreacting.

Examples: Its okay to feel overwhelmed/disappointed/upset/betrayed. You have a right to

feel sad/angry/etc.

Active listening can be used in so

many situations! It shows youre
listening and that you care, and it
also prevents misunderstandings.

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Responsible Responses:
How to React to Marginalization
Grace Reckers 18 & Rachel Berner-Hays 17
I grew up in a liberal, progressive family. We talked about equality and the racist, sexist, homophobic society
we live in. With this background, I felt like I was a relatively good ally and someone who had tools to interact
with people productively. Coming to Scripps, I quickly learned that I still had a very long way to go.
As I started my time at Scripps, I knew I was going to learn. That is why I came here-- to go to school. While I
definitely learn a ton in the classroom here at Scripps, what I wasnt expecting when coming here was the
amount of learning I would do outside of the classroom. Some of the most important things I have learned

in my time at Scripps have been when my former ideas or perceptions were challenged, or at least when I was
pushed to support and defend my beliefs. It sounds cheesy, but you will grow so much at Scripps. You will
learn and change in ways that are both tangible and noticeable right now and things that will take time to
notice. It can be hard, but be open to these changes.
At Scripps, you will encounter scenarios that feel tense, uncomfortable, and scary. In these
moments, it is key that you stick with the situation and do your best to learn from it. Everyone coming to
Scripps is coming from a different background and experience. Some people have never talked about racism,
sexism, heterosexism, ableism, classism, ageism, etc. Others have talked about these systems of oppression

their entire lives.

Part of being at Scripps will be engaging with students that are on the other side of the spectrum from you in
regards to these issues. We have compiled some possible scenarios you may encounter in your time at
Scripps and the Claremont Colleges. We are in no way experts, but we think it is really important and is
something we will continue to work on.
One of the ways to deal with difficult scenarios is to clarify, create space, and challenge. Sustained Dialogue is
a program we have on campus in which students are members of dialogue groups focusing on issues of in-

clusion and access. We use The Three Cs:

The Three Cs (Sustained Dialogue)
1. Clarify the speakers comment to get a sense of what they are actually saying.
Tell me more about what you mean by that.

2. Create space for others to react.

How do others react to that statement? Does anyone have any other thoughts or feelings?

3. Challenge the statement with a credible counterpoint.

Ive heard others say that statements like the one youve made sometimes make them feel their

identity is less important. How does that influence or not influence your thoughts about this?"
188

Lets apply The Three Cs Method to the following statement, which is something you may hear in a 5C class:

I am a male and experience sexism, too.

You could
Clarify: Ask the person to explain further when they felt they had experienced sexism. Tell
me more about what you mean by that when you say youve experienced sexism. Can you
share that experience further?
Create Space: If you feel uncomfortable with a statement and might know it is wrong or problematic but dont personally have a counterpoint, you can always open up the conversation to
others That statement makes me feel uncomfortable. Does anyone else have reactions to
it? Im not sure that cismales can experience sexism in the same way that others do
Challenge the statement: Explain why the statement is problematic, wrong, or hurtful to you
or others.

Here is an example of a counterargument...

Sexist stereotypes and prejudice are things that everyone can experience; however, discrimination in the form
of sexism is not something that men experience, by definition. For example, there are stereotypes about how
cis-men (Cis-man: a person who identifies as a man, presents himself masculinely, and has male biological sex)
should express their gender. Stereotypes say cis-men should be tough, strong, athletic, natural leaders, and,
overall, masculine. Again, everyone can experience sexist prejudice in the form of expectations regarding gender expression (think masculinity, strength, etc.), but while these experiences can surely be damaging, this is
not the same as discrimination.
Males cannot experience discrimination in the form of sexism because, by definition, sexism is any sort of stereotyping, prejudice, or discrimination based on sex, typically against women. Prejudice is nothing without
power, and in the current state of our society, cisgendered (white) males are the ones in power. While sexism
does in fact affect everyone because it creates all sorts of damaging expectations regarding gender and how
we should express our gender identities, cis-males cant experience discrimination from sexism because the
system that upholds sexism privileges cis-males. The gender-based power imbalances of our society are institutionalized. This means that even if a male claims he experiences sexism, he still receives privileges based on
his gender that people who do not identify and present as male are denied. This is the crux of sexism and the
patriarchy, that those identifying as one gender (male) have institutionalized power over those identifying as
other genders (female and non-binary, or genderqueer).
I am white and experience racism, too.
Similar to our response to the quote of the man who said he experienced sexism, white people cannot experience racism because racism is an offense against the non-dominant race. Based on the structure of our racialized society, white people possess power over people of color and therefore receive privileges. Black people
are far more likely to end up in prison than white people, and this is NOT because black people are more likely to commit crimes. This is because of the institutionalized racism of the United States punitive justice system
and the Prison Industrial Complex (you will learn about this in Core I). White people have not experienced the
histories of oppression and injustices that people of color have been subjected to, so white people cannot be
victims of racism.

189

I have been discriminated against because Im straight.

Again, straight people maintain a power over those of any other sexuality (you get the idea)
This is reverse racism.
Racism is a result of any sort of privilege plus power. Reverse racism cannot exist because white people maintain power over people of color. Just like white people cannot experience racism because people of color are
historically oppressed, people of color cannot propagate reverse racism against white people.
Youre too sensitive/looking for something to be angry about
If this was an isolated incident, maybe it would be sensitivity or unreasonable. But racist, sexist, and homophobic micro- and macro-aggressions are not isolated incidents. Not at Scripps, and certainly not in the real
world.
There will be times in your life, not just as a student at Scripps, during which you will encounter
oppressive speech. It could be in a corporate office ten years from now, in a classroom, or at a family gathering over the holidays. Theres a chance that you are the one who has made an insensitive comment. Whats

important is that you recognize the problematic nature of what has been said and then act on this realization
to remedy the situation.
Consider the following real world example: Its the summer after your junior year at Scripps, and youre
pumped to have landed a well-paid internship at some fancy law firm in the city. Its your first week at the
firm, and you havent even met everyone on your floor yet. During a lunch break, one of your co-workers says
that hes been saving up to buy a Prius, and a couple of the other employees at the firm chuckle to themselves. Thats so gay, one of them says. You freeze: you know immediately that what he has said is wrong,
but youre scared to tell him off because youve been working so hard to impress your coworkers. You could
Remind the person (or explain to them if they dont already know) that this phrase is a homophobic slur. Presumably, your coworker is using the term gay to describe with a negative connotation. Let them know that
ones sexuality can be a major part of an identity, and using it to make fun of something is insulting and disrespectful. Perpetrators of this phrase may say that its a generational thing, but the point remains: using the
word gay to put someone or something down is degrading and homophobic.
Consider the following Scripps example: You are in your Core class talking about the prison industrial complex. A student in your class makes a comment that clearly hurts another one of your classmates. You know
that the statement was hurtful and while it was not directed at you, you feel like you need to do something.
You could
Jump in and ask the student to clarify what they said, saying something like, Could you elaborate on what
you meant by that? Im not sure I understand. This could help the student redirect the comment or correct it
with further thought and reflection. You could also say something like, I want to jump in because what you
just said was hurtful. You dont need to say who it was hurtful to-- in fact, you shouldnt out the person who
was targeted-- but you can still say the comment was hurtful and explain why, which makes it so the student
who is hurt doesnt have to call this person out.
"Comprehensive List of LGBTQ+ Term Definitions | It's Pronounced Metrosexual." Its Pronounced Metrosexu-

al. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 July 2015.

190

(Un)Safe Spaces
Jocelyn Gardner 17

You walk into a new room and look around. What do you feel? Do you
even consider the atmosphere or characteristics of a new place? Probably not, unless it is remarkably interesting or atrocious.
Look for the nearest exit; find all the doors. Where is your escape route? What about the nearest bathroom or
private space? How many people are there? How long must you stay? What if something happens--a panic
attack, for example? If you dont have to ask yourself similar questions, do not take that for granted. While you
comfortably might be able to attend class, someone else in the room may feel that the walls are closing in at
the same moment.
Space is how Im referring to the physical environment surrounding groups and individuals. It is more than architecture or a hideous paint color, however. Have you ever walked into a room and immediately felt uncomfortable? It isnt always the space itself, but it might be an association you have. Perhaps a room reminds you of
your first grade classroom or smells like a dentists office. Your relationship with the space around you is personal, unique and anything but indifferent, whether you consciously recognize it or not. Come on. In a place as
gorgeous as Scripps campus, you cant say that environment has no effect on you.
Where there are any effects, there is the potential for something to be harmful. This means that while there may
be such positive spaces as

a room with good Feng

Shui or a campus as tran-

quil

Scripps, the room may also

turn into an inescapable

trap (for instance, if a perin the room and the exit beScripps

may

become

triggering conversation in
available in the dining halls

Space is political.
Space is not harmless.

and

beautiful

as

son suffering from PTSD is

comes

blocked)

and

nightmare (in the case of a

the space, the limited meals
for someone with or recov-

ering from an eating disor-

der, lecture halls for some-

one with agoraphobia, long

classes without breaks for

someone with ADHD, the many potential triggers of party culture, mandatory class participation for someone
with extreme social anxiety, etc.) A space includes surroundingswhats in the room or area is as important as
the place itself. And dont forget that you and other people add to this dynamic. What is in the place includes
what you bring to it.
This assertion that spaces can be beneficial or harmful is very important, because you cannot escape the obligations that lead you into other spaces without sacrificing your freedom and confidence to move across the
overlap of different spaces which make up the human habitat. In other words, theres no avoiding being in potentially harmful spaces without suffering from the severe limits that doing so would place upon you. Some
would say that people who feel restricted by certain spaces should just stay away from them. If you are so
challenged, why even bother going to college? They might ask. Thats ridiculous! You certainly wouldnt tell
women to avoid getting any jobs to prevent sexism in industry. It is up to individuals to know themselves, but as
the general public, the least we can do is be understanding and try not to be harmful.

191

(Un)Safe Spaces
So, how can someone with concerns about spaces navigate them safely? Again, knowing yourself is the first
step. Another piece of advice usually thrown around is to tell someone. This might not seem like it would make a
difference, but having a friend or trusted person to support you or at least understand can make a world of difference. This person can help you get out if you need to, for example. Talking you down if you get really stressed in
a situation is something else a friend can help you with. Reaching out allows you to make connections with people who might be experiencing similar setbacks.

Focus on the safe feeling you have with this person rather than associations that are making spaces problematic. Remember that sometimes associations are what you are reacting to a place can remind you of something
bad without being similar. Just because a plane crashed doesnt mean the one you are on will; the connection is
in your head, and the chance something bad will happen again is no different because something has happened before. A new place is an opportunity to start fresh and break mental connections.

Space is a very relevant topic considering housing is lurking ominously around the corner. The process of finding
housing for the upcoming

year is oft compared to the

Hunger

amongst those who do not

Games,

even

have concerns about spac-

es.

thought of housing the

stress, the drama, the uncer-

tainty, the lack of infor-

mation,

portal, etc. is enough to

increase resting heart rate.

Housing is also problematic

for those who experience

physical

brings me to accommoda-

setbacks.

This

For

most,

the

even

the

dysfunctional

tions.

It is really interesting how, despite the mythical nature of unicorns, everyone knows what they are; meanwhile,
housing accommodations certainly exist, though the information about them is as lost as the Library of Alexandria or the Fountain of Youth. The information is out there, though you have to first navigate the virtual maze
called scrippscollege.edu until you stumble across it. (Maybe if you manage to excavate it, youll get an honorary
archeology degree?) On a serious note, not being able to find information about this is problematic.

192

(Un)Safe Spaces
Your room should be a place where you feel at home. It also concerns me that you cant really get accommodations for certain circumstances that impact housing greatly. If you cant get a doctors note for it, you cant get
accommodations for it. For example, most people with claustrophobia probably do not have a history of going to
therapy to treat it, though living in a constricting space is beyond unbearable for some. If you are concerned
about the interaction between housing and your own mental health, I encourage you to talk to Residential Life or
the Dean of Students Office to discuss your options.

Here are some tips Ive personally used to make my space feel comfortable:
If you have roommates, communicate with them. You dont have to be best friends to live well
with someone, but lack of com-

munication

room feel like it doesnt belong

to you. The Res Life staff can

help you with this if you have

trouble.

Some other ideas are bringing

items from home, decorating

your space and transforming

the

hanging dcor on the wall or

opening the windows.

Lighting makes a huge differ-

ence as well I know this from

the contrast between my sinis-

ter,

forced triple from last year and

my tiny, blindingly-bright, inex-

plicably-freezing, whitewashed

cell of a room this year.

rooms

dank,

can

make

dimensions

humid,

your

by

cave-like

If theres one thing you get from this article, I hope it is this idea: you deserve to feel safe and comfortable navigating spaces on campus. This, unfortunately, doesnt always happen. Your relationship with space is no reflection on you being uncomfortable doesnt make you weak or sensitive. When in doubt about your mental
health, dont feel bad about taking breaks or making yourself feel comfortable. Remember that a space includes
what you take into it; while you might not always be able to control factors like size and location, you have an
amazing capacity to adapt and respond in a variety of ways.

193

The Dean of Students

Office handles academic accommodations, residential life,
and student life. It is
located off the northern
courtyard in Balch Hall
and is open during regular business hours. If
you need academic assistance with a class or
special accommodations, you can go there
and Lindsey at the front
desk will be more than
happy to help you out.
Scripps Advocates
for Survivors of Sexual Assault is a
group of trained students who do just
what it sounds like:
support and advocate
for survivors of sexual
assault. They can be
reached at (909) 2142138 from 8pm to 8am
every day (when classes are in session).
More information and
related resources can
be found on their website here: scrippsadvocates.wordpress.com.

Scripps Resources
Located west of the Frankel/
Routt entrance, you can find the
Scripps Communities of Resources and Empowerment or
SCORE office. SCORE is the
social justice office at Scripps
College. It has also historically
served as a resource center for
marginalized students on campus. The offices for AASU/AASP,
Caf Con Leche, Wanawake
Weusi , and Family-- as well as
their respective physical resources (books, arts and crafts
supplies, furniture)-- are primarily
housed in SCORE. The office
also houses a community kitchen, conference room, and the
SCORE Living Room-- an open
space which can be reserved for
club meetings or used when
available as a study or hangout
space.

AASU (Asian American Student Union)

serves as Scripps resource center for Asian,
Asian American and/or Pacific Islander students.
AASP (Asian American Sponsor Program) is a mentoring program which
pairs API returning
students and first
years to help navigate life at Scripps.

Family is an organization serving selfidentified

LGBTQIA+ students
and their allies.
Adoptees in Solidarity is a recently-established student group that
supports adopted
students.

Safe Spaces &

Support Resources

CCL (Caf Con

Leche) is the
Latinex student group
on campus which
holds weekly meetings and works to
build Chicana/Latina
community at
Scripps.
Wanawake Weusi
functions as a collective to support women of African descent
at Scripps College in
educational, cultural,
personal, and spiritual endeavors.
The Jewish Dialogue Group is a
recently established
Scripps organization
intended to address
anti-semitism in our
community and to
identify changes that
can be made on
campus to support
Jewish students.

At college, people sometimes need resources or support beyond what is mentioned

during orientation. To make it a little easier to find them, heres list of safe spaces and
resources at Scripps and the rest of the 5Cs, as well as info about how to access them.

Intercollegiate Department of Ethnic Studies Located in the northwestern

portion of the Lincoln Building on Pomonas Campus
Office of the Chaplains located in the MacAllister
Center. Within the office
there is a priest, rabbi, and
an ordained minister. In
addition, the Office of the
Chaplains has nondenominational and Catholic services every Sunday.

Student Health Services located on the first floor of the

Tranquada center
Monsour Counselling and
Psychological Services
(MCAPS)- located on the first
floor of the Tranquada center
Queer Resource Center
(QRC) - located in Pomonas
Walton Commons just south of
Lawry Court; open during regular business hours and for
events.
194

Student Disability Resource

Center - located
on the first floor
of the Tranquada
Center

Asian American Resouce

Center (AARC) - located
in the southeast corner of
the second floor of Pomonas Smith Campus Center

Office of Black Student

Affairs (OBSA) - located
on Pomonas Campus off of
7th Street

5C Resources

Chican@/
Latin@ Student Affairs
(CLSA) - located on the second floor of the
Tranquada Center

Why Safe Spaces Matter

etween dealing with homesickness, making new friends, figuring out what you want to major in, and adjusting to the

workload that comes along with being a college student, transitioning to

college life can be a real challenge. For some students, the transition can
be both smooth and painless; for others, not so much. But in either case,
having a safe space you can go to and just decompress after dealing with
all the changes that come your way can make the good times even better
and the bad times more bearable.

afe spaces do not always have to be physical locations. For

example, they can be within a club or with a specific group.

My safe spaces at Scripps happen to be SCORE (Scripps College Office of

Resources and Empowerment) and within the SCORE CLORGs (clubs and
organizations). I know others among my peers who view spaces such as
the Chaplains Office, the Student Union, the Motley, or any of the 5C
resource centers-- such as CLSA (Chicano Latino Student Affairs), OBSA
(Office of Black Student Affairs), AARC (Asian American Resource Center),
and the QRC (Queer Resource Center)-- as their safe spaces. Not all of
these spaces will feel like safe spaces to everyone, so its important to
find your own.

etting into college was hard, transitioning to college life is

hard, and getting through college will definitely have its

challenges as well, but having a safe space you can go to can help make
the next four years of your life the best four years of your life.

Shanisha Coram 17

195

196

Why its OK to Not Study Abroad

Throughout your time at Scripps, there will be many discussions about studying abroad. Your friends
will do it--most of them, probably. Your professors will talk about their time abroad. Perhaps family members
will tell you about their experiences. Perhaps youve been dreaming about it and have held it as a given for
several years that you would go.
That was the case with me. There has never been any doubt that I would go abroad. I went to all the
meetings, picked up approximately five gazillion flyers (and read them, getting more stressed out by the second by all the info), set up meetings, picked a program, submitted my application early, got accepted with
no hiccups, and promptly rejected my acceptance. Having decided to not go abroad, I couldnt be happier.
Theres nothing wrong with going abroad. There are countless good reasons to go abroad, and youll
hear all about them, if you havent already, so Im not going to go into that now. My point is short and simple: if you dont want to go abroad, thats okay. For me, the thought of going abroad felt very grudging, so
when I actually got into my program and was not at all excited, I decided not to go. I felt very guilty at first-if youre lucky enough to have this opportunity, you should take it, right? Wrong. Not if you dont want to.
Besides, there are more opportunities to go abroad than youd think: save up and stay in hostels, doing whatever the hell you want, and dont be constrained by a program, if you want. Go to grad school abroad. Volunteer abroad. Etc., etc. Dont want to go? Dont. Its fine. End of story.
One other note: if someone you know chooses not to go abroad, dont act all sorry for them or try to
console them. This often makes things worse and can cause the person who opted out to feel guilty and/or
second-guess themselves all over again. There are the people others want us to be, there are the people we
think we should be--which is often influenced by what others want us to be--and there are the people we
actually are. If youre choosing to do something based on others expectations or what youre worried you
should do, maybe reflect on who you actually are. Not a person to study abroad while in college? No
shame.
Lucy Altman-Newell 17

197

Alcohol
Despite what concerned relatives and decades of popular culture
would suggest, not everyone drinks at college--especially at Scripps,
its quite possible to have fun whether you choose to partake or not.
That being said, Scripps is not a dry campus, so alcohol is permitted on

campus for people who are 21+. But as you can probably guess,
drinking can happen whether or not your *actual* ID declares you of
age. Drinking alcohol can be dangerous and deadly, but if youre
smart and self-aware, you can have plenty of fun and still be up by
noon the next day to write that Core paper.

Like many cliches, the phrase know your limits is completely true.
But it has also led to more than one eager student throwing back shot
after shot in order to seek out their limit like the holy grail. So,
know your limit, but also know your body; learn to listen to what your
body needs. Do you need water? Do you need a snack? Do you need to
sit down? Slow down? When you tune in to your physical body, youre
relying not only on the number of drinks tally-marked on your hand,
but on how youre actually feeling in the moment. Granted, this gets
more difficult the more alcohol is consumed...which is why its good to
keep track early on so you can recognize when youve passed the point
-of-no-return.
A good rule-of-thumb for safe drinking is to drink slowly over a
longer period of time and to drink water in between alcoholic
beverages--youll be less likely to get sick or black out, and youll be
less likely to have a hangover the next morning (which is good because
you still have that Core paper to finish, right?).
Watch out for your friends and ask your friends to watch out for you,
whether that means limiting each others drinks, holding hair back
when necessary (hey, it happens), or just asking periodically, do you
have your phone and ID?
If someone is in trouble or has blacked out, call campus safety or 911
right away. You will not get in trouble for helping a fellow student,
and you could save a life.
Drinking alcohol can be as much or as little a part of your college
experience as you want it to be. If you do choose to partake then, as
with most things, moderation is the key; how much you choose to
moderate is up to you.
When in doubt, theres always sparkling cider. Cmon, we all love that
stuff--and it guarantees a hangover-free morning. Cheers!
Now go finish that paper.
Sophia Rosenthal 17
198

Infographic by Christian McElveen

199

Party Culture
Party culture is very real in Claremont, but that does not mean that everyone
partakes in it. We are in the unique environment where nearly all of our parties are
school-sponsored, which is amazing because it means that everyone can go to
everything! The downsides of this are that plenty of people pregame because there
isnt a lot of readily available alcohol at the party itself, and there are probably too
many parties. Tuesday night is Table Manners in the basement of the SCC (Smith
Campus Center) at Pomona, Wednesday night is TAP hosted by TIXC (the Title IX
Coalition) in Doms Lounge at Pomona, Thursday is TNC (Thursday Night Club) at
various locations on the CMC campus [these are sometimes CMC/CMS (CMC-MuddScripps) only], Friday is often a Mudd party, and Saturday is the big themed party on
any campus. Each party has a different feel to it because different people go to
each one, but overall the weekly ones kinda start to blend together. You do not need
to (nor should you) go to every party every week. Find the ones you and your
friends like or go to none of them and hang out at the bajillion other social events
offered regularly. You also dont need to pregame or drink to enjoy parties in
Claremont. Lots of them involve dancing and people-watching, which are fun
activities even if youre completely sober.
Hookup culture also happens in Claremont, but you can opt in or out of
it.

Sometimes it seems like everyone is getting drunk, going out every night, and

hooking up all the time,

but I promise thats not

true. There are lots of

people going out sober,

going

not

hooking up, and not going

out at all. Find the

scene thats right for you.

At the end of the day,

because

many

out

and

options,

you

there

are

so

can pick who you go out

with, how frequently

you go out, and where

you go. Dont feel like

you need to get drunk and

party to make friends, and

remember-- if your friends

are pressuring you to do

that more than youd like,

maybe its time to find

some new friends.

Nia Gillenwater 16

200

201

202

203

204

Lets talk about sex, baby.

205

206

207

208

209

Title IX Overview
Title IX outlines the ways in which all schools are legally required to respond to incidents of sexual
violence promptly and effectively. These rights were hard fought and won by university survivors of
sexual assault who demanded more accountability from their institutions. While there is neither a
perfect system nor one path of justice that is right for everyone, Title IX ensures that if a survivor of
sexual violence does choose to file a report regarding said sexual violence, the report and resolution
of the incident will be handled legally. This is true of all schools in the U.S., and so it is important that
you, as a Scripps student, be aware of your rights afforded by Title IX. The reporting process was
created to provide survivors with alternative paths (not contingent on the criminal justice system) to

safety and justice. Survivors deserve to feel safe and to heal, and for many people who have
experienced sexual violence, a Title IX report can be a part of that.
Title IX also mandates the following:

Complaints filed must be responded to in a way that results in a prompt and equitable
resolution of the sexual discrimination/assault/harassment.

Survivors do not have to file a police report to file a university complaint.

Survivors have the right to be notified of the timeframe of the investigation and when they will
be notified of the outcome, as well as when they may file an appeal. (The Office of Equal
Opportunity considers this to be within one semester or 60 days).

Survivors have the right to a thorough investigation of their complaints with equal opportunity
to present witnesses, evidence, and an appeal process.

Survivors have the right for the case to be decided using a preponderance of the evidence-meaning that in the case of sexual harassment or violence, it is more likely to have happened
than to not have, and that must be considered.

Survivors have the right to know the outcome of the complaint- and to be notified of this
outcome in writing.

In cases of sexual harassment, there may be mediation methods offered, but only voluntarily.
Mediation should not be encouraged by the university as a means to pressure someone away
from filing, and it is prohibited in cases of assault.

Survivors have the right to accommodations and support-- including the school issuing a no
contact, changing housing, or other support. These accommodations are not contingent on the
reporting processes being completed. Survivors cannot be required to pay for these
accommodations.

The school of a survivor who filed a report may not retaliate against said survivor, and should
take steps to prevent said survivor from facing retaliation from their peers.

Any violation of these rights can be reported to the department of education online via email to
OCR@ed.gov or through this form: http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/complaintintro.html
For information on how to file a report to Scripps, see A Guide to Scripps College's Discrimination
and Harassment Policies and Grievance Procedures below:
http://www.scrippscollege.edu/titleix/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/files/Title-IX-Harassment
-and-Discrimination-Policies-Guide-rev914.pdf
210

Important Scripps Title IX Contact Info:

Title IX Coordinator
Jennifer Berklas, Director of Human Resources
Vita Nova Hall 120
(909) 607-7976
jberklas@scrippscollege.edu

Deputy Title IX Coordinators

Sally Steffen, Deputy Title IX Coordinator
McAlister Center 10
(909) 607-7142
ssteffen@scrippscollege.edu

Gretchen Edwalds-Gilbert

Associate Dean of Faculty

Balch Hall 134
(909) 607-7068
gedwalds@kecksci.claremont.edu

Sonia De La Torre-Iniguez

Assistant Dean of Students

Dean of Students Office
Balch Hall
(909) 621-8277
sdelator@scrippscollege.edu

211

Resources for Survivors of Sexual Assault

If you have been sexually assaulted, PLEASE reach out. You are not alone. Below is a list-- compiled by Scripps
Advocates for Survivors of Sexual Assault-- of some resources and hotlines that you can use, whether or not you make
the decision to report the assault.
At the Claremont Colleges
Scripps Advocates for Survivors of Sexual Assault (Advocates)*

(909) 214-2138- Our phone line is active from 8pm to 8am every day (when classes are in session)
https://scrippsadvocates.wordpress.com/
Scripps Advocates for Survivors of Sexual Assault (Advocates) is a student-college partnership organization that
provides support and information for survivors of sexual assault in the Scripps and greater Claremont Colleges
communities.
Advocates believe the survivor is the expert on their own experience, and therefore focus on intersectional, traumainformed care.
Scripps College Dean of Students Office
(909) 621-8277
Campus Safety (also call for On Call Dean or On Call Therapist from Monsour)
(909) 607-2000
*Indicates a confidential
resource (meaning that
they will not disclose
your information to
anyone else unless it
becomes clear that you
or others are in danger)

Monsour Counseling and Psychological Services*

(909) 621-8202
Student Health Services*
(909) 621-8222
Office of the Chaplains*
(909) 621-8685
Pomona Advocates for Survivors of Sexual Assault*
24/7 hotline: (909) 503-7972
website: http://poadvocates.com/
Dr. Nancy Azarte, Project Sister Trained Sexual Assault Counselor*
appointments every Tuesday from 10-6pm
call (909) 623-1619 to make an appointment
the first ten sessions are free
at the Dartmouth House (1030 Dartmouth Claremont, CA 91711)
Open to all 7C students
Local

These resources are anonymous, meaning that they are not affiliated with the college and cannot share information with
anyone else. The amount of information you give them is completely up to you.
Project Sister
24/7 hotline: (909) 626-4357
website: http://projectsister.org/
Planned Parenthood
Pomona location: (800) 576-5544
Upland location: (909) 890-5511

National
RAINN (Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network)
24/7 hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
website: http://www.rainn.org
(See more hotlines on the master list)
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