Fall 2021 Guidelines

Post-Election Allies, Programming & Resources

man voting

vote buttons

students at sunset

For additional resources, please see the Dean of Students' website.

Campus-Wide Messages 

(11/2) Dr. Mike Taberski: Election & Post-Election Resources

November 2, 2020

Dear students,

Although we may not be able to agree on the best candidates for every position in our upcoming election, we can most likely agree that this year’s election on November 3 comes during a pivotal time in our country’s history. Communities are divided, racism and racial violence has continued to plague our nation, and the presidential election appears to be the most contested election in any of our lifetimes.

It is important that we, as a Geneseo community, remember that although we may favor different candidates or disagree on political issues, we must remain respectful and supportive of each other. Engaging in civil discourse and constructive engagement is a key aspect of who we are. This will be especially important during this election as it appears we may not know the final results the night of, or even in the days following November 3. 

We acknowledge that this election raises stress and concern for many members of our community. As a result, we have been working to ensure that our students have the support they need. We have developed a web page to help you find all the resources and events in place during and after the election. 

Geneseo Election 2020 Resources

(Please note this website will be updated as events and resources are added or adapted as we navigate the evolution of the days and weeks after the election.)

Coretta Scott King once said, "The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members." As a Geneseo community, let us be measured by our support of one another as a community, by our consideration of the rights of everyone rather than just ourselves as we vote, and by our shared hope that the best leaders will be elected to move our country forward in the interests of all its people.

If you have not done so already, please VOTE!

Sincerely,

Dr. Mike Taberski

--

Michael Taberski, EdD

Vice President for Student and Campus Life

Pronouns: He/him/his*

One College Circle | Doty Hall 314

Geneseo, New York 14454

+1 585.245.5618 P

(11/2) Joint Statement from the College Democrats and Republicans

Joint Statement

(11/4) Post-Presidential Election Message to the Community from President Battles

This morning, we find ourselves in a situation that was not unexpected, with the final results of the presidential election still unknown. As each state reports and certifies votes in its own way, we will likely not know who our next president will be for several days to come.

We acknowledge that this electoral process prompts stress and concern for many members of our community. As a result, we have been working to ensure that our students have the support they need. The Geneseo Election 2020 Resources web page includes up-to-the-minute resources and events available to the campus community.

I encourage you to take advantage of the resources available and to listen and engage constructively with peers, colleagues and community members. In the days to come, this process will yield an outcome, one that may be celebrated by some, but disappoint others. Let’s continue to remain respectful and supportive of each other, regardless of our personal viewpoints. Doing so not only affirms our institutional values, but supports us as an inclusive and welcoming learning community.

Thank you.

Denise A. Battles

President

Post-Election Geneseo Allies

All of the faculty and staff listed in the dropdown tables below are committed to serving as allies and sources of support to students following the 2020 General Election.

Faculty and Staff Allies

Name

Department

E-mail Address

Celia Easton

Academic Planning and Advising

easton@geneseo.edu

Leah Houk

Academic Planning and Advising

houk@geneseo.edu

Beverly Henke-Lofquist

Access Opportunities Programs

beverlyl@geneseo.edu

Flossie Stephens

Access Opportunity Programs

stephensf@geneseo.edu

Amy Fisk

Accessibility Services

afisk@geneseo.edu

Alla Myzelev

Art History

myzelev@geneseo.edu

Cynthia Hawkins-Owen

Art History

hawkins@geneseo.edu

Edward Beary

Biology

beary@geneseo.edu

Laura Matthews

Center for Community: Jewish Student Life

matthewsl@geneseo.edu

Nicholas Palumbo

Center for Community: Leadership & Service

palumbon@geneseo.edu

Charlotte Wade

Center for Community: LGBTQ Programs and Services

cwade@geneseo.edu

Sharon Leary

Center for Community: Student Employment & Respite

learys@geneseo.edu

Garth Freeman

Center for Community: Volenterism & Community Engagement

freemang@geneseo.edu

Michael Mills

Center for Integrative Learning

millsm@geneseo.edu

Miglena Charpied

College Advancement

charpied@geneseo.edu

Ellen Leverich

College Advancement

eleverich@geneseo.edu

Emi Kanemoto

Communication

kanemoto@geneseo.edu

Sasha Allgayer

Communication

allgayer@geneseo.edu

Rob Levy

Community and College Substance Abuse Prevention

rlevy@geneseo.edu

Julie Troman

Education

jtroman@geneseo.edu

Gillian Paku

English

paku@geneseo.edu

Paul Schacht

English & Center for Digital Learning

schacht@geneseo.edu

Lytton Smith

English & Center for Integrative Learning

smithlj@geneseo.edu

Wes Kennison

English & Study Abroad

kennison@geneseo.edu

Amy Sheldon

Geological Sciences Department

sheldon@geneseo.edu

Laura Swanson

Health & Counseling

swanson@geneseo.edu

Emma Wolford

Health & Counseling

ewolford@geneseo.edu

Sarah Covell

Health & Counseling

covell@geneseo.edu

Justin Behrend

History

behrend@geneseo.edu

Kathleen Mapes

History

mapes@geneseo.edu

Theodore Sargent

History

sargentt@geneseo.edu

Jennifer Kenyon

International Student and Scholar Services

kenyonj@geneseo.edu

Alan Witt

Library

witt@geneseo.edu

Aaron Heap

Mathematics

heap@geneseo.edu

Melissa Sutherland

Mathematics

sutherm@geneseo.edu

Sasha Eloi-Evans

Multicultural Programs

seloievans@geneseo.edu

Carrie Johnson

Office of Diversity and Equity

johnsonc@geneseo.edu

robbie routenberg

Office of Diversity and Equity

routenberg@geneseo.edu

Nichole Siwicki

Office of Diversity and Equity

siwicki@geneseo.edu

Brian Barnett

Philosophy

barnett@geneseo.edu

Amanda Roth

Philosophy & Women and Gender Studies

rothal@geneseo.edu

Hanna Brant

Political Science & International Relations

hbrant@geneseo.edu

Stacey Robertson

Provost's Office

robertsons@geneseo.edu

Joe Cope

Provost’s Office

cope@geneseo.edu

Jennifer Katz

Psychology

katz@geneseo.edu

Monica Schneider

Psychology

schneid@geneseo.edu

Sarah Frank

Residence Life

frank@geneseo.edu

Taylor Gale

Residence Life

gale@geneseo.edu

Meg Reitz

Residence Life

reitzm@geneseo.edu

Robert Boyd

School of Business

boyd@geneseo.edu

Beth Fitzpatrick

School of Business

fitzpat@geneseo.edu

F. Kurt Cylke

Sociology

cylke@geneseo.edu

Bill Lofquist

Sociology

lofquist@geneseo.edu

Tiffany Brodner

Student Life

brodner@geneseo.edu

Sam Cardamone

Study Abroad Office

cardamone@geneseo.edu

Johnnie Ferrell

Theatre & Dance

ferrell@geneseo.edu

Matthew Nicosia

Theatre & Dance

mnicosia@geneseo.edu

Post-Election Resources

Health and Counseling

Mental Health Services

All mental health services are being provided via teletherapy this semester. Both new counseling and returning counseling students can request a counseling appointment on the student health portal at myhealth.geneseo.edu. Read more about scheduling and accessing appointments on our Accessing Teletherapy Appointments page.

Visit our Coping with Covid page for pandemic-specific resources, including online mental health options and free mind-body coping resources. This page also includes LGBTQ-specific resources.

Visit our Counseling Services pages for additional information, or call our office at 585-245-5716 if you have questions. You may also take one of our free, anonymous online mental health screenings by visiting How are you feeling today?

Election Stress

The lead up to the 2020 Presidential Election has been tense. Many people feel overwhelmed by the news coverage and struggle to manage their own reactions.

The Department of Health and Counseling has created a Managing Election Stress guide for assistance with how to cope.

Wellness in Nature

  • Attend a Nature Walk with Keith Walters! Offered every Wednesday from Noon to 12:30 pm. Meet at the entrance of the Romer Arboretum. *Masks are required*

  • Clear your head with a 30-minute nature immersion experience in Roemer Arboretum! This will be a gentle walk (or sit - if you don't feel inclined to walk) in which we will encourage participants to put their phones and electronics away for 30 minutes and focus on their surroundings only. Spending even a short amount of time outside can have benefits that include: increased energy levels, improved immunity, lower blood pressure, and can lead to feelings of less stress and anxiety.

  • For more information about Wellness in Nature at Geneseo, please visit the Wellness in Nature website.

Helping a Friend

When someone you know is experiencing difficulties, you may feel helpless and unsure how to assist your friend. A valuable tool for to assist you is Kognito, a free interactive online program available to Geneseo students. Kognito allows you to practice conversations in a virtual setting to improve your helping skills. The Kognito page will direct you towards creating an account for free.

Here are some basic strategies for how you can help:

  • Listen and be supportive. Listening is perhaps the one most important thing you can do to help your friend. Effective listening involves taking the time to listen, encouraging the other person to talk about their feelings, keeping your own feelings and advice in check, validating what your friend is going through (including what s/he has already done to work on the problem), and being compassionate.

  • Brainstorm and problem-solve potential solutions. Although your friend may resent your attempts to simply give advice, you can engage your friend in problem-solving by helping them to generate possible course of action.

  • Encourage your friend to talk with other friends and/or family members. The larger your friend's support system, the better--not only does this help your friend, but also it takes some of the pressure off you.

  • Direct your friend to available resources. For example, you may want to suggest that your friend speak with a counselor on campus (go here for more information on How to Refer to Counseling Services). If your friend is resistant to this, you could also suggest that s/he check out available Self-Help resources online, including our free online screenings for depression, alcohol use, and eating disorders.

Mind-Body Resources

  • YogiBethC - Dr. Beth Cholette (Geneseo psychologist/yoga teacher) offers accessible yoga practices and meditations on her YouTube channel (for fun brief practices, also try her channel for kids, Breathing Breaks)

  • The Grounding Toolkit - an 18-page resource for students focused on physical grounding, mental grounding, and soothing grounding techniques

Journal Writing

Journal writing can be a valuable means of self-care or self-exploration. Your writing can take many different forms, such as lists, random thoughts, and single-sentences daily reflections. You might also find it helpful to write "never to be sent" messages, expressing your strong feels to others in an indirect way.

If you are interested in journal writing, the following web sites may also be helpful:

R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Model

  • Routines are helpful. Continue to get up, to get dressed, to attend classes and other activities. Having structure can keep emotions from becoming overwhelming.

  • Eat regular, nutrition-dense meals. Missing meals or overeating can contribute to stress and depression.

  • Sleep 7-8 hours per night. Ideally, try to go to bed/get up at roughly the same times every day, and try to avoid naps, which will interfere with your nighttime sleep.

  • Play time is important! If you aren’t doing things that you enjoy, be sure to make time for these activities.

  • Exercise can help you to feel better. Even adding a short (20-30 mins.) daily walk to your schedule can help.

  • Connect with someone who is supportive. Social support can go a long way towards making you feel better, whereas isolating yourself is generally not helpful. In addition to talking to close friends and family members, consider letting your professors/others on campus know what is going on as well.

  • Text Crisis Text Line 24/7 by texting HOME to 741-741. Crisis Text Line is available for a crisis or to provide supportive problem-solving. A live, trained Crisis Counselor will receive your message and respond.

Health & Wellness Apps

The Department of Health and Counseling has vetted a listing of free apps that may be helpful to students. The options include stress trackers, breathing tools, guided meditations, sleep helpers, and more.

Residence Life

RADICE Event 

The RADICE team will be on hand to provide support for any RA who may experience challenging conversations/situations with residents, fellow staff members, etc. within their roles as RAs as a result of the election (regardless of the outcome). Furthermore, the RADICE team would like to help their fellow RAs in any form whether to vent, obtain advice, or obtain information on navigating the implications of how the election would affect many marginalized groups in our nation based on different administration's policies.

Post-Election Session:

  • Thursday, November 5th, from 1 pm-2 pm, hosted by the RADICE staff, here is the: zoom link

ACs & RDs are hosting extra office hours!

Area Coordinators and Residence Directors will be hosting extra office hours for all residential students who are in need of support in processing the election. 

Interested? Please check with your RA or check your hall communication for details.  

Office of Diversity and Equity

Bias Reporting 

  • At SUNY Geneseo, we are committed to helping every member of our community reach their full potential by fostering an environment that allows everyone to feel affirmed, regardless of identity or background. As expressed in our Community Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (https://www.geneseo.edu/diversity/commitment) bias-related incidents challenge and contradict this commitment. 
  • In the event that you experience or witness an incident that may be rooted in bias, you may choose to report it through this online form. Anyone can use this form and it is recommended that you file as soon as possible after the incident. You may report an incident even if you are not sure that it was motivated by bias. If immediate attention is needed, please call University Police (585-245-5222).
  • Link to Report Form - http://go.geneseo.edu/BiasRelatedIncident

What is a bias-related incident?

  • A threatening individual is any person who you deem to be a threat to yourself or others. This person may have weapons or may just make you feel uncomfortable. Trust your instincts.

What is a hate crime?

  • A hate crime is a criminal offense, committed against a person or property which is motivated, in whole or in part, by the offender’s bias against the actual or perceived age, ancestry, color, disability, sex, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, race, religion, religious practices, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or military status of the targeted person or group.

What behaviors create a non-inclusive campus climate?

  • A non-inclusive campus climate results from the combined effect of a number of behaviors/practices which cumulatively create an environment that is not open and welcoming to a person or group based on their age, ancestry, color, disability, sex, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, race, religion, religious practices, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or military status. Offenders often remain anonymous.

Contact the Co-Chairs of the Bias Prevention and Response Team

University Police

Reporting Crimes

  • If you witness a crime involving a physical confrontation or violent act, or think a crime has occurred, call 911.

  • For situations that don't present an immediate threat to individual safety, you can report crimes anonymously to University Police.

  • For more information about Reporting Crimes, please visit the reporting crimes webpage.

Dealing with Threatening Individuals

  • A threatening individual is any person who you deem to be a threat to yourself or others. This person may have weapons or may just make you feel uncomfortable. Trust your instincts.

  • Call 911 regardless of whether you face an immediate threat. Be prepared to be able to tell someone what you're seeing. Stay safe. If possible, seek protection in a classroom or office that has locks and phone access, or leave the building immediately if safe to do so. Err on the side of caution. Only you can decide which course of action is appropriate.

Academic Planning & Advising

Appointment Scheduling through NAVIGATE

Using your Geneseo email and password, sign on to NAVIGATE by visiting the NAVIGATE website.

First time using NAVIGATE? For detailed directions, visit the NAVIGATE appointment scheduling page.

Schedule an Appointment with an Academic Peer Mentor (APM)

Using your Geneseo email and password, sign on to NAVIGATE by visiting the NAVIGATE website. 

First time meeting with an APM? For detailed directions, visit the "Schedule an Appointment with an Academic Peer Mentor (APM)" on the Dean's office page.

Academic Success Workshops

Fall 2020 Academic Success Workshops:

  • Prep for finals: It’s never too early! Wednesday, November 4 2:30-3:30pm

  • Planning for long-term papers Monday, November 16 2:30-3:30pm

  • Final Exams? You’ve got this! Tuesday, December 1 2:30-3:30pm

For more information or to register, please visit the GOLD website.

Knights Online Academic Learning Assistance (KOALA)

KOALA

STAR-NY Online Tutoring

  • STAR-NY is a free (for Geneseo students), SUNY-wide online tutoring service. All tutoring is done back and forth on an electronic whiteboard. Tutoring is available in many subject areas during evening hours when other tutoring sites and services are closed. For more details, visit the STAR-NY website

  • Review the subject areas that have tutoring available and click on "Request a Tutor" to enter the online queue.

Learning Centers and Support Services

Milne Library

Elections and Politics Information: How the election process works

Read about how the electoral process works.

Elections and Politics Information: Tools for evaluating news articles

Read guidance on evaluating news articles and media sources.

Advice from professional fact-checkers

  • Leave the site to research it. Don’t trust the “about us” page. Don't trust anything the site says about its own purpose or reputation. Research the name of the sponsoring organization to see if there is information that clarifies its purpose and its reputation as a news source.

  • Ignore the order of search results in Google. Some sites pay Google to be listed high in the search results, and some sites pay Google to place ads in the search results (see box on this page called Google Search Results). Look deep into the search results, not just at the first 10 offerings.

  • Are the sources cited? Is there documentation? Have claims been backed up by relevant documentation, such as studies, records, statistics and other fact-based evidence?

  • Watch for "click-bait." If the headline or link makes an outrageous claim, it is probably trying to get you to click on it for profit.

  • Watch for inflammatory language, as well as more subtle forms of persuasion. If the site makes you angry or emotional in some way, be aware that you may be the victim of manipulation. Read other sources, do some fact-checking. If it is something you really agree strongly with, beware of confirmation bias. Read some sources from the other perspectives.

  • If the site allows readers to comment, read them. Frequently you find that people are disputing what an author says and giving additional or contradictory evidence.

  • Read multiple sources of information to get a variety of viewpoints and media frames. Watch out if known/reputable news sites are not reporting on a story you heard about in a less-reputable source. Sometimes lack of coverage is the result of corporate media bias and other factors, but there should typically be more than one source reporting on a topic or event.

Freedom of Speech

What does the First Amendment say?

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

What is freedom of speech and what does it protect?

  • Freedom of speech is the right of persons to articulate their opinions and ideas without interference or retaliation from the government. The term “speech” constitutes expression that includes far more than just words, but also what a person wears, reads, performs, protests, and more.

  • In the United States, freedom of speech is strongly protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, as well as by many state and federal laws. The United States’ free speech protections are among the strongest of any democracy; the First Amendment protects speech that some view as offensive, hateful, or harassing.

Which types of speech are NOT protected by the First Amendment?

The U.S. Constitution guarantees freedom of speech by default, placing the burden on the state to demonstrate whether there are any circumstances that justify its limitation.

Established exceptions to the First Amendment include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Speech that would be deemed a “true threat”: Speech that a person reasonably would perceive as an immediate threat to their physical safety is not protected by the First Amendment. For example, if a group of students yelled at a student in a menacing way that would cause the student to fear a physical assault, such speech would not be protected.

  • Incitement of illegal activity: There is no right to incite people to break the law, including to commit acts of violence. To constitute incitement, the Supreme Court has said that there must be a substantial likelihood of imminent illegal activity and the speech must be directed to causing imminent illegal activity. For example, a speaker on campus who exhorts the audience to engage in acts of vandalism and destruction of property is not protected by the First Amendment if there is a substantial likelihood of imminent illegal activity.

  • Harassment: Harassment in an educational institution aimed at an individual on the basis of a protected characteristic (e.g., race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, etc.); that is also pervasive and severe; is a direct or implied threat to employment or education; or creates an intimidating, hostile and demeaning atmosphere, is not protected by the First Amendment. For example, posting racist messages on the residence hall room of an African American student would be regarded as harassment and not speech protected by the First Amendment.

What is "hate speech?" Is it illegal?

  • The term “hate speech” does not have a legal definition in the United States. Nevertheless, the term often refers to speech that insults or demeans a person or group of people on the basis of particular attributes such as race, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, or gender. While the University condemns speech of this kind, there is no “hate speech” exception to the First Amendment. “Hate speech” is constitutionally protected speech. “Hate speech” is illegal if it falls into one of the exception categories mentioned in the preceding question. On many occasions, the Supreme Court has explicitly held that prohibitions or punishments for hate speech violate the First Amendment.

  • Just because there is a First Amendment right to say something, however, doesn’t mean that it should be said. The First Amendment protects the right to say hateful things, but as a campus, SUNY Geneseo strives to be a community where no one chooses to express hate.

Teaching and Learning Center

A Guide to Conversations Across the Red-Blue Divide.

Essential Partners, a nonpartisan nonprofit that helps colleges and other organizations build communication skills, offers “A Guide to Conversations Across the Red-Blue Divide.”

After Election 2020: Moving from Reaction to Action.

The University of Michigan’s Edward Ginsberg Center and the Center for Research on Learning and Teaching offer a series of guides around the election, including “After Election 2020: Moving from Reaction to Action.”

 Facilitate difficult election conversations.

James Madison University guide to help faculty, staff, and students facilitate difficult election conversations.

Can We Talk? Civil Dialogue for Troubled Times

The University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Teaching and Learning offers advice and resources on responding to the election. And Penn’s SNF Paideia program, which focuses on civic dialogue in undergraduate education, recently hosted a webinar called “Can We Talk? Civil Dialogue for Troubled Times.”

Policy and Regulatory References

Student Code of Conduct

Review the Student Code of Conduct.

Rules of Public Order

Review the Rules of Public Order.

Campus Offices to Contact for More Information or Assistance

Dean of Students

Office: MacVittie College Union, Room 354
Phone: 585.245.5706
Email: sancilio@geneseo.edu

Dean of Students website

Diversity and Equity

Office Phone: 585.245.5759
Office Email: odestudentteam@geneseo.edu

Chief Diversity Officer Phone: 585.245.5759
Chief Diversity Officer Email: routenberg@geneseo.edu

Diversity and Equity website

Multicultural Programs and Service

Office: MacVittie College Union, Room 353
Phone: 585.245.5620
Email: seloievans@geneseo.edu

Health and Counseling

Lauderdale Health Services
Phone: 585-245-5736

Counseling Services/AOD Program
Phone: 585-245-5716

South Village Health Center
Phone: 585-245-5752

Campus Community Resource Nurse 
Phone: 585-245-6284

Dean of Academic Planning & Advising

Office: Erwin Hall, Room 106
Phone: 585.245.5541
Email: dapa@geneseo.edu

Because we have a reduced presence on Geneseo's campus for now, our office is minimally staffed in Erwin 106, and we are monitoring email (dapa@geneseo.edu) remotely. Responding to Campus voice mail for Academic Planning & Advising may take more time than usual.

Dean of Academic Planning & Advising website

Student Conduct and Community Standards

Office: MacVittie College Union, Room 354
Phone: 585.245.5714
Email: pietropaolo@geneseo.edu

Student Conduct and Community Standards website

University Police

Office: Schrader Hall, Room 19
Emergency Phone: 585.245.5714 or 911 
Email: police@geneseo.edu

University Police website

*Thank you to the University of California Board of Regents for allowing us to adapt these FAQs from U.C. Berkeley's free speech website.