SPOT
SPOT Meetups
(Supporting Possibilities & Opportunities, to Thrive)
Overview
SPOT meetups make space for students to gather and discuss their Vassar experience as a first-gen, low-income, and/or undocumented student. We understand that sometimes students are ready and willing to offer support (spotting your peers), or other times their peers may be in need of support (in need of a spotter). Facilitated by peer-mentors/Student Leaders and the Director of Transitions, our goal is to create an environment where students will engage through informal “real talk” with their peers. Wherever they are in their Vassar journey, we want to lend support by listening to one another, sharing experiences, and exploring possibilities and opportunities to help them thrive. We welcome all Transitions students! Please join us at any of our scheduled meetups!
During SPOT meetups, students will:
- Gather every other week between the first day of classes and October break, then monthly or as often as the group decides (Scheduled meetups are outlined below)
- Attend meetups as often as they choose. There’s no requirement to attend regularly.
- Build connections and relationships with their peers
- Share their stories and experiences
- Do activities together
- Be in community
Group Agreements:
- Use “I statements”
- Make space, take space
- Stories stay, lessons leave
- Respect each other's differences
- Discomfort is a growing edge
- Practice open listening without judgment
- Trust the process
Fall 2023 Scheduled Meetups:
All meetups located at the Ordan Meeting Room (Main 2nd Floor), unless otherwise specified
Meetup #1 (Sept. 6 @ 5 p.m.): Welcome & How’s it going so far?
Meetup #2 (Sept. 20 @ 5 p.m.): Expectations vs. Reality
Meetup #3 (Oct. 11 @ 5 p.m.): Academics, Time Management & Balance
Meetup #4 (Oct. 25 @ 5 p.m.): Open discussion
Meetup #5 (Nov. 8 @ 5 p.m.): Group Activity
Meetup #6 (Nov. 29 @ 5 p.m.): Relationships & Friendships
Meetup #7 (Dec. 6 @ 5 p.m.): Who are you… really? What do you want to be at VC?
Spring 2024 Scheduled Meetups:
All meetups located at the Ordan Meeting Room (Main 2nd floor), unless otherwise specified
Meetup #1 (Jan. 24 @ 5 p.m.): Welcome Back & How was Winter Break?
Meetup #2 (Feb. 7 @ 5 p.m.): Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle
Meetup #3 (Feb. 28 @ 5 p.m.): Group Activity
Meetup #4 (Mar. 27 @ 5 p.m.): Open Discussion
Meetup #5 (Apr. 24 @ 5 p.m.): Looking Ahead