2012-13 Academy Student Handbook.pdf - Interlochen Arts ...

Guidelines for Support Group Meetings
• The development of a positive self-image is encouraged.
• Stereotypical names and references are discouraged.
• Participation is entirely voluntary.
• Confidentiality is respected.
• Respect for the diversity of all people is encouraged.
Support Groups are formed on campus on an as-needed basis. Support groups that have met in the past include:
Eating Concerns, Substance Abuse Recovery, Women's Issues, Smoking Cessation, Abuse, Grief, New Students,
Separated/Divorced Families, and Gay/Straight Alliance. See “Intervention Policy,” “Health Services,” “Personal
Counseling” and “Community Standards, Regulations and Guidelines” for additional related information.
SPONSOR GROUPS
At Interlochen, the classroom, studio, and residence halls are integrally related. Academy students benefit from hall
counselors and faculty who work together to address student needs: education, personal, and social. Students are
encouraged to contact their sponsor whenever they have problems or feel the need for adult support and
encouragement.
Each faculty and applicable educational staff member is assigned a small group of students. These groups help meet
the needs of students by planning regular social events, having dinner together on or off campus, and encouraging
students to come to them with their concerns. Sponsors take an interest in students' academic and artistic progress,
peer and adult relationships, and their general happiness and well being. Sponsors are always welcome as
advocates of their students in disciplinary situations. When appropriate, sponsors receive copies of correspondence
pertaining to their students.
RELIGIOUS LIFE
Academy students represent a wide range of religious affiliations and interests. Traverse City offers worship
opportunities to nearly all students. Transportation (without charge) is provided to area worship services. Students
may form groups for on-campus study and fellowship which serve them much like religious youth groups at home.
Adult sponsors, approved by the Academy, are required for such groups. Students must remember that the use of
candles for spiritual or religious purposes is prohibited in student rooms because of the “open flame” rules. Please
see residence life staff for appropriate use, times and places.
A particular religious holiday may sometimes coincide with classes, a student performance or a special event or
program such as Parents Weekend. Religious holidays may also fall adjacent to the beginning or conclusion of a
vacation period. Given Interlochen’s diverse community with many faiths represented, the Academy has made it a
practice not to observe any special day for any religion, as it would be very difficult, if not impossible, to make
adjustments to the calendar in order to accommodate all potential requests. However, Interlochen recognizes each
student’s and employee’s right to observe a day that is sacred to his or her faith. Those individuals may seek
permission through the Education Office to be excused as needed from required events, activities or class days, and
are not penalized.
14 - SUPPORT SERVICES -