Carson-Newman event celebrated for “creativity” by 田纳西州 coalition

Carson-Newman University is often referred to as “home” among students and alumni. A campus initiative last fall is being hailed for doing its part in upholding the moniker.

“Let’s Hug Day” was implemented by Carson-Newman prior to fall finals. The event was recognized by the Partners in Prevention Conference as the “Most Creative New Event.” Held May 21-22 in Lebanon, 田纳西州, the conference was sponsored by Coalition for Healthy and Safe Campus Communities (CHASCo), which is made up of 44 田纳西州 institutions.

With national “Let’s Hug Day” recognized on December 3, Carson-Newman’s Student Prevention Services used the day to celebrate healthy interactions, offering students, faculty and staff the opportunity to get hugs from C-N mascot, 爪.

兰迪莫里森, Carson-Newman’s director of Student Prevention Services and 第九条 coordinator, said the fun event helped reduce stress as students took finals while also opening the door in addressing challenging topics.

“Helping students understand consent is an important part of our 第九条 responsibilities and preventing sexual mistreatment,莫里森说。. “It can be an uncomfortable topic, and we need to have the conversation in ways that both honors God and His instructions and acknowledges the challenges of student life—including mental well-being.”

Morrison said the New Testament verse, Romans 12:10, provides a foundation for such conversations. “When people honor each other above themselves, non-consensual touch becomes very unlikely. “Let’s Hug Day” on the calendar gave us a light-hearted way to celebrate positive touch and to help students practice honoring others.”

The University plans to celebrate “Let’s Hug Day” again on Dec. 3, 2024.