Lakeland debuts new faculty lecture series

Understanding the New Lecture Series and Its Significance

Lakeland University has announced the launch of a faculty‑led lecture series designed to bring expert knowledge directly to students and the surrounding community. The inaugural talk, delivered by Assistant Professor of Communication Aimee Burns‑Boisvert, focused on “Creating Safer Communities: Conversations on Intimate Partner Violence.” The series is intended to showcase faculty expertise while addressing contemporary social issues that affect college campuses and local neighborhoods alike.

The First Lecture: A Deep Dive into Intimate Partner Violence

Burns‑Boisvert, whose research centers on communication strategies within the context of intimate partner violence (IPV), provided a data‑rich presentation that highlighted both the prevalence of IPV and practical approaches to prevention and support. Key points included:

• Nearly 1.5 million women in the United States experience assault each year, and about 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men endure severe physical violence from a partner.
• Survivors often undergo an average of seven attempts before safely exiting a violent relationship, facing psychological, emotional, financial, and safety barriers.
• Consequences range from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and low self‑esteem to chronic physical health problems and disrupted education and employment prospects.
• Multi‑level strategies—societal, communal, relational, and individual—are essential to effectively combat IPV.

Burns‑Boisvert emphasized the importance of communication as a tool for resistance, resilience, recovery, and revival. She described how open, non‑judgmental dialogues can empower survivors, help them regain autonomy, and encourage community engagement.

Supporting Survivors: Strategies and Resources

During her talk, the professor outlined actionable steps for community members, students, and academic staff:

1. Holding Space – Be present, listen attentively, validate feelings, and respect boundaries. Avoid pressuring decisions and protect confidentiality unless immediate danger is present.
2. Bystander Intervention – Educate peers on recognizing warning signs and safely intervening or directing victims to professional help.
3. Community Partnerships – Collaborate with local NGOs, shelters, and hotlines to create a support network. The lecture was co‑sponsored by the United Way of Sheboygan County and Safe Harbor, illustrating the power of cross‑institution collaboration.
4. Resource Awareness – Victims can access the Safe Harbor Hotline (24/7), national services such as the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence, CDC, RAINN, and Love Is Respect for immediate and long‑term support.

These steps are more than theoretical; they have clear pathways for implementation. By integrating them into campus wellness programs, student counseling services, and community outreach, Lakeland can become a model for proactive IPV support.

Impact on the Campus Community

The launch of this lecture series reflects Lakeland’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, safe learning environment. The university’s mission—to educate citizens who are compassionate, responsible, and skilled—aligns closely with addressing violence and empowerment.

Students benefit in several ways:

• They gain direct access to scholarly research and practical strategies, enhancing their critical thinking and empathy.
• Faculty mentorship opportunities arise, enabling students to collaborate on projects that address community issues.
• A campus culture that prioritizes safety encourages retention and academic success, indirectly improving graduation rates.

Furthermore, local residents who attend the talks can connect with university resources, increasing community engagement and trust between the institution and its surrounding neighborhoods.

Expanding the Lecture Series: Future Topics and Opportunities

While the inaugural lecture focused on IPV, the series has potential to cover a wide array of subjects, including mental health, climate justice, digital ethics, public health, and cultural competency. The cross‑disciplinary nature of the series encourages collaboration among faculty from various departments:

• Communication students can apply knowledge of dialogue and persuasion to real‑world problem solving.
• Business majors can delve into corporate social responsibility and community impact strategies.
• Health sciences students can analyze communication’s role in patient education and public health campaigns.

By rotating topics annually, Lakeland can maintain student interest and relevance while demonstrating institutional leadership in addressing pressing societal challenges.

How Students Can Engage Beyond the Classroom

Students interested in active involvement have multiple pathways:

1. Volunteer with Local Organizations – Partner with entities like Safe Harbor or the United Way to provide support workers, crisis counselors, or advocacy roles.
2. Participate in Research Projects – Assist faculty in collecting data, conducting surveys, or analyzing community response to social issues.
3. Develop Culturally Relevant Initiatives – Initiate student‑led campaigns on campus to raise awareness, distribute resources, or host support groups.
4. Utilize Campus Resources – Take advantage of counseling services, student‑affairs offices, and wellness centers for personal support and peer education.

Each action increases community resilience and builds students’ experience in leadership and social change.

Key Takeaways for Prospective Students and the Wider Community

1. Lakeland University demonstrates a tangible commitment to societal well‑being through curriculum integration and community partnerships.
2. Faculty expertise, such as that of Dr. Burns‑Boisvert, offers actionable knowledge that transcends academic boundaries.
3. Students, regardless of major, can leverage campus resources to gain experience that extends their career portfolio and personal growth.
4. The lecture series showcases Lakeland’s role as a hub for community development and social empowerment.