March 2, 2010
As Catholic University students prepare to leave campus for Spring Break March 8 through March 14 they are reminding themselves what their friends mean to them and pledging to look out for each other.
Beginning Monday, March 1, CUA students have been "signing" the pledge by registering at http://ipromise.cua.edu/ or at tables set up in the Edward J. Pryzbyla University Center lobby.
The iPromise campaign was initiated at CUA in 2007. The promise reads: "I understand that my friends are some of the most important people in my life; that is why, this Spring Break, I promise to keep them safe as much as I possibly can, physically, emotionally and spiritually."
The iPromise campaign is student run and supported by both the Office of the Dean of Students and the Office of Campus Ministry.
During its first year, about 1,000 students signed the pledge. Kathryn Jennings, associate dean of students, hopes to get 1,800 signatures this year. "I think it's a great way to get students to think about being safe on Spring Break and the responsibility they have to themselves and their friends," she says.
The iPromise movement helps to kick off Safe Spring Break Week, a national movement promoting travel safety, sun safety, sexual assault awareness and alcohol awareness. A list of Safe Spring Break activities at CUA can be found at http://deanofstudents.cua.edu/res/docs/I-Promise.doc .