Students at Hampton University attempted to start a diabetes network twice. Both applications were denied, however its possible for the club to be approved next year.
Kristina Carey, the Student Activities Administrator, is prepared to meet with students purposing the organization to discuss moving forward with the College Diabetes Network (CDN). The CDN Proponents hope to establish the on-campus organization to provide increased access to care, and a network catered specifically to diabetics.
The most recent application, filed in 2018, was denied on a technicality. Carey rejected the incomplete application because it was missing the advisor contract. Additionally, the events proposed within the application were identified as risks for the University.
In response to the idea to include a nutritional seminar for diabetics during the holidays, Carey commented: “If students were to give out medical advice the University could be held liable. Also, the club needs an advisor with a medical background.”
India Anderson, a Type 1 diabetic, submitted the application for CDN to function as an officially recognized campus organization for the 2018-2019 academic year, with support from Patricia Boone, the Assistant Dean of Scripps Howard School of Journalism. Subsequently, Anderson received a notarized letter from Anzell Harrell, the Director of Student Activities, informing her that the club wasn’t approved.
India mistakenly thought she submitted a complete application, as did her advisor Assistant Dean Boone. Boone has dedicated time to increasing diabetes awareness on campus by speaking to students and helping organizations like CDN. During the Black Family Conference in March, she will host a table to educate people about diabetes and service animals.
Assistant Dean Boone believes there could be more resources for students with diabetes. Entering her third year at Hampton University, she wants to see more sensitivity to the disease. Her son was ignored while passed out in front of his dorm room on campus, as a result of high blood sugars. People assumed that he was drunk.
“I’ve seen nothing in terms of resources for diabetics in my time being here,” said Boone. “We fall under the protection of the American Disabilities Act. The fact that we don’t have faculty members who recognize and respond appropriately is irritating.”
Boone recommends campus initiatives dedicated to increasing student and faculty awareness of the disease: “They (Hampton University) could have workshops and seminars on the disease. Increased awareness would be great especially in dormitories.”
According to Anderson, the club wasn’t approved because it needed support from the Health Center. Despite feeling strongly that CDN should be approved, Anderson won’t reapply. “If I were to ever get sick no one around me would know what to do and that bothers me because diabetes can’t be spotted when observing someone,” India shared with frustration and disappointment. “It concerns me that when I leave Hampton, diabetic students won’t have a network of support.”
One potential qualified advisor is Megan Hill, a certified health education specialist, is unavailable because she already advises the Red Cross. This club is very active and hosts blood drives on campus once or twice every semester.
The College Diabetes Network unsuccessfully tried establishing a chapter at Hampton University in the 2017 - 2018 school year through Aleczandria Whitfield, Tylar Benion, Lauren Isaac and Jordan Garrick (a Type 1 diabetic). Garrick submitted a schedule for 7 months of programs, and a detailed description of the club and its purpose. Nevertheless, the club wasn’t approved for the year.
The Hampton University Health Center advises students with diabetes to develop a plan to manage their blood sugars during their time on campus. Other provisions are available for diabetic students including additional time for testing, quiet learning environments, and flexibility with turning in assignments through the Disability Services. Department. These resources prove helpful as diabetics can experience heightened stress and test anxiety. The University cafeteria offers special diabetic friendly meals as well. There is a high chance that CDN will exist in some capacity in the future, but when and how remains to be determined.