College in New Rochelle rolls out attention initiative

The Gabelli Center for Teaching & Learning at Iona University in New Rochelle has introduced a new initiative called the “Attention Passport.” This program was created to help students explore various types of focus and become more aware of how they allocate their attention.

Students use the passport like a travel journal by collecting Stamps that mark meaningful experiences throughout the school year. Stamps can be earned by taking part in selected campus programs, including presentations, discussions, service opportunities, and reflective activities. Students may also receive credit for independent experiences, such as spending time reading without distractions or going for a walk without using their phones. The initiative encourages students to create a record of experiences in which they intentionally devoted their full attention to an activity, idea, or moment.

Brochure printing can be used to provide more details about such programs, their development, and their benefits for students.

Dan Thiery, director of the honors program at Iona, said the initiative is intended to do more than highlight the challenges of maintaining focus in a digital age. He noted that constant demands for attention are a growing reality, and while the passport is not a complete solution, it encourages students to become more mindful of how they spend their attention. His hope is that, by graduation, participants will be better equipped to make thoughtful decisions about what deserves their time and focus.
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