Open community is the new theme for Northern PACT this year.

This week, Northern PACT is reaffirming the pledges students made last semester and inviting students new to the Northern PACT to make pledges this semester.

“Since most students sign the Northern PACT…in the fall, we wanted to provide a mid-year reminder,” said Kelly Wesener, assistant vice president for student services, in an email.

Students can sign the Northern PACT pledge and receive a free T-shirt as well. This week marks the first time Northern PACT will host events during the spring semester, said Molly Holmes, LGBT Resource Center director. Events and activities for this week will encourage an open community for students.

Some departments in student affairs and enrollment management will express the theme of open community, Holmes said. For the LGBT Resource Center, all students of different orientations will be encouraged to be more open, Holmes said.

“It’s about being able to express yourself and not be judged by other people,” said Eric Appiah, assistant director of Fitness and Wellness at the Campus Recreation Center.

The principles of the Northern PACT continues to build a strong community, said Timothy Paquette, Counseling and Student Development Center assistant director.