Take Care of Yourself and Each Other

Vice President for Student Success Kirsten Turner sent the following message to students on Friday, Oct. 30.

Dear Students,

Right now, we are living in unusual times. 

Since last March, much has changed. But you have continually met the challenges in front of us. You’ve adapted to new methods of learning, new platforms for engaging with each other and new behavioral norms designed to protect others. It has been a period of intensity, anxiety, Zoom fatigue and emotional, physical and psychological stress. And, yet, we recognize there is still more in front of us. 

Taking care of yourself—and taking care of each other—is vital right now. We encourage you to reach out to your support systems if you are feeling stressed. But we also want to remind you of the resources on our campus designed to support your well-being. You can learn more about those here , and we plan to have even more staff from our Office of Student Success on campus, in person, in the coming weeks to support students.  

Talking about your emotional and physical health during a time of such intensity—and asking for help when you need it—is a sign of strength.  

We encourage you to remember this, especially as life in all its hurry and urgency moves on. This weekend, for example, a football game will be played on our campus. People in neighborhoods throughout this community, and so many like it across the country, will find ways to celebrate Halloween. And, of course, candidates and volunteers will make their final pitches for election in everything from local city council races all the way to the U.S. Presidency. 

As we enter a weekend with so much activity—from the rites of passage in fall to the passing of another election cycle—we urge you to support and care for one another—in spaces where we normally have fun or in spaces where we might exchange ideas and find ways to agree or respectfully disagree. 

Take care of each other this weekend. Continue making the good decisions you’ve been making: Avoid large gatherings, whether connected to the football game or Halloween; wear a face covering when around others; and continue to protect and respect those around you. We’ve made so much progress this fall. I know we can continue to keep each other safe this weekend and in the remaining weeks of this semester. Let’s keep going. 

After all, this is a community that cares about each other. This is a community committed to your success during all seasons, but particularly during periods that are understandably stressful. You play an essential role in that. If you see friends who are struggling, encourage them to seek support or refer them to our Center for Support and Intervention . If you need support, please reach out to us at 218-SAFE. 

Kirsten Turner, Vice President for Student Success