NOVEMBER 7, 2024 — Editor’s Note: The following message was emailed to all students by the UTSA President Taylor EighmyProvost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Heather Shipley and associate dean for well-being Melissa Hernández.

We understand there are significant concerns for the well-being of members of our community as we observe an increase in stress, anxiety and uncertainty across our sites. We are writing to you to let you know how we want to do better and be a better base for you.

We have listened to you and are committed to taking faster and more aggressive action to address these needs. To support you and our entire campus community, we are canceling all classes tomorrow to share one Day of reflection so that we can stop, think and care for each other. We encourage you to come to campus, check out the resources, and participate in free support programs throughout the day.

Tomorrow you can expect:

• Consultations: Drop in at Wellness 360 (RWC 1,500) from 8am to 5pm or use Talk Now at TimelyCare App around the clock.

• Campus Connect training: Participate in a bystander suicide prevention program available on campus, in person from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Wellbeing Meeting Room (RWC 1.806) and also practical from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m

• Mental Health Screening: Use online screening resources with peer and professional support from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the NEST area of ​​the Student Union (HSU 2.207).

• Mindful painting program: Connect with like-minded people at the Downtown Student Success Center (DB 2.114) from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Please note that these measures are just the beginning of our ongoing work to improve our well-being. Beyond tomorrow, you can also expect to see and participate in an expanded wellness campaign that includes:

• Listening sessions for students: Offered online and in person to hear directly from our students. These sessions are delivered in collaboration with the Wellbeing Enhancement Task Force.

• Daily Mental Health Support Resources in the Sombrilla: Stop by November 11-15 to meet the Student Affairs Wellbeing Services team and receive free resources and support.

• Advanced Student Programming: Students can engage in ongoing meaningful mental health programming on topics ranging from healthy body image, recovery, therapy animals and more. Find out more about upcoming Wellness programming on RowdyLink.

We mean it when we say:If you have any difficulties, contact us. If you are hurting, we want to hear from you. If you have an idea that could help us improve our work in this area, please share it.

Let us continue to listen, lend a hand when needed, and take direct wellness care to promote the growth, well-being, and care of our entire UTSA family.