Chancellor's Communique
We're Here For You, 10-30-20
Dear students, faculty, and staff,
This year has been anything but typical, and the events of 2020 continue to demand a lot from each of us. With the ongoing disruptions and hardships COVID-19 brings, calls for racial justice, destructive wildfires, and a rapidly changing political climate,
we find ourselves at a particularly tumultuous moment in time.
As we navigate our personal and professional lives amid the many challenges we face, we want to remind you that our campus community is here for you. Your well-being is
our top priority, and I encourage you to seek help when you need it. There are many resources available, both on campus and off.
The Department of Psychiatry is offering our students, faculty and staff one-on-one support sessions next week to support
those feeling anxious, stressed, worried or pandemic fatigued. Department faculty or staff will help you process your emotions and thoughts, and can also connect you with clinical services if you are interested. These one-on-one sessions will be supportive
in nature and are not considered clinical encounters or patient care, and there is no cost to take part. Sign up today for your session here.
Additional Support for Students
- If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed at this difficult time, the Office of Case Management is hosting open, one-on-one drop-in Zoom sessions for students:
- Students, residents and fellows can also talk to a mental health professional or counselor at Student and Resident Mental Health at 303-724-4716 or smhservice@ucdenver.edu.
- Join a presentation on “Dealing with Uncertainty,” offered by Student and Resident Mental Health and Student Health Promotion.
- Take part in Town Hall events for structured conversation and discussion with your peers, organized by Student Senate.
Additional Support for Faculty and Staff
- Call the Well-Being Support Line at 303-724-2500 to speak with a volunteer who will listen, and provide support and guidance. The support line is available for faculty, clinicians, PRAs and staff, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day.
- You can also contact the Faculty and Staff Mental Health Clinic at 303-724-4987 or fsmh@ucdenver.edu for a confidential virtual appointment at a time convenient for you.
Office of Equity
The Office of Equity is a support resource for CU Anschutz faculty, students and staff who may experience discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, and any related retaliation. More information is available here.
Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Community Engagement
Join drop-in Zoom sessions through Nov. 9 with the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Community Engagement. View the schedule here.
Colorado Crisis Services
Contact Colorado Crisis Services at 1-800-493-8255, or text “TALK” to 38255, to speak with a professional counselor about any area where you could use support for yourself or a loved one, from loneliness and isolation, to stress, relationship issues, substance use and other common concerns.
More Resources
- Join “Mindful Moment” guided meditation sessions via Zoom Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 7:50 a.m., touching on timely topics including stress management, relaxation and gratitude.
- Coming soon: the Department of Psychiatry will release a new Mind the Brain podcast focused on “Well-Being in Times of Uncertainty.”
- Find additional tools and information on the Campus Mental Health Resources webpage.
During the turbulent and unpredictable times we’re living in, it is particularly important to attend to your mental health and well-being, and the needs of peers, colleagues, family and friends.
Please know that we remain deeply committed to your health and safety. This campus community has risen to each challenge, and we will get through this together as well.
Thank you for all you are doing to help keep #CUAnschutzTogether.
Sincerely,
Don Elliman
Chancellor