Update for Students on COVID-19
April 2, 2020
To: UC Santa Cruz Students
From: Jaye Padgett, Vice Provost, Student Success
Subject: Supporting Students During COVID-19
Dear undergraduate, graduate, and professional students,
I hope this email finds you healthy and that your spring quarter is off to a good start. We realize that this is a stressful time and it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the ever-changing news and guidance surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. We are reaching out today to say that despite our current efforts to maintain physical distance, we remain open and here to serve and support our students. This email will provide information about the status of some of the student services and programs we offer, including:
- Student Health Services, UC SHIP, and CruzCare
- Managing Stress
- Remote Instruction
- Basic Needs Support
- Slug Support Pantry
- CARE
Student Health Services, UC SHIP, and CruzCare
Student Health Services (SHS), Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) and Student Health Outreach and Promotion (SHOP) are all open and committed to protecting your health. You can now access SHS services on-campus or off-campus through phone, video, email, or in-person appointments. UC SHIP covers students no matter where they are. Learn how to use UC SHIP and CruzCare benefits from anywhere, or cancel if needed.
Managing Stress
Elevated stress and anxiety are normal responses to COVID-19, but if you are seeking additional support Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) is offering phone and video appointments for students. A CAPS counselor can even help you plan a daily routine to help you adjust more easily to life with physical distancing! Please contact (831) 459-2628 and speak with one of our staff to make an appointment. We also have an extensive list of online resources on their website, including meditations, relaxation exercises, and online therapy assistance.
Remote Instruction
The new Keep Learning website has a lot of valuable information to keep us connected socially, despite our physical distance. Check out effective strategies for remote instruction, disability accommodations, how to make advising appointments, and much more.
Basic Needs Support
Slug Support is available for immediate basic needs and other emergency situations via phone at (831) 459-4446, Zoom, and email at deanofstudents@ucsc.edu, Monday- Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. We have immediate food resources, such as meal swipes, gift cards, and referrals to CalFresh and food pantries, as well as emergency housing options for students in need.
Slug Support Pantry
The Slug Support Pantry is offering a pre-bagged grocery pick-up system every Wednesday throughout the spring quarter. Bags will be pre-packed with pantry non-perishable staples with the option to add eggs, bread, and frozen items at pick-up. We will begin adding produce to these pick-ups in the coming weeks. You must sign-up for an appointment in advance for a pick-up. (There are 8 slots per appointment time, and appointments refresh every Thursday).
CARE
For crisis services for students who may be experiencing sexual assault, sexual harrassment, and dating/domestic violence, please contact the CARE office at (831) 502-2273 or care@ucsc.edu Monday-Friday, 9 am - 5 p.m. For local after-hours support, Monarch Services's confidential hotline is available 24/7: (888) 900-4232. If you are currently out of the Santa Cruz area, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline: (800) 656-4673 or find your local crisis center here.
Looking for another student service? A full list of services and operating hours can be found on the COVID-19 webpage and the Division of Student Success website.
This is an unprecedented and uncertain time for us all, but we don’t want you to feel isolated and alone. Even though we may be physically apart Slugs, we are all in this together.
