Responding to Current Events: DSAS Community Update

Dear Slugs,

Current events compel me to reach out to you today. Though I originally hoped I might send you each an email extending well wishes for the upcoming break, I write now on a much more consequential note. Amidst these challenging times, I come to you in solidarity and support.

To begin, I want to highlight an opportunity that will take place immediately after the upcoming break. In an effort to be in community, the Division of Student Affairs and Success is partnering with the Dean of Students Office, College Student Life, and On the Margins to make room for a community space on Monday, November 29, 2021 from 4-7 PM in Namaste Lounge, located in College Nine. The space is intended to allow for people to be in community together, express themselves, and learn about the support resources available through On the Margins.  

We offer this space because once again we are met with a critical reckoning in our nation’s history.

The events of the past few days have deeply impacted many. We currently await a verdict in the trial of Travis McMichael, Gregory McMichael, and William Bryan, Junior. Many want to know: will there be justice for Ahmaud Arbery? As we wait to see the outcome,  we cannot help but wonder what it will take to inspire the change we need.

In too many cases such as this, it seems our hopes for a better tomorrow are deferred for another day. We’ve learned, by now, to not be surprised by any outcome. And while we may not be shocked by these disturbing and uncertain moments, we are no less shaken. It’s even more difficult when many are left to feel that the very systems we rely on for justice, safety, and accountability can sometimes be sources of injustice, harm, and oppression -- especially for BIPOC communities. Many are considering: how does the trial of three white men accused of murder become less about their actions and more about the unarmed black man they killed?

These are not easy considerations. These trials underscore the inherent tensions in our institutions. To realize this truth is heavy, and to reckon with it is hard. But to know of it is to be called to do something about it.

And so, amidst our confusion, our agony, and our anger, let us recommit to dismantling the oppressive systems that bind us by building inclusive communities that enrich us. As I urge all of us to join together, I also pause to recognize the work we are doing and still have to do within our own campus community. I acknowledge the issues within our community, especially the unrelenting Anti-Blackness Demands of the Black Student Union. I remain committed to working with the Black Student Union to address the issues they have raised. The BSU’s leadership within our community is essential to our collective desires to build a more just, equitable, and inclusive campus. 

I do hope you and your loved ones will find some peace and comfort in the break ahead. I hope, too, we will all return next week with a renewed vigor for the work we do and the change we endeavor to create. Know that the Division of Student Affairs and Success remains fully committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion across campus. And, we will do all we can to support students, staff, and the entire Slug community in our ongoing fight for liberty and justice for all.

In solidarity,

Jennifer

Jennifer Baszile

Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Success

Student Need: Mental Health and Wellness Support
Resource #1: YOU @ College YOU @ College is a new resource for UC Santa Cruz students. YOU @ College is a powerful, online platform that offers students personalized mental health and physical well-being resources to help them thrive now and in the future. Students can access the YOU @ College app for support across an array of topics, trends, and struggles -- including loneliness, depression, anxiety, time management, and more. The app not only offers validation for student's experiences but also presents action steps students can take to address and help resolve their concerns. Your student can access their YOU @ College account by clicking here.
Resource #2: Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) UCSC's Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers students a wide variety of support services, resources, and workshops. In particular, I'd like to highlight the Let's Talk Drop-In program. Let’s Talk is a drop-in service offering students a chance to engage in a brief, confidential conversation with a professional counselor to receive consultation, support, advice, and/or referrals. Let’s Talk is held several afternoons a week (see schedule, below) during fall, winter, and spring quarters (except on holidays, winter and spring breaks, and finals weeks). Students can learn more about the many CAPS services, including the Let's Talk Drop-In program by visiting the CAPS website. Please note: The Let's Talk Drop-In program is not a crisis response program. Students in crisis should contact emergency services (9-1-1) or a crisis assistance program. A full list of such crisis assistance resources can be found by clicking here.
Student Need: Academic Support
Resource #1: Navigate Slug Success Navigate Slug Success is an online platform that allows students to easily communicate with and make appointments with their academic advisers, connect with student success staff, and access other university support services. Using the Study Buddies function, students can even start or join a study group with other students from their classes. Students should use Navigate to stay connected with their academic support team of advisers, faculty, and campus resources.   Students can access their Slug Success account by clicking here.
Resource #2: Learning Support Services Students struggling with academics can often find it difficult to speak up and seek help. Learning Support Services (LSS) can be a valuable resource for students struggling to grasp key concepts, keep up with course material, or earn the grades they desire. LSS offers students academic support and can helps connect them with tutors, mentors, SI leaders, MSI Learning Assistants, Student Office Assistants, and professional staff. The quick pace of the UC quarter system can be challenging to manage, especially for first year students. If your student is struggling with coursework, encourage them to access LSS or connect with their professors directly. These connections can be essential to learning the material and making the grade! Students can learn more about LSS by visiting the department's website.
Student Need: Campus Connection and Sense of Belonging
Resource #1: SOMECA SOMECA is home to nearly 100 UCSC student organizations. Representing a variety of interests, each of these organizations offers students unique opportunities for engagement and, if desired, leadership experience. Students can explore the list of all student organizations and find something that meets their goals and passions. Getting involved in a student organization is a great way to connect with campus and feel part of the larger community. Students can review the full list of 2021-2022 registered organizations here.
Resource #2: Campus Events There is always something happening on campus. Attending campus events -- lectures, socials, athletic competitions, or workshops -- is a great way to get involved and feel connected to the campus. The diversity of events offered also provides students the opportunity to explore their unique interests and, if they haven't already, find their passions. Students can access the UCSC event calendar by clicking here.
Student Need: Ongoing Support and Encouragement
Resource: DSAS Staff, Programs, and You These are just a few of the many resources available to support our students with a few of their many known needs. If you have any concerns about the health and well-being of your student, I hope you will reach out and let us know. While we may not always be able to share information about your student, we are more than happy to receive any concerns you may have. In this way, we can understand your student's unique needs and connect them with the best resources to meet those needs. Please feel free to email us: dsas@ucsc.edu. Note: This email address is not monitored 24/7 and should not be used for crises of emergencies. Students in crisis should contact emergency services (9-1-1) or a crisis assistance program. A full list of such crisis assistance resources can be found by clicking here.