Ecosystem of Care Update

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November 23, 2021

Greetings,

I hope this finds you well and looking forward to the upcoming holiday. I hope, especially, that you may be able to spend some time with your student in the coming days. I know I’m very much looking forward to reuniting with my own college student.

And, so, as I write this message, I realize I come to you today both as the Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Success and as a concerned parent. Please allow me to explain.

The past twenty months have been hard for so many of us. We’ve been asked to do things never before imaginable, in ways never before conceivable, and amidst circumstances previously unbelievable. Though we’ve all admirably pressed on, it’s clear the global health pandemic and our ongoing national struggles with race and racism are taking their toll — particularly on our young people. Just yesterday current events compelled me to share an important community update with students. Click here to read the message in full.

It’s hard to be a college student right now — really hard. Across the country, college students are experiencing depression, anxiety, and loneliness at rates far higher than just two years ago. Similarly, many question whether they belong in their university setting at all. UC Santa Cruz students are not immune to these very real, very heavy considerations. The truth is: many Slugs are hurting and feeling alone right now.

This troubles me greatly. As a parent, my son’s well-being is my priority. As the Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Success, ensuring your student’s well-being is my greatest responsibility — and the one our entire Division aims to support in absolutely everything we do.

Knowing that many of you will soon be reunited with your children for the holiday break, I thought this was a fitting time to share several resources that can help your student, particularly if they are experiencing loneliness or questioning their sense of belonging at UC Santa Cruz.

There are several reasons a student may be struggling right now. Some may find they are having a hard time keeping up with their academic work — after all, the quarter system offers an incredibly challenging pace. Some may feel like they do not have friends, or their friend groups have changed. Some may be missing home and their families. And, some may be overwhelmed by the totality of returning to in person campus life. No matter the reason a student may be struggling right now, it is important that we acknowledge the reality of their experiences. We must all speak with our students, understand their unique circumstances, and connect them with the best resources and people for their health and well-being.

The resources listed below can help support any number of needs or concerns. Admittedly, I shared most of these resources in the email I sent earlier this quarter. However, as I consider the well-being of our students and the support these resources offer, I am compelled to share them once again.

In the coming days, I hope you will have chance to speak with your student about their current feelings and experiences. I hope they will give you a true sense of how they are doing, thinking, and feeling about their academic, personal, social, and soon-to-be professional lives.  If they should express concerns, I hope you will know the Division of Student Affairs and Success is here to help you and your student in every way possible.

In support, 

Jennifer Baszile
Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Success
UC Santa Cruz

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.