Dear UC Santa Cruz community,
We write today to extend our care and concern for our UC Santa Cruz and global communities amidst the Russian military’s invasion of Ukraine. We recognize this conflict is unsettling and the uncertainty of the events is hard to bear.
As we continue to closely monitor news reports, we are particularly mindful of the impact this conflict has on our students, staff, and faculty connected to the region. UC Santa Cruz is a diverse community. Our students, faculty, and staff come from all over the world, including Ukraine, Russia, and surrounding countries. Many more, we realize, have connections to the region beyond citizenship. We extend our unwavering support to all with ties to the region. You are, and will remain, in our thoughts throughout this unquestionably difficult time.
We remain committed to supporting our entire campus community during these troubling and challenging times. These events impact each of us in different ways. Some within our community have previously endured their own painful experiences of war and conflict. Some may be overwhelmed with anxiety and stress amidst the uncertainty and brutality of the situation. Some are exhausted by the totality of this new world crisis amidst the ongoing concerns related to COVID-19.
Whatever you may be feeling now, know that the Division of Student Affairs and Success is here for you. Below please find a list of resources that may be helpful to you now or in the days ahead. We encourage you to seek out these campus resources–and one another–as needed. Now, more than ever, is a time for coming together. May we unite in our collective hope for peaceful resolution in Ukraine.
In community,
Jennifer Baszile
interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Success
Garrett Naiman
Dean of Students
Peter Biehl
Vice Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies
Relevant Campus Resources for Students
Counseling and Psychological Services provides UCSC students with a wide range of mental health and wellness services, including brief individual therapy, Let's Talk drop-in consultations, crisis intervention, referrals, brief couples or family counseling (depending on counselor availability), educational outreach (e.g., through workshops, our newsletter, and social media), and consultation for non-clients (e.g., staff, faculty, family members).
- If you haven't been seen at CAPS this academic year and want to talk to us about your concerns and options for getting help, call CAPS at (831) 459-2628 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) to schedule an initial assessment appointment with a counselor.
YOU @ College is a 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.
Instructors and advisors: You may want to reach out to your professors and/or advisors if you feel your ability to continue with your coursework in a timely manner may be affected either by your physical circumstances or by your level of concern for what is happening in your home country. It’s best to reach out in advance so they can figure out how best to support you during this time.
Slug Support offers support navigating basic need insecurities and helps students get connected to other campus resources.
