October 21, 2016
To: University of Chicago Students
From: Michele Rasmussen, Dean of Students in the University
Date: October 21, 2016
Dear Students,
With the first half of the autumn quarter behind you, the weeks ahead are likely to get busier, more intense, and skewed toward your academic obligations in a way that might lead to fatigue and stress. I’d like to remind you that UChicago offers a rich array of resources, programs and services to help you achieve a healthy balance.
Please visit wellness.uchicago.edu to find out more about ways to achieve a healthy mind and body through appointments with a healthcare provider, meditation and mindfulness programs and the new “Better Together” social connectedness campaign. Spiritual Life, the Center for Identity + Inclusion and the Center for Leadership and Involvement host a plethora of events and programs throughout the year and welcome all students, regardless of background and affinity, to join.
Graduate and professional students can make new connections by participating in Grad Council meetings and programs. Students with children can take advantage of family-friendly activities at the Family Resource Center. Resources to help graduate students navigate their academic and professional careers are available at UChicagoGRAD, whose advisors can help you with fellowships, career exploration and planning, writing, public speaking, and work-life balance. Graduate students who are in teaching positions can also seek support at The Chicago Center for Teaching.
All students can take advantage of fitness classes, personal training and recreational facilities at Ratner Athletic Center and Henry Crown Field House, and if you’re looking for some competitive action, you can join one of more than 70 sport clubs and intramural teams. You can then refuel and recharge at one of our many campus eateries and cafes, which are designed to foster community and interaction among all members of our community. Taking some time to enjoy one of the many stellar arts programs at Rockefeller Memorial Chapel is also highly recommended, along with a visit to the Smart Museum of Art and the Oriental Institute.
The suggestions above represent just a few of the many opportunities that you have open to you as members of the UChicago community. Please also remember that we offer support for emergency and crisis situations through the University Police Department (773.702.8181), the Dean-on-Call and Sexual Assault Dean-on-Call programs (773.834.HELP), the therapist-on-call (773.702.3625) and the Office of the Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Students (773.702.0438). Contact information for all of these resources can be located at csl.uchicago.edu/get-help.
For those of you who are new to the University, I hope the past few weeks have reinforced your decision to come here; if you are continuing your studies this autumn, welcome back. I wish all of you a successful year and hope to meet as many of you as possible in the months ahead.
Sincerely yours,
Michele A. Rasmussen
Dean of Students in the University
Questions? Comments? Please contact us at Campus and Student Life