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The last couple of months have been challenging for some, and the recent event of Russia launching a military attack against Ukraine may be amplifying feelings of anxiety and fear for many in our campus community. During challenging times, please use the campus support resources available to you.

Things can feel stressful between recent global events and as we move past the midpoint of the semester, know that I’m here for you and I encourage you to take care of yourselves and each other.

Relax and recharge

Spring break is an opportunity to slow down. Consider how you can best use this time to relax and recharge before returning for the remainder of the semester. 

This could be participating in your favorite hobbies and activities that you may not always have time for. Perhaps it means spending more time outside and enjoying the sunshine and warmer weather. Maybe it’s taking the opportunity to work some extra hours at your part-time job, or working on a passion project outside of your coursework. Or perhaps it’s catching up with friends and family members you haven’t talked with in a while. Check in with yourself throughout the week to prioritize your needs and practice self-care. 

Be considerate and safe

As you unwind and recoup during spring break, please be considerate of others wherever you are. This includes your peers, neighbors, faculty members, co-workers, friends and family. Our actions often have an effect on those around us, whether we realize it or not, so I encourage you to do what you can to be kind and thoughtful. 

With St. Patrick’s Day and spring break coming up, please look out for your fellow Buffs.

• If you are concerned about your safety or someone else's, keep an eye on the situation and don’t hesitate to call for help.
• Review more information about how you can be an effective bystander and look out for other members of our community.
• Review the Amnesty Policy also to learn more about what to do if you need to call for help in an alcohol- or drug-related emergency.
• Try to take safety precautions when you can, like using the buddy system and getting home safely by using CU NightRide.
• Be aware that any drug not purchased directly from a pharmacy could contain fentanyl, an opiate-based drug that is 50 to 100 times more potent than heroin.
•  Review more tips for partying smart.

If you’re looking for things to do this week, check out the variety of events happening around campus. Review other things to know before St. Patrick’s Day.

Ask for help

If you’re struggling with something—maybe it’s your coursework, finding a summer internship or making friends—I strongly encourage you to ask for help. Asking for help is not always easy for many of us, but is one more way you can take care of yourself. If we can take that first step in finding support, it can make a difference and help the rest of your semester be a positive experience. 

The Division of Student Affairs is here to help you. There are a variety of resources to help you with whatever you may be struggling with, including:

• Peer Wellness Coaching. Peer wellness coaches are Buffs who are trained to help students navigate resources, set goals, get connected on campus and more. If you need help navigating ¾«Æ·SMÔÚÏßӰƬ, finding ways to meet new friends or improving your self-care, Peer Wellness Coaching is a great free resource to try.
• Let’s Talk. If you’re concerned about stress, sadness, worry, relationships, academic performance, family problems or financial struggles, Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) is here for you. They provide free and confidential consultations through their virtual Let’s Talk program. Let’s Talk counselors can help provide insight, solutions and information about additional resources.
• Academic Success and Achievement Program (ASAP). If you live on campus or are a first-year commuter student, ASAP offers free peer-tutoring support and one-to-one sessions.
• Career workshops and programs. If you’re looking for an internship or job after graduation, Career Services offers weekly workshops with tips on resumes, gaining experience, networking and more. Also, check out on-demand career tools you can use over spring break to help with writing resumes, prepare for interviews and more.
• Review other campus support resources.

And if you aren’t sure what you need or where to find help, I’m here for you. Please reach out to me by emailing deanofstudents@colorado.edu. Please take care of yourselves and each other, and ask for help if you need it.

JB Banks
Dean of Students and Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs