May 11, 2021

Dear University of Oregon students,

I want to take a moment to recognize Mental Health Awareness Month and acknowledge the stress, anxiety, uncertainty, and isolation that many in our university community have experienced in the last year related to the pandemic, divisive politics, and the urgent need to address issues of race and equity.

Throughout all of it, our community has remained strong and supported each other as we faced challenges. I have been inspired by your resilience and determination. As we continue to navigate the changing situation and work toward being able to return to campus in the fall, please stay connected with our community and take advantage of university resources to support your mental health.

As Chiara Cheng, a student member of the University Counseling Services Student Advisory Board, mentioned in the video at the start of this message, the university has a number of virtual events and physically distant activities available this month to support mental health awareness:

• Kognito, an online interactive conversation simulation to learn how to have effective conversations with your peers to support their mental health. Anyone who completes the module by the end of this month will be entered into a drawing for a $20 gift card.
• Mental Health First Aid, a training on how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders.
• Take an anonymous mental health screening that assesses the common concerns of students.

University Health Services (UHS) has a number of resources through University Counseling Services (UCS), Medical Services, and the Duck Nest that are available to you during your time as a UO student:

• Individual and group teletherapy services
• Let’s Talk, a drop-in service that provides easy access to free, informal, and confidential consultation with a UCS staff member
• Identity-based specialists to support students from marginalized communities
• Two new apps, WellTrack and Nod, for easily accessible services to improve mental health
• Case manager support to help you find mental health support in your area
• Medication management by medical professionals
• Weekly Wellness Workshops
• After-hours support and crisis line (541-346-3227) to speak with a mental health professional when UCS is closed
• Online Self-Care Kit, Be Well Blog, Mental Health Resources during COVID-19, and Duck Nest Remote Wellness Resources
• Follow University Counseling Services, Duck Nest Wellness Center, and HealthyUO Instagram accounts for self-care tips, mental health programming, and wellness resources.

Visit the University Counseling Services and University Health Services websites for more information. Please reach out to these professionals to find support and connect with resources now, and when we are all able to be back on campus.

Sincerely,

Michael H. Schill
President and Professor of Law