Dear students and faculty members,

Next month we’ll be starting a new semester together largely unmasked, undistanced, and somewhat unencumbered by the weight of the pandemic. I couldn’t be happier that the Class of 2024 will spend their first days in Rochester in the way they’re meant to be experienced. For the rest of us, it’s a long awaited return to a vibrant, thriving campus environment. And while I am—as I’m sure all of you are—grateful for this and excited for the return to a more normal River Campus experience, I can’t ignore the fact that the surreal and traumatic effects of COVID-19 and associated stressors are, in many, many ways, still with us.

This is going to be the most normal semester we’ve had in almost two years, but we’re carrying a lot with us. We’ve become so used to living and working in a pandemic-specific way that I expect a lot of us might find this semester to be very challenging. Not only are we still recovering from all we have endured and done to get to this point, we’re also starting to exercise social muscles we haven’t been using regularly. I expect this to be particularly draining for some.

We’ve also lost people. You may know someone taken by COVID, or who may have died of other ailments or natural causes during the pandemic. There are no circumstances that make losing someone easier; however, I do think it can be made harder when your mental and emotional reservoirs are depleted.

I bring all of this up because I want to make sure all of you know that there’s no expectation that everyone is “fine” now. COVID variants are becoming more prevalent internationally, even though the U.S. is recovering and recalibrating. I also know that not all life issues are COVID-related. And that’s why I want to re-share University services that are available to help you cope with what you’re experiencing and to aid you toward finding what you need to move forward. You can find these resources at the end of my message.

To end on a positive note, the size of our incoming class, to this point, has been impressive, to say the least. You might ask, “Why does this matter?” Broadly, it’s an indication that the pandemic has not shaken our society’s belief in the importance of higher education. At the Rochester-level, it demonstrates an approval of how we navigated COVID and a confidence in our ability to handle—*knock on wood*—any resurgences of the virus and the threatening variants. And, not to be lost in the mix, it’s a reminder that we’re a great school, in a great University with a lot to offer students—and faculty and staff—pursuing a wide-range of interests. That last point should not be taken for granted. Everyone still has a choice of the University they wish to call home, and it is not insignificant that so many outstanding students make Rochester theirs.

I hope you are having a restorative summer, filled with hugs, travel, rest, and all the other things you’ve desperately missed. I’m looking forward to seeing you all soon. Again, please take note of the resources below and don’t hesitate to make use of them; they’re run by great people who are eager to help you.

Bias-Related Incident Reporting

Please report an incident if you or someone you know was discriminated against based on age, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, national origin, race, religion, or sexual orientation. Someone will follow up and help coordinate a response.

Behavioral Health Partners

BHP | (585) 276-6900

Available for University faculty and staff feeling stressed, anxious, depressed, or otherwise unwell and enrolled in a University health care plan

CARE Network

rochester.edu/care | (585) 275–9490

Is someone you know saying they’re okay, but doesn’t seem okay? Contact CARE or submit an online referral and a team member will reach out to them.

Employee Assistance Program

EAP | (585) 276–9110

Available to all employees seeking help with a variety of issues, including addiction, grief, and legal problems.

Family Care Program

Family Care

Available for eligible faculty and staff. These resources provide care-giving options such as childcare, eldercare, and more.

Interfaith Chapel

rochester.edu/chapel | (585) 275–4321

Virtual and in-person worship services are available to those who want to connect with a faith community. Chaplains are also available to provide spiritual support.

Sexual Misconduct

rochester.edu/sexualmisconduct | (585) 275–3504

There are private and confidential resources available to students and faculty and staff who have experienced sexual harassment or assault or does not feel safe. Submit a report anonymously online.

University Counseling Center (UCC)

rochester.edu/uhs/ucc | (585) 275–5113

Feeling depressed, anxious, stressed, or overwhelmed? UCC provides mental health support 24 hours a day. All calls with a counselor are confidential.

For additional resources, please check the University Support Services and Resources page.

Best wishes,

Gloria Culver
Dean
School of Arts & Sciences