Hello Rams,

We are so excited to welcome you to campus and look forward to seeing you in just a few days for the kickoff to an incredible fall semester! The focus of our fall planning throughout these summer months has been to deliver a great in-person college experience for you, one that is safe, vibrant, and filled with educational opportunities for your success. We fully expect to remain in-person throughout the semester and academic year.

As we embark upon this fall together as a community, we do so better protected, better informed and better prepared to manage the pandemic. We know that many of you have questions about the mask, vaccine and screening mandates, and we want to assure you that CSU is taking these necessary steps so you and all of our Ram Family can enjoy an in-person learning and living experience this fall.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Classes scheduled as in-person will remain in-person. (Nearly 88% of course sections will be in-person.)
• Ram Welcome will proceed as scheduled and move-In for residence halls will occur next week as planned.
• In-person dining will be available in all dining centers and the Student Center with no capacity limits (masks will be worn while ordering/selecting food and can be removed while eating).
• The Rec will have full in-person capacity and intramural and sport clubs will be active.
• There will be many in-person events across the university including with student organizations, cultural and resource centers, and campus activities.
• Masks are not required for outdoor events and activities.

As a reminder, CSU’s COVID website has been updated to reflect the new mandates and to answer frequently asked questions. The university’s public health guidance chart already includes fall guidance around common questions regarding university spaces, including laboratories, classrooms and campus life areas.

While we would all love to return to a post-pandemic campus, we can contribute to slowing the spread of the virus and sharing in a variety of engaging experiences. Let’s look forward to fall with confidence and trust in knowing CSU will continue, as we have done, to rise above this pandemic together. Go Rams!

Sincerely,

Mary Pedersen, Provost and Executive Vice President

Blanche Hughes, Vice President for Student Affairs

Dear Faculty and Staff,

As we look ahead to the fall semester, we recognize there is a broad range of anticipation with some eager to resume in-person classes and events on campus while others are feeling a little anxious or hesitant to jump back into face-to-face interactions. Our students will also be all along this continuum, some returning to a campus that may feel very different this fall and some just starting their college experience at CSU after a very challenging year last year.

We wanted to provide a couple of resources to support you and our students, and help us build a welcoming and inclusive campus community.

Mental Health and Well-Being Support 

As we navigate yet another transition, it is more important than ever that mental health and well-being are top priorities. We all play a role in building a culture of care and support, and it starts by taking care of our own well-being needs and looking out for each other. There are many ways you can incorporate well-being into your interactions with students and each other:

• Take care of your own well-being: CSU offers multiple resources to support employee well-being, including the Employee Assistance Program, CARE Program, Commitment to Campus, Center for Mindfulness, SilverCloud Health online tools and well-being trainings offered by CSU Talent Development.
• Recommend mental health messaging in your syllabus: TILT provides a syllabus template that includes a helpful message for students about mental health help-seeking.
• Connect students to support: Your referrals make a difference. If you know a student who could benefit from support, please connect them with CSU Health Network resources.
• Integrate well-being into your curriculum: Consider easy ways you can infuse well-being practices into your teaching and work with students. Check out the pilot version of CSU’s Well-Being in Academic Environments Toolkit.
• Share well-being messaging during class: Use these PowerPoint slides with students during class to help raise awareness about available support resources.
• Tell Someone: This university resource is available for students and employees to report concerns about safety and mental health – yours or someone else’s – by calling (970) 491-1350 or using the online referral form. If you believe someone is at risk of immediate harm, call 911.

Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Module Launching for All Students

Beginning August 16, incoming students will be invited to complete the new Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging online training module as part of the We Are CSU program at Ram Welcome. Returning students will be invited to take the module starting August 30. The module takes about 40 minutes and guides students through short videos, what-would-you-do scenarios, and reflections. Through this optional training experience, students will:

• Explore their own identities,
• Learn about key concepts related to inclusion, belonging, bias, power, privilege and oppression,
• Understand the benefits of being part of a diverse community, and
• Develop skills related to allyship, bystander intervention, self and community care, and creating inclusive spaces.

We encourage faculty and staff to consider integrating the module into coursework and engaging student groups you advise with follow-up discussions to deepen student learning of content in intentional spaces. Training sessions are available for registration now and a toolkit will be available soon to assist faculty and staff with leading discussions about the module. For more information about this initiative visit https://racebiasandequityinitiative.colostate.edu/diversitymodule/ or email diversitymodule@colostate.edu.

We hope the end of summer brings you an opportunity to rest, recharge, and prepare for this fall. We deeply appreciate your efforts to welcome and support students this fall!

Sincerely,

Blanche Hughes
Vice President for Student Affairs

Mary Pedersen
Provost and Executive Vice President

Dear Rams:

As you move through your final exams, we know you have a lot on your mind: reflecting on the past academic year, the big push to finish strong, and plans for the summer ahead. So, we will keep this message short and sweet: we are thinking of you. We wish you academic and personal success as this semester closes, turning the corner on an unprecedented 14 months of learning and living amid a global pandemic.

Take good care of yourself and remember:

• Get plenty of sleep and eat well
• Exercise to help manage stress (even if it’s short walks)
• Lean on your faculty, advisors and friends for support (Rams take care of Rams)
• Reach out if you feel overwhelmed – seeking help is a sign of strength (https://health.colostate.edu/mental-health-resources/)

For those of you graduating, congratulations! We are so very proud of you, and know you are ready to celebrate with your families and loved ones.

For those of you returning this summer or in the fall, we look forward to having you back! As you know, we are moving a vast majority of courses back face-to-face in classrooms in the fall and planning a much more robust student life (https://source.colostate.edu/a-message-about-fall-back-to-campus/). We will keep you posted with more information over the summer.

Fight on stalwart Rams. Look at all you’ve achieved and navigated – you’ve got this.

Sincerely,

Mary Pedersen
Provost and Executive Vice President

Blanche Hughes
Vice President for Student Affairs

With Spring Break at the end of this week, we hope you will be able to enjoy a pause from classes and get some rest and relaxation. It’s been a long haul this semester and particularly in recent weeks with a number of tragedies that have impacted many of us. Since the pandemic began 13 months ago, we have been challenged in so many ways and we have also continued to move forward. Your dedication to following public health guidelines and staying engaged is deeply appreciated. Thanks to your commitment and the hard work of our faculty and staff, we have been able to stay open as planned for both fall and spring semester.

We wanted to share some information on what to expect for the rest of this semester.

Summary of Major Critical Issues for Spring:

1. All Public Health guidelines will continue to be followed throughout Spring, including requirements to wear a mask.
2. Students are encouraged to get vaccinated for COVID at the soonest possible opportunity.
3. All final exams will be virtual.
4. Selection of S/U grading must be requested through RAMweb by 11:59pm May 23, 2021 (applicable to undergraduate students only).
5. Extended course withdrawal option will be open until May 7, 2021.
6. Registration for summer session is open and registration for fall semester began April 5 (check RAMweb for your date/time).

Post Spring Break Operations:

• COVID saliva screening and testing will continue throughout spring semester.
• All adults in Colorado are now eligible to receive a vaccination. Larimer County is opening a public, appointment-based vaccine clinic at Moby and we encourage students to get a vaccine, if they are able to, before they travel for Spring Break. Information about vaccine opportunities is available at https://covid.colostate.edu/kb/vaccinations-for-csu-faculty-staff-and-students/.
• If you need assistance with remote testing, contact the University Testing Center.
• The Student Disability Center and Alternative Testing Center will be available to assist students. If you are experiencing a barrier in a virtual class please report an access barrier. If you are experiencing an exam barrier please contact Alisha.Zmuda@colostate.edu or your accommodation specialist.
• The Health Network will continue providing medical and mental health care for students during and after spring break. Due to legal restrictions, there may be limitations for students located outside of Colorado to access specific services.
• The University will remain open to serve students for study spaces, campus housing and dining, and other services. Some buildings or services may have adjusted or limited hours of operation so please check websites, including the Morgan Library, Lory Student Center, Rams Against Hunger, and Student-Fee Funded Programs.

We know this academic year has been full of challenges and uncertainty and it is never too late to ask for help.

• Student Case Management supports students by providing help navigating resources for difficult situations.
• CSU Health Network offers a variety of mental health support resources to help you learn how to improve your mental health, manage stress, and minimize anxiety.
• As the public health environment evolves over this spring and summer, we expect to be adding more in-person seats in courses for fall and will announce those as they become available.

If you can benefit from support, please reach out. Remember that seeking help is a sign of strength. Take care of yourselves and each other, Rams.

Sincerely,
Mary Pedersen and Blanche Hughes
Provost and Executive Vice President and Vice President of Student Affairs

Greetings CSU faculty, staff, and students,

Today is Trans Day of Visibility, an annual awareness day celebrated around the world. Today, and every day, we embrace our trans and non-binary university community members and celebrate your lives and stories. This day is dedicated to honoring the accomplishments of transgender and gender nonconforming people while raising awareness of the work that still needs to be done to achieve trans justice. The Pride Resource Center, Student Disability Center, Asian Pacific American Cultural Center and Ram Events are hosting a keynote this evening by Kay Ulanday Barrett titled More Than Organs: Beyond Resilience, exploring the intersectionality of race/ethnicity, transgender community, and disability.  

While we celebrate milestones like Rachel Levine, Assistant Health Secretary, becoming the first openly transgender official ever confirmed by the Senate, we also acknowledge the current number of anti-trans legislation in multiple states limiting access to medical and healthcare, sports and recreation, and use of pronouns. Visibility is crucial for this community, and visibility can also contribute to increased targeting through violence and anti-trans legislation. So this day of Visibility serves as a time to re-focus and take action to support trans people’s ability to live fully as themselves. In the midst of so much discrimination, it is especially important that we make space and amplify stories of trans joy, love, freedom, and expression. 

Many folks at CSU continue to work on making our trans community feel valued and supported. To learn more and access resources visit: 

• PRIDE Resource Center 
• Health Network Transgender Care 
• Campus Recreation Inclusive Rec 
• Fort Collins and Colorado trans resources list 
• Tips for Supporting Transgender People  
• Send a love letter to the CSU trans community 
• Pronouns and Gender Inclusive Language presentation 

In solidarity, 

Blanche Hughes and Roe Bubar 

Vice President for Student Affairs and Interim Vice President for Diversity 

Dear Students,

In partnership with the CSU Health Network, we have an important message to share: It’s OK not to be OK.

Many of us struggle with uncertainty, stress, loneliness, anxiety, and depression. We sometimes feel overwhelmed by academic and work demands, relationship challenges, racial injustice, economic instability, and political unrest. During the pandemic, all of our struggles can feel even more difficult.

You are not alone. We care about you and want to help. CSU Health Network offers numerous support resources that are covered by your student fees, which means you can access them for no additional charge.

• Online resources, including YOU@CSU, SilverCloud therapy modules, and the Nod app to help you build social connections, are available 24/7.
• Counseling Services are available by phone and through secure videoconference. Call us at (970) 491-6053 and we will work together to find the services that are right for you.
• Therapy groups connect you with others who share common experiences, identities, and concerns.
• Skill-building workshops offer opportunities to increase your knowledge and build coping skills in certain areas of your life.
• Multicultural Counseling Services are designed for students who have been historically marginalized and aims to reduce barriers for you to access and navigate Counseling Services.
• Concerned about your alcohol or drug use in these stressful times? Take an online self-assessment to help you check in with your substance use, reach out for support through our Drugs, Alcohol and You (DAY) Programs, or connect with other students in the Ram Recovery Community.

Visit Mental Health and Well-Being Support Resources for Students for a full list of the resources available to you and how to access them.

In addition to CSU Health Network resources, Tell Someone is a university resource where you can report concerns about safety and mental health – yours or someone else’s. If you believe someone is at risk of immediate harm, call 911.

Remember: Rams take care of Rams! That includes seeking support for yourself when you need it. We are here to help.

Take care,
Dr. Blanche Hughes
Vice President for Student Affairs

CSU Health Network
health.colostate.edu
(970) 491-7121

Hi Students,

We have just one week left to go before a much-deserved Fall Break! And while we are all eager to get there, I know there are also some questions and concerns swirling as we prepare for virtual learning for the rest of the semester and face growing COVID-19 cases across the nation. We are all tired so I have tried to pull together a quick list of useful information and resources below.

Whether you are staying in Fort Collins, leaving town, or remaining in another location, I wish you well. It’s been a long haul since August and I am so proud that we have made it this far.

10 Things to Know for Fall Break through the End of the Semester:

1. From November 30 – December 18 all classes and finals week exams will be delivered virtually. Visit Keep Learning for tips and resources for transitioning to virtual learning.
2. The University will remain open to serve students and will limit hours of operation and public access to buildings. Visit individual websites or Keep Engaging for details.
3. Support services including medical and mental health services, basic needs, and subsidized RamRide x Lyft rides will be available.
4. COVID screening is available prior to Fall Break; register online before screening and schedule a time to screen.
5. Flu shots are available at the Health Network for students by appointment only; call (970) 491-7121 to schedule your appointment.
6. Students who are planning to leave bikes on campus during the break are encouraged to store them securely.
7. All university apartments and some residence halls will remain open from Fall Breakthrough Winter Break.
8. Off-campus students: If you’re temporarily leaving your Fort Collins residence, be sure to make arrangements for shoveling snow off your sidewalk and, if applicable, park your vehicle correctly to avoid fines.
9. Review tips for gatherings and activities during Fall Break.
10. Before leaving campus, please review the travel recommendations for Fall Break and holidays.

Take Care,
Blanche

Blanche Hughes, VP for Student Affairs

Hi Rams,

Tomorrow is election day ​and for the first time, 18-35 year olds are the largest voting bloc in the country. If you are able and have not done so already, please vote. Your voice matters. Visit the Larimer County Clerk website for information on how and where to vote if you need more information. If you are not able to vote, please visit CivicEngagement.colostate.edu to learn more about opportunities for civic engagement.

I want to acknowledge the uncertainty this election brings as our nation is very divided and we don’t know when the election will be called and whether we need to prepare for potentially days, weeks, or months of ambiguity waiting for final results. What we do know is that no matter what the outcome is, our values of access and equity, our Principles of Community, and the support and resources we provide for students will not change. We will continue to center the identities and lived experiences of the students in the CSU community. Our employees are committed to advocating for students, recognizing the strength each student has, celebrating the cultural wealth of our communities, and continuing the critical work of making CSU an anti-racist institution.

We are all amid a challenging time in our country, fueled by a global pandemic, ongoing racial inequality and civil unrest, and climate catastrophes. During this time of uncertainty, we must lean into our mission and values, and reaffirm our commitment to you, our students. I want to highlight several support resources and opportunities to help ​prepare for and process the election:

• Post-election events, programs, and resources will be posted on the KeepEngaging.colostate.edu website.
• 2020 Election in Review (sponsored by the Department of Political Science) – Debrief Panel on November 9 from 7:00-8:00p.m.
• Post-Election, COVID, and Fall Break Strategies to Stay Connected (sponsored by CSU Health Network) – Zoom Session on November 10 from 5:30-6:30p.m.
• You@CSU election processing resources
• CSU Health Network Mental Health Support Resources – including Counseling Services and Multicultural Counseling Services

If you are concerned about a student or employee’s well-being, safety, or threat of violence Tell Someone. If you experience or witness an act of bias please submit a Bias Report. If you are concerned about a person(s) not following public health precautions during the election or any time on university grounds, please submit a COVID public health behavior form.

Remember, we are all Rams and by voting and/or participating in civic engagement, we have the power to shape our future. ​I voted early this year and invite you all take part in this election.

Take Care,
Blanche

Blanche Hughes, VP for Student Affairs