Dear Rams,‌

Halloween is this weekend, and it is a time of year when on- and off-campus events and parties are ramping up. It is also one of our highest-risk times of year for alcohol and substance misuse, sexual assault reports, and tickets issued to students.

To help keep you and your fellow Rams safe, here are some important safety reminders:

• Seek consent: Consent is a clear, sober Yes. “Slow down,” “I’m not sure,” “We should wait,” or silence is not consent. Drinking or a costume is not an invitation, nor an excuse for sexual aggression, assault, or harassment. 
• Drink responsibly: Make your own choices, stick to the limit you set for yourself, and exercise caution if mixing alcohol and medications, drugs, or energy drinks. As a reminder, drink spiking is a CSU policy violation and is a crime. 
• Test substances: It is not uncommon for drugs to be cut/laced with Fentanyl, which can be fatal. You can request Fentanyl testing strips and Naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medication, online from CSU Health Network or pick them up at these campus locations. 
• Get a safe ride: Always designate a driver or use RamRide or a ride share. Have a plan before you go out for how you will safely get home and never leave a friend alone. RamRide will operate as usual on Friday night from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. RamRide will not be operating on Saturday night for Halloween, however a Lyft code will be posted on the RamRide Instagram account. 
• Register your party: 86% of the parties registered with Party Smart avoid noise citations and tickets. The deadline to register for Halloween parties is 5 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 29. 
• Own your choices: Your costume, your behavior, and what events you attend are your choice. You can choose to avoid costumes that reinforce negative stereotypes, and you can choose to help others rather than harm them. 
• Be aware: Use the buddy system, let someone know your plans, and lock doors and close curtains on windows for privacy. If you see something that doesn’t feel right, say something and/or trust your instinct to leave. If you and/or someone else are in danger, call or text 911, and be familiar with the Good Samaritan Law and CSU’s Responsible Action Exemption. 
• Stay informed: To receive safety alerts via text, make sure you are signed up. For safety updates at university events such as football games or concerts, text CSURAMS to 888777. Review these safety tips and remember that all CSU safety alerts, updates, and resources are posted at safety.colostate.edu . 

With so much going on this time of year, you might find yourself needing some support. We want you to know that you are not alone. Visit student mental health and well-being support resources, which includes mental health crisis care support.

Take care of each other, and if you are concerned about a friend or classmate, use Tell Someone by calling (970) 491-1350 or visiting the Tell Someone website to share your concerns with a professional. I encourage you to reach out and ask for help if you or someone you know is having a difficult time.

Take care,

Craig Chesson
Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

Hey Rams,

Election Day, Nov. 3, is quickly approaching. If you are eligible to vote and haven’t already made a plan to vote, the resources below can help you get registered to vote and cast your vote.

To submit a Colorado ballot via drop box:

• Ballot boxes are now open and are available any time for Colorado ballots through 7 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3.
• The ballot box at CSU is located on the North side of the Transit Center at the Lory Student Center, 1101 Center Ave Mall.
• To locate additional ballot boxes, see ballot boxes in Larimer County or ballot boxes in Colorado.
• No postage is needed to use a ballot box.

• Oct. 26 is the last day that Larimer County recommends returning your Colorado ballot by mail. After Oct. 26, use a ballot box or vote center to vote. All Colorado ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day. Postmarks do not count.
• If you are submitting a mail ballot for another state, please visit your local county clerk office for deadlines.
• Mailed ballots require postage. Stamps can be purchased at the CSU Bookstore and there is a maildrop at the Campus Information Desk in the Lory Student Center. 

• CSU’s Vote Center will open Oct. 19 and is located in the Never No Summer ballroom on the third floor of the Lory Student Center, 1101 Center Ave Mall.
  • Hours:
    Monday, Oct. 19-Friday, Oct. 23: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
    Saturday, Oct. 24- Sunday, Oct.25: Closed.
    Monday, Oct. 26-Saturday, Oct. 31: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
    Sunday, Nov. 1: Closed.
    Monday, Nov. 2: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
    Tuesday, Nov. 3: 7 a.m.-7 p.m. 
• You must bring a valid and acceptable form of ID, which includes: Colorado driver’s license, U.S. passport, CSU student ID with photograph, U.S. military or veteran ID with a photograph, copy of a current (within the last 60 days) utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or government check or document that shows your name and address, a certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate, or certified documentation of naturalization.
• To find additional Vote Centers in Larimer County, visit Where to Vote.
• If you are voting outside of Larimer County, check with your local county clerk office for locations and details.

If you still need to register to vote:

In Colorado, you can register to vote at GoVoteColorado.gov and receive your ballot in the mail up to Oct. 26. You must update your voter registration each time you move!

After Oct. 26, you’ll need to visit a Vote Center to register to vote, where you can receive your mail ballot or vote in-person up to 7 p.m. on Election Day.
If you live or go to school in Colorado, are at least 18 years old as of Election Day, and are a citizen of the U.S., you have the right to register to vote and vote in Colorado, even if your permanent address is in another state. You can only vote in one state, so pick the one that makes the most sense for your situation.

To register in your home state visit this link, or reach out to the Elections Office in your home state.

Hello Rams,

Participation is the key to a successful democracy, and a university’s job is to prepare students to participate – to weigh evidence, question assumptions and engage with those who see things differently. That’s work CSU has taken seriously for generations. As a land-grant university, we were founded to widen access to education and public life, and the habits you build here are meant to last well beyond graduation. This year – Colorado’s 150th, the nation’s 250th – is a good moment to put them to use.

Register to Vote

If you are eligible to vote, we encourage you to register to vote in the Nov. 3 election. It is the most important thing you can do to support democracy! Voting ensures that your voice is heard in national, state, and local races and ballot initiatives.

If you live or go to school in Colorado, are at least 18 years old as of Election Day, and are a citizen of the U.S., you have the right to register to vote and vote in Colorado, even if your permanent address is in another state. You can only vote in one state, so pick the one that makes the most sense for your situation.

To register to vote or update your voter registration in Colorado, visit GoVoteColorado.gov. You must update your voter registration each time you move!

To register in your home state visit this link, or reach out to the Elections Office in your home state.

Voting in Colorado 

In Colorado, all active voters will automatically receive their ballot in the mail and it should arrive by the second week of October. There are several ways to submit your ballot:

• At the ballot box outside the transit center on the north side of the Lory Student Center. 
• Through the mail (up to Oct. 26). 
• At the CSU vote center in the Never No Summer ballroom on the 3rd floor of the Lory Student Center (opening Oct. 19). 
• More locations for ballot boxes and vote centers can be found at larimer.gov/where-to-vote. 

• Every eligible voter can complete the registration process or update their address completely online at GoVoteColorado. 
• You can also register in person at the office of your county clerk, by mail, or at a Colorado DMV office. 
• In Colorado, you can register to vote and receive your ballot in the mail up to Oct. 26. After that, you’ll need to visit a Vote Center to register to vote, where you can receive your mail ballot or vote in-person up to 7 p.m. on Election Day. 

• ASCSU – Get involved with student governance, allocation of student fees, and policy change both on and off campus. 
• Straayer Center for Public Service Leadership – Take advantage of civic internship and professional development opportunities for students. 
• Center for Public Deliberation – Engage in community dialogue and problem-solving to enhance local democracy. 
• SLiCE – Make a difference with student organizations, student leadership, and community volunteer opportunities. 
• First Amendment – CSU is a place for discourse, debate, and learning from different views, experiences, and knowledge.  You will see free speech exercised on campus, particularly on the LSC Plaza, which is a public forum. All students are invited and encouraged to visit the First Amendment website to learn more about freedom of speech, how to get engaged, and support resources.   

Sincerely,

Craig Chesson
Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

Victoria Quesada-Stoner
ASCSU President

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‌Dear Rams,
The end of the semester is nearly here, and as you prepare for finals, I wanted to share a few helpful reminders and resources:

• Plan, don’t cram.
  Schedule time to study your hardest subjects when you’re at peak energy, and get plenty of sleep. Research shows that pulling an all-nighter for an exam can diminish recall and performance during test-taking.
• Use a study buddy.
  Study with a friend or small group to quiz each other, work on study guides, and help one another get ready.
• Fuel ambition with nutrition.
  Feed your brain with healthy snacks like fruits, veggies, whole grains, and protein. If you need some nutrition assistance, the Rams Against Hunger Food Pantry is available to help!
• Take a break.
  Schedule short breaks to stay refreshed, and adjust your schedule before and during finals to allow plenty of time to study and rest. A little exercise, some time outside, or a quick nap can help you recharge and reduce stress. 
• Lean on your Ram Fam.
  Reach out to your network of faculty, advisors, and friends for support and seek out CSU health, well-being, and support resources if you feel stressed or anxious – it’s a good thing to ask for help.

Finals week and the end of the semester are cause for celebration, and they can also be a stressful, exhausting, and challenging time. I encourage you to remember how far you’ve come this semester and finish strong. 

For those of you graduating, congratulations! Please take a moment to complete the First Destination Survey to share your post-graduation plans with us. You will always be a Ram. 

For those of you returning this spring, I wish you a wonderful Winter Break, and I look forward to welcoming you back in January!

Sincerely,
Blanche Hughes, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs

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Dear Rams,‌

The costumes, the candy, and the haunted mazes are just around the corner. With the revelry also comes one of our highest-risk times of year.  To help keep you and your fellow Rams safe this Halloweekend, here are some important safety reminders:

• Register your party by 5 p.m. on Oct. 30 in Off-Campus Life (LSC 281); 98% of registered parties do not receive a citation, so this step could save you up to $1,000.
• Recognize what you can control. Your costume, your behavior, and what events you attend are your choice. You can choose to avoid costumes that reinforce negative stereotypes and places that make you uncomfortable.
• If you choose to drink, make your own choices. Drink only if you want to, stick to the limit you set for yourself, never accept a drink from someone you don’t know, never leave your drink unattended, and avoid mixing alcohol with medications, drugs, or energy drinks. Remember to eat something and drink water before, during, and after drinking.
• If you choose to use substances, know what you are taking. It is not uncommon for drugs to be cut/laced with Fentanyl, which can be fatal. You can request Fentanyl testing strips and Naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medication, online from CSU Health Network or pick them up at these campus locations.
• Designate a driver or use RamRide. Have a plan before you go out for how you will safely get home, and never leave a friend alone. RamRide will be operating as usual on Friday and Saturday night from 10 p.m.-2:30 a.m.
• Understand that consent is a clear, sober “Yes.” “Slow down,” “I’m not sure,” “We should wait” or silence is not consent. A costume is not an invitation, and Halloween is not an excuse for sexual aggression, assault, or harrassment, and Halloween is not an excuse for sexual aggression, assault, or harassment.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Use the buddy system, let someone know your plans, and lock doors and windows with curtains closed for privacy. If a situation doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and leave. If you and/or someone else are in danger, call 911.
• Stay informed. To receive safety alerts, text CSUALERT to 888777. For safety updates at university events such as football games or concerts, text CSURAMS to 888777. Review these safety tips and remember that all CSU safety alerts, updates, and resources are posted at safety.colostate.edu.

There is a lot going on this time of year, academically and socially, and you might find yourself needing some additional support. We want you to know that you are not alone. Visit student mental health and well-being support resources, which includes mental health crisis care support.

Rams Take Care of Rams. Look out for one another, and if you are concerned about a friend or classmate, use Tell Someone by calling (970) 491-1350 or visiting the Tell Someone website to share your concerns with a professional who can connect with that person. I encourage you to reach out and ask for help if you or someone you know is having a difficult time. 

Take care,
Craig Chesson
Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

Dear Rams, 

Welcome to your first full week of the fall semester at Colorado State University! If you are new to our Ram community or a returning student, we encourage you to follow the First Four Weeks tips below that can help give you a strong academic foundation upon which to flourish. 

Research tells us that the First Four Weeks of every semester are critical to a student’s success. How well you are doing academically these first four weeks is a good indication of your success for the rest of the semester and academic year.  

Here’s what you can do to best position yourself: 

• Get to know your instructors and attend their office hours. Take advantage of this great time to connect with faculty and build relationships that will last a lifetime, ask questions, and check your understanding of course content. 
• Review the syllabus for each class. Know each course’s grading and attendance policy, and factor upcoming due dates into your planning. Check in regularly to online learning systems like Canvas that many instructors use as part of the course experience.  
• Complete assignments, even the low-point assignments. Mini-tests, short writing assignments, reading quizzes, and practice tests offered by your instructors can seem like  “low-stakes” activities, but they give you early feedback about your performance before you are given assignments and tests worth more points. 
• Attend FREE TILT Tutoring sessions. These sessions are led by students who have successfully completed the class(es) you are in.  
• Anticipate challenges that you may have (e.g., childcare, transportation, working a lot of hours, no computer at home, etc.). Ask for help and supportwhen you need it.  
• If you are struggling, reach out. Talk to your resident assistant, graduate teaching assistant, lab instructor, faculty, or peer mentor. If you have concerns about the well-being of a friend or fellow student, connect online with the Tell Someone team who can help. (See additional resources below.) 

We are happy you chose CSU, you belong here, and we are here to support your success. Go Rams! 

Sincerely, 

Marion K. Underwood, Ph.D. 
Provost and Executive Vice President 

Blanche Hughes, Ph.D. 
Vice President for Student Affairs 

ADDITIONAL CAMPUS RESOURCES 

We hope you have started to find your energy as a CSU Ram as you are attending your first classes, meeting your instructors, and making new friends or reconnecting with old ones. Your time here is about building your new life as a CSU Ram and pursuing your dreams. We are here to make sure you succeed.  

Through our Student Success Initiatives, we have teams of experts in place across campus to support you on your path to commencement. In addition to the recommendations and resources listed above, here are additional campus resources available to you:  

• Join a student org, Greek organization, Cultural Resource Center, and/or intramural or club sports team at the Involvement Expo on the LSC Plaza Sept. 2-4.
• Mental Health and Well-Being Resources. 
• Student Support Resources.
• Reserve a Study Room at the Library.
• Find a Job or Internship On or Off Campus.
• Childcare Resources.

Dear Rams: 

Finals are next week and your hard work this semester is nearly done. As you prepare, remember to take care of yourself and your fellow Rams. Here are five tips to help you finish strong: 

1. Get some rest – A good night’s sleep, some time outside, and small breaks will help you reduce stress, recharge, and get ready for finals. 

1. Pace your prep – research shows that pulling an all-nighter for an exam can actually diminish recall and performance. Designating time to study in advance and pacing yourself with breaks and plenty of rest is a better strategy.  

1. Study with a buddy – having a classmate or small group to study with can help you schedule study time, review material, and keep you motivated. 

1. Feed your body and brain – eating well, drinking water, and taking care of yourself enhances your ability to retain knowledge and manage stress. The Rams Against Hunger food pantry is available as a resource. 

1. Use your Ram Fam – if you need support or resources, reach out to your network of faculty, advisors, friends, and family and visit studentsupport.colostate.edu if you feel stressed or anxious – it’s a good thing to ask for help! 

You’ve come a long way this year and you have overcome a number of challenges to make it to this point. We are proud of your accomplishments and we know you’ve got this.  

For those of you graduating, congratulations! We look forward to celebrating you at the all-university commencement and recognition ceremonies. 

For those of you continuing on, we wish you a productive summer session if you are taking classes and a wonderful break if you are not. We are glad you are here!  

Sincerely, 

Blanche Hughes, PhD
Vice President for Student Affairs 

Michael Galchinsky, PhD
Vice Provost and Dean for Undergraduate Affairs 

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‌Dear Rams,
Spring break is an exciting time to unwind, have fun, and make lasting memories. It is also important to prioritize your health, well-being, and safety during this time. Whether you’re traveling with friends, visiting loved ones, or enjoying a staycation, taking proactive steps to prioritize your safety and the well-being of others can help ensure you have a positive experience.

Spring Break Tips 
If you are hosting a party, visit Off Campus Life for responsible social gathering, party smart tips, and Party Registration. For those planning to host St. Patrick’s Day parties in Fort Collins, the deadline for registering them is Thursday, March 13.

If you choose to consume alcohol:

• Make your own drinking choices, drink only if you want to, and stick with the limit you set for yourself. Be 21 or over to avoid underage drinking issues.
• Know how much alcohol is in your drink; don’t mix alcohol with medications, drugs, or energy drinks; and never leave a drink unattended or accept a drink from someone you don’t know.
• Drink water and eat a snack before, during, and after drinking.
• Make a plan before going out for how to get home safely. Stay and leave with the same group of friends and designate a driver or utilize safe rides home. RamRide will run a Lyft code on St. Patrick’s Day. It will be good for $15 off a Lyft ride, nationwide. Check the RamRide app or Instagram for coupon codes.

If you choose to use substances:

• Know what is in them. It is not uncommon for drugs to be cut/laced with fentanyl.
• Consider carrying Narcan in case of an accidental overdose.
• Fentanyl testing strips and Narcan are located at the Health and Medical Center, on the third floor in the Health Education and Prevention Services Office and in the Mental Health Services waiting area Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. You can also request them at https://health.colostate.edu/narcan-and-fentanyl-test-strips-request/.
• If you are traveling for spring break, share your plans with a friend or family member and better yet, have a travel buddy.

Safety Tips
With the weather getting warmer, doors and windows are often left open or unlocked and we see increased incidents of peeping toms and unwanted visitors entering homes.  Be aware of your surroundings, trust your instincts, report illegal and concerning behavior, and look out for one another. If someone needs help, you can make a difference. If you or anyone you know experiences this behavior, you can call the SAFE Center’s confidential 24/7 Victim Assistance Team hotline at (970) 492-4242. An advocate will be available to support you.

Leasing Tips  
Beware of rental scams. Red flags include the landlord refusing to speak with you over the phone or in person, requiring you to sign a lease and pay a security deposit before touring a property, charging you to tour a property, asking for your bank account number, or offering to send you money to help with moving (or other expenses) and asking for you to send back any money you do not use. If you believe a rental posting is a scam, reach out to Off-Campus Life or Student Legal Services for support. You can also review these Lease Tips and sign up for a Lease Review before you sign.

Mental Health and Well-Being  

With everything going on in the world and the heightened stresses of Spring semester, you might find yourself needing some additional support. We want you to know that you are not alone. Visit student mental health and well-being support resources, which includes mental health crisis care support resources.

Rams Take Care of Rams. If you are concerned about a friend or classmate, use Tell Someone by calling (970) 491-1350 or visiting the Tell Someone website to share your concerns with a professional who can discreetly connect the distressed individual with the proper resources. Reach out and ask for help if you or someone you know is having a difficult time.

For additional resources, check out the Spring Break Safety Guide. I wish you a relaxing, safe, and renewing spring break!

Craig Chesson
Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
Colorado State University