Dear Rams,
With spring semester halfway done, this time of year brings the excitement of spring break, the stress and anxiety of mid-terms, and the pressure to sign leases and make decisions for next fall. With all of this to balance, I thought it would be a good time to share some tips and resources.

Spring Break and Social Gathering Tips 
If you are hosting a party, visit Off Campus Parties for responsible social gathering, party smart, and party registration information. The deadline to register a St. Patrick’s Day party is Thursday, March 14.

If you choose to consume alcohol:

• Make your own drinking choices, drinking only if you want to and sticking 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 beforehand for how to get home safely. Stay and leave with the same group of friends and designate a driver or utilize safe rides home by downloading the RamRide app for free Lyft 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 third floor Health Education and Prevention Services office and Mental Health Services waiting area Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. You can also request 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 buddy with you. If you are planning a road trip, make sure you have enough sleep to drive, don’t drive impaired, and wear your seatbelt. We wish you safe travels as we continue to mourn the loss of the three UW swimmers who were killed recently in the accident on Highway 287.

Safety Tips 
With the weather getting warmer in the spring, 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.

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, and 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, visit Off-Campus Life or Student Legal Services for support.

Student Legal Services also provides Lease Tips and you can sign up for a Lease Review before you sign.

 Mental Health and Well-Being
The Spring semester can get pretty rough. Find the support you need with HelpCompass, a new, anonymous crisis navigation tool that helps you connect to the right help in moments of need. HelpCompass is in the crisis resources button in YOU@CSU, which offers resources and personalized tips and tools for everything from your mental and physical health, academics, friendships and finding balance.

Visit student mental health and well-being support resources for additional support.

I wish you a relaxing, safe, and renewing spring break!

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

Dear Rams:

As our university community looks forward to the start of winter break in a few days, we want to take this opportunity to encourage you to do all you can to put your well-being first, especially over the next few weeks and this holiday season.

We know you are ready for a much-needed break to replenish your energy before resuming your studies in the spring. If you are graduating this weekend, we celebrate you! Wherever you are on your journey as Rams, we applaud your achievements and all you have done in pursuit of your dreams. It has been a year filled with both challenges and triumphs, and your resilience and determination have not gone unnoticed.

Stress from the fall semester can sometimes extend into the break for students who might anticipate financial concerns, travel challenges, reconnecting with loved ones with whom there is conflict, or even loneliness. It’s important to acknowledge these feelings and prioritize self-care during this period. The global news also can be overwhelming, and the uncertainty of the times may make it difficult to fully relax.

Many of us have experienced profound loss and anxiety about the ongoing Israel-Hamas and Russia-Ukraine wars, escalating gun violence and racially-motivated attacks in the U.S., and the dramatic rise of antisemitism and Islamophobia. Though all of us are concerned about the magnitude of human tragedy of these events, too many in our CSU community have experienced an elevated sense of harm, fear or anxiety.

Please review these resources and reach out for help should you need additional support during the winter break: Student Support Resources – Division of Student Affairs (colostate.edu) and the Bias Reporting System. These resources are available to you year-round.

At CSU, we embrace a broad culture of well-being through our mission of access and inclusive excellence, our Principles of Community, and a proud legacy of  a commitment to student success. CSU’s faculty, staff and leadership are dedicated to your success and well-being. So, please do all you can over this break to take care of yourself, and know we are here for you.

We look forward to welcoming you back in the spring.

Sincerely,

Kauline Cipriani, PhD
Vice President for Inclusive Excellence

Blanche Hughes, PhD
Vice President for Student Affairs

Janice L. Nerger, PhD
Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Dear Rams:

As finals quickly approach, we want to share some tips that can help you finish strong.

Finals week is an examination of all you’ve learned this semester. It’s an exciting time, but also can be stressful, exhausting, and challenging. We encourage you to remember how far you have come this semester, your successes and accomplishments, and all you have risen above to get here. Be mindful, keep your focus, and give it all you’ve got. We believe in you.

A few simple steps can make all the difference in your success as you prepare for final exams, projects and presentations:

• Buddy up.
  Study with a friend or small group to quiz each other, work on study guides, and test your knowledge.
• Study smart and don’t cram for exams.
  Get plenty of sleep – research shows that pulling an all-nighter for an exam can diminish recall and performance during test-taking.
• Get good nutrition.
  If you are experiencing food insecurity, don’t forget about the food pantry located in the General Services Building (1251 Mason Street). The Rams Against Hunger Program supports students, faculty, and staff.
• Spend some time outside (not just going to and from exams).
  Exercise to help manage stress, even if it is a brief outing to get some of our fresh Colorado air.
• Lean on your Ram Community.
  Reach out to your network of faculty, advisors, and friends for support.
• Ask for help if you feel overwhelmed.
  Seek out CSU student resources, if you feel stressed or anxious – it’s ok to ask for help, and that’s why these resources are available at colostate.edu.

For those of you graduating, congratulations! We look forward to celebrating you at commencement next week with your instructors and others at CSU who have supported your academic journey. We know your loved ones are as deeply proud of you as we are.

For those of you returning this spring, we wish you a wonderful Winter Break, and we can’t wait to welcome you back in January!

Sincerely,

Janice Nerger, PhD
Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Blanche Hughes, PhD
Vice President for Student Affairs

Dear Rams,

For many college students, Halloween is a rite of passage, a time to celebrate with friends, wear costumes, and enjoy parties.

Sadly, Halloween is also one of the highest-risk times of the year for students with increased drug and alcohol misuse, reports of sexual assault and harassment, and tickets issued for noise violations and underage consumption.

 We are reaching out with a few steps you can take to keep our community safe while celebrating Halloween:

• When selecting Halloween costumes and fall decorations, remember that your choices have impact. Some popular costumes and décor reinforce harmful stereotypes and prejudices about culture, race, gender, disability, nationality, class, mental illness, etc. Please be conscious of how your actions and behaviors can affect others and remember you can always choose a different costume or decoration theme.
• Register your Halloween party by TODAY, October 26 at 5 p.m. 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.
• If you choose to drink, make your own drinking 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, and never mix alcohol with medications, illegal drugs, or energy drinks. Remember to eat something and drink water before, during, and after drinking.
• If you choose to use substances, know what’s in them. It is not uncommon for drugs to be cut/laced with Fentanyl. You can request Fentanyl testing strips online from CSU Health Network and testing strips and Narcan are also located at the Health and Medical Center third floor Health Education and Prevention Services office and Mental Health Services waiting area Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• 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. Download the RamRide app to get a code for $15 off your Lyft ride.
• Understand that consent is a clear, sober “Yes”. “Slow down,” “I’m not sure,” “We should wait” or silence is not consent. And a costume is not an invitation to grab someone nor is Halloween an excuse to make sexual, racial, or harassing comments to anyone or engage in sexual activity without consent.
• Take care of yourself and others. Rams Take Care of Rams means looking out for one another on and off campus, respecting one another, and helping one another.

We can all uphold CSU’s Principles of Community through our individual and collective actions and accountability this Halloween and throughout the year.

Blanche Hughes,
Vice President for Student Affairs

Kauline Cipriani,
Vice President for Inclusive Excellence

CSU Students,

We know classes are just getting started and as part of CSU’s Thematic Year of Democracy, we want to encourage you to participate in democracy and civic engagement.  If you are able to vote, please register to vote and vote in the election on November 7! Voting ensures that your voice is heard in our community. If you are unable to vote, we encourage you to engage in using your voice in other ways.

If you live or go to school in Colorado, are at least 18 years old, and are a U.S. citizen, 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 location so pick the one that makes the most sense for your situation. In Colorado, all eligible registered voters automatically receive a mail ballot so you can easily vote by mail or ballot drop-box. CSU hosts a Polling Center on campus as well as a ballot drop-box in the Engineering Parking lot, just outside the LSC doors on the north side.

Key dates to know include:

• Oct. 16: Ballots begin to be mailed out to voters. Ballot drop boxes begin to open.
• Oct. 30: Last day to register online and still receive a ballot in the mail.
• Nov. 7: Election Day! Drop off your ballot or be in line to vote in person no later than 7 p.m. at a Voter Service Center.

You must update your voter registration each time you move! Here are some fast facts:

• Every eligible voter can complete the registration process or update their address completely online at gov, using the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number or your CO ID. You can also register in person at your County Clerk’s office, by mail, or at a Colorado DMV.
• As of July 2019, if you are serving a sentence of parole, you may register to vote and vote in Colorado. For more information about voting with convictions, please visit org.
• You may register to vote online or update your registration and still receive a mail ballot up to 8 days before the election in which you intend to vote. After that, you can register to vote or update your registration in person at a Voter Service Center and vote in person, up until 7 p.m. on Election Day when polls close.
• If you have any questions, give your County Clerk a call or email.

For information about registering or updating your registration in a state other than Colorado, visit https://vote.usa.gov.

Go Rams!

Craig Chesson, Dean of Students                               Nick DeSalvo, ASCSU Student Body President

Dear Rams,

As we begin a new academic year we hope are all settling in and we want you to know you belong here!

The start of fall is an exciting time at Colorado State University, and it’s not unusual to have some anxiety in navigating a new slate of classes, friends, and experiences. Focusing on a strong start to the semester can help you ease your academic stressors, and help you build a sense of belonging.

Did you know the First Four Weeks of every semester are especially critical to a strong start and your success as a student? How well you are doing in your classes the first four weeks is a good indication of your success for the rest of the semester. Here’s what you can do to best position yourself:

• Complete assignments, even the low-point assignments, mini-tests, short writing assignments, reading quizzes, and practice tests offered by your instructors. These “low-stake” activities give you feedback about your progress and can improve your performance later as you have assignments and tests worth a greater number of points.
• Read, review, and learn about Canvas and your assignment rubrics so that you know what is expected. If you are unsure, contact your instructor.
• Attend your instructor’s office hours take advantage of this great time to connect with faculty and build relationships, ask questions, and check your understanding of course content.
• Ask questions in class and share your insights and listen to the insights provided by your peers. This will allow you to check your grasp of the material and it also will likely help your classmates!
• Set a goal for each class period such as, “I will stay focused and avoid multi-tasking,” or “I will write down/highlight any concept that I need to look at again after class.” Update your goals weekly or bi-weekly.
• Anticipate challenges that you may have (e.g., childcare, transportation, working a lot of hours, no computer at home, etc.) and ask for help when you need it.

If you need help, tell someone. Talk to your resident assistant, graduate teaching assistant, lab instructor, faculty, or peer mentor. We are all here for you and care about your student experience. See the list of campus resources below.

We hope you join us in looking forward to a great academic year!

Sincerely,

Janice Nerger, Ph.D.
Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

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

CAMPUS RESOURCES

We encourage you to use these campus resources to help you address challenges as they come up:

Student Support Resources: https://studentaffairs.colostate.edu/resource/students/student-support/

TILT Academic and Tutoring Support https://tilt.colostate.edu/undergrad/

Reserve a Study Room at the Library: https://lib.colostate.edu/services/reserve-a-room/group-study-rooms/

Mental Health and Well-Being Resources: https://health.colostate.edu/mhwb-resources/

Get Involved with a Student Organization: https://ramlink.campuslabs.com/engage/

Find a Job or Internship On or Off Campus: https://career.colostate.edu/job-internship-search/

Childcare Resources: https://alvs.colostate.edu/student-parent/rkv/

Dear Ram Community:

At this time of the semester, we all experience some mix of excitement, reflection and relief. We contemplate the journey we have traveled – perhaps remembering some of the challenges or hardships we have faced along the way – while also casting our focus forward with anticipation for what’s next. For you as students, that next big move might be graduation, a coveted summer internship or job, summer session, more time with family and friends … or just taking a big deep breath and time to rest.

As you contemplate what is next for you, we want to remind you to savor your successes and the contributions you have made on behalf of yourself, your peers, your professors and mentors. Your presence at Colorado State University has made a difference in defining who we are collectively as a land-grant institution of higher education. And as you prepare for what is next in your life, know that you are forever part of CSU’s legacy and an important person in its success.

All Students: We wish you the best of luck with your final projects and exams next week. Below this email, we have some tips we share every semester to help you. If you’ve seen them before, we encourage you to read them again. They are the golden rules for finals week success.

Before the end of finals week, please vote for your favorite For-Ever-Green shirt design. The For-Ever-Green shirt was established in 2003 by the Associated Students of Colorado State University (ASCSU) and through partnerships with campus offices it has become a CSU tradition for students, alumni, and Ram supporters to show their pride. As a cherished symbol of school spirit, the t-shirt features a different design each year. For the 20th-anniversary shirt, we are really excited to share designs that feature the new CSU brand, which is rolling out this fall.

Graduating Students:  Congratulations! We look forward to celebrating you at commencement with your professors and others at CSU who have supported your academic journey. We know your loved ones are deeply proud of you and we are, too. Stay stalwart and don’t forget you are forever a Ram.

A personal note from President Parsons: Thank you fellow Rams for welcoming me back to my roots this semester. You gave me wonderful receptions at every turn, every event, every opportunity I have had to meet with you. These past few months have been many things for me: invigorating, exciting, and enlightening. I could not be happier or prouder to be here with you and to be serving you.

We celebrate you, CSU!

With Gratitude,

Amy Parsons
President

Janice L. Nerger
Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Blanche Hughes
Vice President for Student Affairs

Good evening Rams,

It is that time of year when you can make your voice heard and affect how students’ needs and perspectives are represented at CSU. I encourage you to review who is running for office in the Associated Students of Colorado State University (ASCSU) election and then vote. Voting opened yesterday and will close tomorrow, Wednesday, April 5 at 4 p.m. Voting is quick and easy…just go to the top of your Ramweb homepage.

Your vote matters and will make a real difference in how student voices will be represented next academic year. It is important to exercise your right to vote as a student and use that opportunity to contribute to the future of CSU.

There are additional opportunities to get involved directly with ASCSU by applying for Executive Cabinet positions, becoming a part of the Supreme Court, or simply dropping by the ASCSU office in the Lory Student Center and voicing your opinions. Check out the ASCSU page for more information!

With April upon us, spring is finally here and I feel like the pace of the semester picks up as we head toward the end of the academic year. I wish you well in these final weeks of the semester.

Take Care,

Blanche Hughes
Vice President for Student Affairs

Dear Ram Community:

As we prepare to celebrate Black History Month at CSU with a series of events to honor the triumphs of Black Americans, explore the Black Experience and acknowledge past and present oppressions, we must pause on this eve of our annual observations to remember the tragic death of 29-year-old Tyre Nichols.

It has been four days since the Memphis Police Department released videos showing the brutal police beating of Mr. Nichols who was unarmed and screaming for his mother’s help only 80 yards from his home. Though Nichols and the five officers who showed complete disregard for his life were Black, no one should dismiss the role anti-Blackness and systemic racism played in this young man’s killing. The investigation into his death continues to evolve as other officers and first responders have been fired or placed on leave.

We acknowledge that processing these events is difficult for many in our community. We want to remind you that well-being resources are available for anyone in need: Student Support Resourcesand Faculty and Staff Resources.

As our nation collectively grieves for Mr. Nichols and his family, peaceful protests continue in Memphis and across the nation with calls to examine the root cause of the harm done to Mr. Nichols and to so many others whose deaths preceded his. As leadership of Colorado State University, we echo that call.

Black History Month events begin tomorrow at 4 p.m. at the Lory Student Center Theatre with food, music and live performances offered in community and in the spirit of Black tradition. We encourage you to attend and visit the CSU Black/African American Cultural Center’s website for the full list of more than 20 programs. There is something there for all faculty, staff and students. And even as we celebrate our community this Black History Month, we will remain mindful that there is still much work to do at CSU and around the globe.

Sincerely,

Kauline Cipriani
Vice President for Inclusive Excellence

Blanche Hughes
Vice President for Student Affairs

Jay Callaghan
Chief of Police, CSU Police Department

Janice Nerger
Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Amy Parsons
Incoming President

Good evening Rams,

As we start a second snowy week of classes, I’d like to welcome back our returning students and extend a warm welcome to our new students this semester. I wanted to share these academic, personal, health, and well-being resources here at CSU to help you navigate challenges and succeed. Many of us struggle with fitting in, anxiety, depression, stress, loneliness, and uncertainty. I also want to acknowledge that the mass shootings this past weekend, including one on Lunar New Year, may be impacting some of you. Please remember that seeking help is a sign of strength. We care about you and want you to reach out and encourage each other to seek support.   

Mental Health and Well-Being – 24/7 online tools, groups and workshops, multicultural resources, counseling services, substance abuse support, and self-care resources.

Basic Needs – food security, including Rams Against Hunger, housing security, utilities, transportation, health insurance, and interpersonal violence resources.

Student Case Management – assistance navigating medical, mental health, and personal/family crises including instructor notifications, identifying campus resources, and family support.

Academic Assistance –  tutoring, group learning, academic success workshops, study skills, and opportunities for service learning. Resources for graduate students at https://tilt.colostate.edu/grad-students/.

Student Disability Center – accommodations and support for students with both permanent and temporary disabilities including physical disabilities/injuries, chronic illness, mental health conditions, and learning disabilities.

Cultural Resource Centers – programs and services designed to support students in a variety of ways and provide opportunities to successfully participate in, and contribute to, the diverse campus environment.

Spring Involvement Expo and Student Organizations – get involved this spring to make connections, CSU has 475+ student organizations to join.

Student Employment – explore student jobs on campus as well as internship, employment, and career opportunities off campus.

SafeWalk – Campus Services Officers, students employed and trained by CSUPD, are available to walk with you from dusk until dawn anywhere on CSU property or within a three-block radius, including South Campus, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, and Foothills Campus.

Bias Response – support resources and a reporting form for students and employees who have experienced an incident of bias or are aware of an incident at CSU.

Tell Someone – online referral form and phone number (970-491-1350) for anyone concerned about safety and mental health for yourself or others at CSU.

Additional resources can be found at studentsupport.colostate.edu.

Whether this is your first semester at CSU or you are graduating this spring, I hope all of you find community and a sense of belonging at CSU. I encourage you to make connections and reach out to your support network and the resources above when you need support. I wish you a successful and fulfilling semester!

Blanche

Blanche Hughes, PhD
Vice President for Student Affairs