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