Dear Blue Hens,

We are excited for the beginning of the semester and hope that you are getting settled. Your success at UD is important and we want you to be aware of the variety of support and services available to you through the Division of Student Life. In addition to the departments within the Division, we partner with units across campus to foster a healthy and safe culture where all Blue Hens can thrive. 

Here are a few of the many services available to you:

• Mental and Emotional Health: Our Center for Counseling and Student Development, located in the Wellbeing Center at Warner Hall, offers group and individual counseling appointments. You can also find support through wellness activities, substance use counseling and victim support from our Student Wellness and Health Promotion unit.

• Physical Health: Student Health Services, located in Laurel Hall, offers a full range of primary care, treatment and referral services, as well as related health education programs. 

• Office of the Dean of Students: This office is a central resource for navigating complex issues of the student experience. The staff work with students and campus partners to develop self-advocacy skills, encourage campus engagement and provide thoughtful interventions. 

• Student Diversity & Inclusion: Diversity and inclusion related programming, advocacy, services and support resources are available throughout Student Life. Whether you are looking for a community or to promote equity and social justice issues on campus, the Office of Student Diversity & Inclusion can help. 

• Medical & Hazing Amnesty: If you or a peer find themselves at risk due to consumption of alcohol or drugs, please reach out—call 911 or seek the assistance of UD staff, such as your RA. All those involved in an active call for help will not receive disciplinary sanctions related to this use from our Office of Student Conduct. This protocol has one goal in mind: to get you and your fellow students the help they need immediately.

• Sexual Misconduct: If you are ever a victim of sexual misconduct, we urge you to seek support and learn about your options to report. Likewise, if a peer discloses to you that they have been victimized, we hope you will encourage them to seek support and learn about their reporting options.

• Incidents of Discrimination: If you are a victim of harassment or discriminatory action, please seek support through our Center for Counseling and Student Development or the Office of the Dean of Students. We also hope you consider reporting the incident. Read up on our non-discrimination and Title IX policies.

• Emergency Assistance: If you perceive an immediate danger to yourself or a peer, call 911 or use the free LiveSafe smartphone app to connect (anonymously, if you wish) with our UD Police Department. Please note that being a courageous bystander can significantly impact our campus safety.

All students received information about COVID-19 and Monkeypox before the start of the semester. For the most current information, please visit udel.edu/coronavirus and udel.edu/monkeypox. As a reminder, face masks must be worn in all classrooms, research laboratories and all UD transportation for the first two weeks of the semester, from August 30 through September 9, 2022. 

Whether you are cheering on the Fightin' Blue Hens, attending a student event or enjoying a great fall day on The Green, UD is a place you should feel welcome and safe. We can’t wait to see all that you will accomplish this year, and hope that you’ll keep in touch during your journey.

Go Blue Hens!

Sincerely,

José-Luis Riera, Vice President, Student Life

Adam D. Cantley, Dean of Students/AVP Student Support and Advocacy