Editor’s note: University of Delaware President Dennis Assanis sent a message via email to the University community on May 1, 2018, the first day of National Mental Health Month.

Dear Blue Hens,

At the University of Delaware, we are committed to emotional well-being for all of our students, faculty and staff. Like our physical health, our mental health plays an essential role in how we experience life and engage with our community.

May is National Mental Health Month, and we have planned several engaging and informative events during the week of May 6-10 for all members of our campus community in the spirit of reducing stigma and spreading positivity. The events are sponsored by the UD Campus Wellbeing Collaborative, comprised of many UD community members focused on employee and student needs.

Highlights of the week:

• May 6 — Overview of Mental Health on Campus, sharing national data and findings from UD’s participation in the Healthy Minds Study. 6-7 p.m., Willard Hall, Room 006
• May 7 — Wellness Speaker Series featuring Woody Roseland, an eight-time cancer survivor who uses humor to inspire people to be their best selves. 7-8 p.m., Kirkbride Hall, Room 006
• May 8 — 4mind4body Art Installation, a community art project for sharing joys and struggles and for learning about mental health resources on campus. 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. on the Central Green
• May 9 — Fresh Check Day, an uplifting event with interactive booths, peer messaging, free food, entertainment and prizes. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on the Trabant University Center patio
• May 10 — Kindness Day, a daylong opportunity to spread kindness to your colleagues and fellow Blue Hens.

Please be sure to visit the UD Calendar for more information on these and other events during the week of May 6-10.

We hope that you will take some time to participate in these events and learn more about mental health, emotional well-being and the many resources available to our Blue Hens community.

Thank you and be well,

Dennis Assanis

President