Dear Student,
We write to offer our support and concern as our community continues to grieve the loss of Cher (sh-eh-r) Xiong (sh-ih-aw-ng). Cher’s death is having a profound impact on many students, faculty, and staff. Each person experiences grief in different ways, both public and private, and this is particularly true in a large and diverse community such as ours. And a loss in the community can trigger feelings of grief for any of us. Please be kind to yourself, support those around you, and seek solace in ways that are meaningful to you.
As you may know, there have been several gatherings to reflect on Cher’s passing. There will also be a remembrance of Cher on campus on April 19. We wanted to share the date with you now, and we will share details once we have made plans with Cher’s family and friends in collaboration with the FIRST Center and the University Chaplaincy.
Counseling, mental health, and other resources
Some of you have expressed concerns about the availability of mental health counseling. Please be assured that your safety and wellbeing are paramount to us. We have been supporting many students this week individually and in private. CMHS has open counseling appointments available every day, including walk-in appointments at lunchtimes and Tuesday evenings until 7 p.m. this week and the week after spring break. The Counselor-on-Call is available evenings and weekends, as is the Dean-on-Call. We are always here to support you and your classmates, and genuinely welcome you to reach out so that we can offer you support.
We also know that some of you have expressed concerns about academic stress. Please reach out to your advising deans and to the StAAR Center staff who continue to offer academic support.
Spring Break
Tomorrow, we will begin spring break. We understand this has been a challenging year in many ways. We encourage you to take full advantage of this time away from your regular routine. Whether you are staying on campus, going home, or traveling elsewhere, be kind to yourself. Restore your spirit. Connect with people and places you love.
With our love and compassion,
Camille Lizarríbar, JD, PhD
Dean of Student Affairs and Chief Student Affairs Officer for AS&E
Ellise LaMotte, PhD
Associate Dean of Student Diversity, Inclusion and Success
Rev. Elyse Nelson Winger
University Chaplain
Julie S. Ross, PhD
Director, Counseling and Mental Health Service
