University cancels Friday classes, holds Day of Reflection

NOVEMBER 7, 2024 — Editor’s note: The following message was sent via email to all students from UTSA President Taylor Eighmy, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Heather Shipley and Associate Dean of Students for Wellbeing Melissa Hernandez.

We know there are deep concerns about the well-being of members of our community as we witness an increase in stress, anxiety and uncertainty across our campuses. We’re writing to share how we plan to do better and be better as an anchor of support for you.   

We’ve heard you, and we are committed to taking swifter, stronger actions to address these needs. Tomorrow, to support you and our entire campus community, we are canceling all classes to share a Day of Reflection for us to pause, reflect and care for one another. We encourage you to come to campus, lean into resources and participate in free support programming throughout the day.  

Tomorrow, you can expect:  

• Counseling sessions: Come by Wellness 360 (RWC 1.500) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or utilize Talk Now in the TimelyCare app 24/7. 

• Campus Connect training: Participate in a suicide prevention bystander intervention program offered on-campus, in-person from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Wellbeing Meeting Room (RWC 1.806) and also virtually from 3 to 4 p.m. 

• Therapy animals: Enjoy time with these pets at Campus Recreation from 9 to 11 a.m. and 2 to 4 p.m.  

• Mental health screening: Utilize online screening resources with peer and professional support from noon to 2 p.m. in the Student Union NEST space (HSU 2.207.)

• Mindful coloring program: Connect with peers from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Downtown Student Success Center (DB 2.114.)

• Graduate student reflection space: Join your peers for community, company and to reflect from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Biotechnology, Sciences and Engineering Building (BSE 2.102.) 

• Athletics programming: Attend the UTSA baseball game at 3 p.m. and the volleyball game in the Convo at 6 p.m. Both games are free for students. 

Please know these actions are just the beginning of our ongoing work to improve our well-being efforts. Beyond tomorrow, you can also expect to see and participate in an expanded wellness campaign that will include: 

• Student listening sessions: Offered online and in-person to hear directly from our students. These sessions will be offered in collaboration with the Wellbeing Enhancement Task Force. 

• Daily mental health support resources in the Sombrilla: Stop from November 11 to November 15 to meet the Student Affairs Wellbeing Services team and receive free resources and support.   

• Enhanced student programming: Students can engage in ongoing meaningful mental health programming on topics ranging from healthy body image, recovery, therapy animals and more. Learn more about upcoming wellness programming on RowdyLink.  

We mean it when we say—if you are struggling, reach out. If you’re hurting, we want to hear from you. If you have an idea to help us improve our work in this space, please share it.  

Let’s continue to listen, lend a hand when needed, and tackle well-being head-on for the growth, wellness and care of our entire UTSA family.

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