Sept. 20, 2021
Dear Longhorns,
While the global pandemic has brought challenges to all of us, I am thrilled that the university has reopened for the fall semester and that you have made it here! You are in the early stages of living the Longhorn life, and I hope you are finding ways to engage and connect including joining student organizations, making friends and taking thought-provoking classes.
While being a university student can be exciting, it may also be stressful as you adapt to new ways of socializing, learning and living. President Hartzell touched upon this a few weeks ago — we’ve all encountered mental health concerns in some way as individuals, “but we don’t have to deal with it alone.” I agree! Please know we all experience stressful and difficult times, and that you’re surrounded by a caring community of faculty, staff and students. We want you to know you’re supported — and you have resources to help you when times get tough.
- It is important to know what to do if you, a friend or a classmate are having challenges that include thoughts of causing harm to yourself or others. If this happens, please ask us for help. So, I’m sharing a short video that covers the warning signs you might see when someone is in distress. It will help you learn what a mental health crisis can look like and what you can do to help yourself and others.
- If you or someone around you is in immediate danger, call 911. Through a program called MHART, a mental healthprofessional will respond alongside a specially trained plainclothes officer.
- If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, the Counseling and Mental Health Center Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day, every day, at (512) 471-2255.
- If you are concerned about someone else’s behavior or have a COVID-19-related question or concern, contact the Behavior Concerns and COVID-19 Advice Line(BCCAL) at (512) 232-5050.
- If you are experiencing a personal emergency including but not limited to family, housing, academics or finances, contact Student Emergency Services at (512) 471-5017.
- This guide, How to Support a Longhorn, offers ideas on how students can support other students.
- If you would like more information about suicide prevention, I encourage you to attend the annual UT Austin Suicide Prevention Week, Sept. 20-24.
Remember, you make a difference! By referring people to resources that provide ongoing support, you are showing compassion and empathy. And that’s what Longhorns do: we take care of each other.
Take good care,
SONCIA REAGINS-LILLY
Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students