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Dean's Message - October 2023

October 29, 2023 Community

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Dean Anna Maria Siega-Riz
Dean Anna Maria Siega-Riz

As I compose this month's message, it is impossible to ignore the ongoing global crises that are, indeed, public health emergencies: the conflict between Israel and Hamas, and the recent tragic shooting in Maine. These distressing events will have profound and lasting impacts on our society, inflicting harm upon countless innocent civilians. I wish to reiterate Chancellor Reyes's message: "…our primary objective is to provide support to our students, faculty, and staff who have been affected by these tragic occurrences, irrespective of their perspectives on the underlying conflicts." I encourage everyone to take the time to process these events, seek solace through discussions with family and friends, and, above all, prioritize both your physical and mental well-being. Listed below are services available for our community:

For Students:

  • Center for Counseling and Psychological Health
  • Dean of Students Office
  • The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life
  • International Student and Scholar Services

For Employees:

The Employee Counseling and Consultation Office (ECCO) offers free and confidential counseling to staff and faculty.

This month I had the unique opportunity to share a meal with several of our students at the amazing Commonwealth restaurant in Worcester Dining Hall. Getting to know them through light and fun conversation was a gift and a reminder of why I love my career in higher education. These students were inquisitive, joyful, full of life and loved being at UMass. I encourage our faculty and students to find these opportunities to become better acquainted outside of the classroom so that we all our reminded of our humanity.

There are several upcoming events I would like to share with you to encourage your participation.

On November 1st, we are hosting a forum on A Roadmap for Youth Behavioral Health in Western Massachusetts, offered by the Massachusetts Health Policy Forum. We are delighted to have attending Commissioner Robert Goldstein, MD, PhD from the Department of Public Health, and Senator Cindy Friedman. Please join us in the Campus Center Auditorium from 8:30-11:30 am.

The UMass Nutrition Association is hosting a food drive that the school is supporting. Please drop off your donations in bins located in the Arnold House lobby, Chenoweth, or Totman building between November 6 through November 17.

And finally, on November 9, the 2023-24 Dean’s Seminar Series will be launched with a talk from Dr. Sasha Adkins with a presentation on "Adventures in Community Owned Research." We hope you can join us!

Article posted in Community for Faculty , Staff , Current students , and Alumni

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