May 7, 2020
Dear Students,
As we draw closer to the end of the Spring 2020 semester, I want to remind you of the following resources, and reinforce some important information from Dr. Richard Gatteau, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students.
Stress and Finals
The end of the semester is often a stressful time under normal circumstances, and this semester has proven anything but normal. However, please keep in mind that although studying is extremely important, so is taking breaks and making sure you get enough hours of sleep. Check SBEngaged and the Corq app to find virtual events to help you relax and destress during finals. Take advantage of the good weather and go for a stroll around your neighborhood if possible - just don’t forget to be safe, wear a face covering, and keep your social distance.
If you need help to end the semester successfully, to talk to someone, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is available to speak with you confidentially, anytime, day or night. Just call (631) 632-6720 to talk with a counselor about anything on your mind. Also, Let’s Talk offers you a chance to have a brief, informal and confidential talk with a counselor virtually. Fill out this form to reserve your time slot. You can also reach out to the Student Support Team at student_supportteam@stonybrook.edu if you need help or advice managing a challenge you are facing.
Student Emergency Support Fund
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some students are facing unexpected financial burdens or crises that could be adversely impacting their ability to succeed academically. To help these students, Stony Brook has set up the Student Emergency Support Fund. This fund was made possible through the generosity of donors in our community who love our Seawolves! If you need emergency financial assistance, please submit an application. Our Student Emergency Support Fund team will review all applications and follow-up with you.
Summer and Fall Classes
As you already know, it has been announced that all classes during Summer Sessions I and II will be offered online only in order to prioritize the safety of our community by minimizing on-campus density.
For fall 2020, as mentioned in President-Elect Maurie McInnis and Interim President Michael Bernstein’s message to the campus, the University is actively planning campus and classroom scenarios that will minimize the disruption to your education and ensure our entire community’s safety, health, and well-being. As this is an evolving situation, it is currently too early to make final decisions. When decisions are made, they will be communicated to you via your Stony Brook email address.
Making The Most of Your Summer
In spite of these unprecedented times, it is important you give thought and planning to your summer. Consider ways to give your summer purpose, even if your original plans for an internship or job have been halted due to COVID-19.
Employers are still hiring. The Career Center has created a list of job and internship search resources for students and alumni to find companies that are hiring for jobs and internships, remote job opportunities, and other important job search information.
Keeping Yourself and Others Safe
On April 15, New York State issued an Executive Order requiring all people in New York to wear coverings or masks in public to help prevent the spread of the virus to others. This means that you must wear a face covering or mask that covers your nose and mouth whenever you are in public spaces, on and off campus. If you don’t currently have a face covering, several online retailers have them available for purchase. In addition, you can make your own using this guidance from the Centers for Disease Control. For more information on how to safely wear and care for face coverings and masks, please visit Care and Use of Face Coverings and Masks for COVID-19.
Please remember that even when wearing a face covering or mask, you are expected to still follow social distancing guidelines and remain at least six feet apart (1.8m).
Please continue to take the following steps to protect yourself and others:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, throw the tissue away, and then wash your hands.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects or surfaces such as keyboards and doorknobs.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- If you feel sick, stay home, remain in your room, and separate yourself from others. Seek non-urgent care by contacting your doctor or Student Health Services at (631) 632-6740 if you develop fever, cough, or difficulty breathing.
Lastly, we’d love to hear from you. We continue to collect information about student volunteer work and donations that we can feature as content on the School’s LinkedIn page, news and events website, and our next newsletter. If you have anything you’d like us to feature, please reply to this email.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to utilize the resources above, or reach out to us in the Dean’s Office. I wish you a strong and successful finish to the semester.
Sincerely,
Stacy Jaffee Gropack, PT., Ph.D., FASAHP
Dean and Professor \
School of Health Technology and Management
