Dear campus community,

The final weeks of the semester can be an exciting and joyful time, but also one of stress and uncertainty for students, faculty, and staff alike. No matter where you are now or where you might be headed, it is not always simple or easy to navigate the complexity of our lives or our world.

Added to this, there have been events on campus this semester that have impacted our community in personal and profound ways.

Checking in with yourself and those around you—especially when you feel overwhelmed or stuck—may actually be the most powerful and the most important action you can take. A single conversation can often go a long way.

During this time of transition, I encourage you to reflect on the support you and your family and friends may need right now. Some resources are available below. There are always options to support your mental health, no matter your needs at this moment or how those needs may change. 

Wishing you positive thoughts as we close out the semester. 

Sincerely,

Robert D. Ernst, MD
Chief Health Officer, University of Michigan
Associate Vice President for Health and Wellness, Student Life

Free Resources

On a campus as large and decentralized as ours, resources are always evolving, and you may be surprised by what is available to you. Use the list below as a starting point. These are just some of the resources available.

Students

• Connect with University Health & Counseling’s Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS), which includes embedded counselors in multiple schools and colleges.
• Drop in on a Let’s Talk session, an informal meeting with a CAPS counselor at sites on campus, including the International Center, Spectrum Center, and Trotter Multicultural Center.
• Access virtual counseling through Uwill, available anywhere in the U.S. and in many other countries.
• Join Togetherall, a supportive and inclusive online peer-to-peer mental health community.
• Visit Wolverine Wellness for health promotion support and free resources, like sleep kits, safer sex supplies, resources to minimize harm from substance use, and more.

Faculty & Staff

• Access confidential short-term counseling for Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint faculty and staff through the Faculty and Staff Counseling and Consultation Office (FASCCO).
• Contact the Office of Counseling and Workplace Resilience (OCWR) for confidential short-term counseling for Michigan Medicine faculty, staff, house officers, and medical students.

Everyone

• Visit the Well-being Collective’s Mental Health Continuum of Care, a dynamic and easy-to-navigate collection of resources. Try a mental health screening through Aiberry, tailored for the U-M community. Learn more about screenings.
• The International Center offers many events for students and scholars. We know that understanding immigration laws and policies can also be a source of stress in the community. The Office of the General Counsel offers an immigration information guide.

Immediate Crisis Resources 24/7/365

• Go to the U-M Psychiatric Emergency Service (PES) in person or call PES at (734) 996-4747.
• Call or text 988, the national suicide and crisis lifeline.
• Call 911 or DPSS at (734) 763-1131.