Dear students,

Last week, we witnessed the historic inauguration of President Ono as our 15th president. In his remarks President Ono reaffirmed his strong commitment to student health and well-being. I was thrilled when he called it one of his highest priorities as president.

This goes hand in hand with the recent announcement of our partnership with Uwill, which offers you easy access to free virtual mental health counseling. You can schedule up to six clinical counseling visits, choosing from a diverse group of licensed therapists, flexible times, and a variety of modes. Your six sessions will renew on July 1, 2023, if enrolled for the fall semester. Uwill is an important addition to our existing mental health services–there is truly something for everyone, including in-person clinical counseling at CAPS, medical care of mental health conditions at UHS, counseling services embedded within schools and colleges, and other newer services like wellness coaching and the UHS Addiction Medicine Clinic.

While we are just days away from the official start of spring, we are still facing wintertime viruses. Norovirus especially has surged in recent weeks. Also known as the “stomach flu” (although it is not a form of influenza at all!), norovirus is most easily spread through contact with contaminated surfaces, contaminated food sources or close contact with an infected person. Washing your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom or coming into contact with high-touch surfaces, is the most powerful way to protect yourself.

As you can see from the many items mentioned below, our campus community is in full swing this spring–and it sure feels great. To quote President Ono, “let us walk together in wellness and wholeness at Michigan.”

Stay healthy, Wolverines,

Robert D. Ernst, M.D.
Chief Health Officer
Associate Vice President of Student Life
Executive Director of University Health Service

HEALTH AND WELLNESS UPDATES

St. Patrick’s Day
Plenty of fun events are planned for St. Patrick’s Day tomorrow, including the annual Sober Skate, hosted by our own Collegiate Recovery Program and the Washtenaw Recovery Advocacy Project. From 10 p.m. to midnight, go to Yost Ice Arena for free skate rentals, pop, and pizza. Check out other info on celebrating safely.

Wellbeing Day hosted by Central Student Government
CSG’s Wellbeing Day takes place on Saturday, March 25th from 3-6 PM on the Diag. Stop by for live music, food and drinks, lots of games, and dogs while you explore wellbeing resources on campus. There will be performances by Joe and the Ruckus and Kingfisher.

Student Health Advisory Council: calling new members
Interested in contributing to health and wellness planning at U-M? Join SHAC to partner with campus leadership and share your perspective and ideas. Complete this form to let us know you are interested. More details will be shared soon.

Strategic Vision Sessions
The University of Michigan has embarked on an exciting journey with the launch of a strategic visioning effort — our Vision 2034 — and we need your help to define what our path will be for the next 10 years.

Share your input and ideas at an upcoming town hall. Three student-focused town halls take place next week, or join a campuswide town hall. Learn more and get involved.