Help, guidance, and support at U of R

September 10, 2020

To:  All U of R Students
From:  The University CARE Team
Subject:  Help, guidance, and support at U of R 

We recognize being distanced from campus is difficult for everyone in various ways. Redlands students are remarkable in being adaptable and resilient, and so many of you are doing what you can to make the best of this unique time.

However, we know some folks may be having rockier times than others, and we want to remind everyone that asking for help is a vital skill in dealing with adversity. This is a time to find new ways to be the caring, proactive community we have always strived to be. Let’s look out for each other and remember we can lean on friends, family, and others.

Help, guidance, and support are available. Below you will find reminders and contact information for these. We hope you will make use of these offerings for yourself and share them with others if you notice another member of our community who could use some assistance. 

  • Reach out to your academic advisor and other faculty members.
    • Take advantage of virtual office hours or simply ask if you can connect for a time. We are all in this together and your faculty want to help you be successful and healthy.
    • If you are a first-year student, you also have a Peer Advisor for your first-year seminar and an Orientation Leader (OL). Nurture the connections with these students who have experienced challenges and successes and can understand some of what you may be experiencing. Take advantage of times offered by your Peer Advisors and/or OLs to talk or gather with other students. 
  • Find answers to questions.
    If you have questions or concerns about technology, financial, or other campus resources, these may be helpful:

If you aren’t sure what office to contact, or if you become concerned because you have not received a response after a few business days, call 909-793-2121. The individuals answering this line can help connect you to the right place.

  • Seek guidance and counseling.
    • The University Chaplain, John Walsh, is a great resource to connect students to faith groups on campus and is available to those seeking guidance or pastoral counseling. He can be contacted at 909-222-8676 or john_walsh@redlands.edu.
    • The University’s Counseling Center is continuing to provide mental health services, as well as individual and group therapy via a secure video platform. The Counseling Center will also be offering educational workshops. Call 909-748-8108 for more information.
    • If you or someone you know is in crisis, there is a 24/7 Counseling Crisis Line at 909-748-8960. This line will connect you to a live, licensed counselor who can talk with you.
    • If you are concerned for yourself or for a friend, and it is not immediately dangerous or an emergency, the University Campus Assessment, Response, and Education (CARE) team exists to help identify students who are in distress and help connect them to resources and support. If you know someone who is struggling, please complete a CARE Team referral using this CARE Referral Link.
  • Get emergency help.
    Finally, University Public Safety is available 24/7 at 909-748-8888. Please know that Public Safety cannot respond to emergencies off campus, but can help you connect with local law enforcement.

Your time as a student should be challenging in a healthy, balanced way; that’s how growth and learning occur. However, if you find yourself overwhelmed or in that challenging zone for too long without reprieve, we hope you take that as a cue to reach out for the guidance, help, and support available to aid you in your academic journey.

Stay well.