Dear students,
Tomorrow is your first in a series of Mental Health Days for the semester. University leadership recognizes the importance of managing stress and anxiety, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Mental Health Days provide an opportunity to relax and recharge.
There are no classes scheduled tomorrow, and you have the day to step back from the rigors of your academic life and replenish a bit.
I want to reinforce how important these days are because we all need time to unplug. While the pandemic has increased the stress load for many of us, even under normal circumstances rest, recovery and reflection are key to leading healthy and balanced lives.
Marquette takes students’ well-being to heart, and we’ve worked to provide a variety of programming for you on these Mental Health Days, including opportunities for spiritual contemplation, reflection/meditation, physical activity and good, clean fun.
The Office of Engagement and Inclusion, with sponsorship from Marquette University Student Government, has put together a calendar of “MU Staycation” events, and I also encourage you to check the University Calendar and your departments’ own calendars for additional ways to spend your time.
For example, the Haggerty Museum of Art on campus is a beautiful space with thought-provoking exhibits. The Silvercloud app, available for free to Marquette students, offers a variety of meditations and other wellness “spaces.” The Rec Center and Rec Plex are also open on Mental Health Days and are operating with COVID-19 safety protocols in place.
However you choose to spend your day, please do so with care and compassion for yourself and others. Though socially distanced, we are still a community, and I want each of you to know how much that community is collectively pulling and praying for you to flourish and reach your goals.
We Are Marquette.
Dr. Xavier A. Cole
Vice President for Student Affairs