Message from the Office of the President: Mental Health Month and end of the semester

Dear Twin Cities students, faculty, and staff,

As our students put the finishing touches on semester projects and final exams, and as we prepare to recognize our graduates, I want to express my sincere appreciation for the strength and resilience of the Class of 2021. When we started this academic year, the end of the spring semester seemed so far away, and yet, in what seems like a blink of an eye and several years at the same time for so many, we made it together. We couldn’t be prouder of all of you, in addition to the professors, advisors, and all those—including family and friends—who have helped guide you on your way. We wish you all the best and look forward to hearing about the incredible things you will do.

As you may know, May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Please check out this multimedia feature examining student mental health on our Twin Cities campus. It recaps the extraordinary challenges faced by our students this year, highlights our ongoing work through the President's Initiative for Student Mental Health (PRISMH), and identifies some of the many mental health resources available for students and others in our community.

Our Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing is also offering a great mix of free webinars on topics ranging from mindfulness and navigating climate anxiety to racial reconciliation and healing justice. I encourage you to check out these and all of the Center’s helpful resources.

There has been so much about this school year that has been challenging, but you have risen in the face of challenges and uncertainties to practice patience, support for each other, and resilience. We have taken important steps individually and collectively to navigate this incredible time, while also moving the University forward. Please accept my profound gratitude for everything you have done, and we have done together, to ensure the University of Minnesota emerges stronger. In the days and weeks ahead, I hope you find the time to recharge and reconnect with the people, places, and things that matter most to you.

Congratulations, Class of 2021. Please enjoy your Commencement celebrations, and to our returning students, we can’t wait to see you this fall.

Continue to be healthy, safe, and well.

With warmest regards,
Joan Gabel