Hello Gators,
The Fall 2020 semester is now underway and we are so excited to embark on this journey with you! Although many of us are living, learning, and working remotely this semester to protect the health and safety of our campus community, we remain committed to helping create an inclusive campus community where every student belongs and the student experience matters. We believe that every student has the capacity to live a purposeful life and positively impact the world. Whether you are living on or off campus, you will have a multitude of opportunities to learn, develop, and grow as a student leader, engaged citizen, and responsible member of the SF State community. Student Affairs & Enrollment Management is responsible for providing co-curricular programs and services accessible to all students from the time you begin considering SF State through graduation. We hope that you take advantage of the many programs and services that we have to offer and follow us on social media.
As is true with any journey worth taking, we recognize this chapter of life may bring challenges and circumstances that test your resolve, which could not be truer than in this present moment. From the COVID-19 pandemic, recent wildfires across California, and continued racism and anti-Blackness, this semester will challenge all of us to build connections, work together, and, in the words of Maya Angelou, to “know better, do better” for a more just and equitable world. In Student Affairs & Enrollment Management, we serve students guided by the values of integrity, community, social justice, transformation, and innovation – values that center our work with students and are at the heart of SF State. We hope to create that sense of “home away from home,” even now in mostly virtual settings, and serve as a place where students can seek assistance or find inspiration when they might not know where else to go. For example, our Dean-On-Call Program provides one-on-one discussions, care and advocacy to students looking for support and guidance no matter their challenges. Our Dean-On-Call administrators are here to assist any student impacted or evacuated due to the recent wildfires here in California; and are available for individual appointments via Zoom chat, phone, and email consultation at dos@sfsu.edu. For live appointments, visit the Dean-On-Call website for hours. You will find additional means of support and guidance in addressing any concerns here, and a guide of offices and services that have shifted operations to make most of their services available remotely here.
You are empowered to excel here at SF State through various forms of assistance and support. In this effort, the Equity Programs & Compliance office monitors the University’s adherence to policies that prohibit discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and sexual misconduct. We encourage all our Gators to respect and honor one another and do so in a manner that respects and honors the rights and responsibilities of being a member of the SF State community. We hope you are emboldened to be a Gator who helps other Gators. Our community must unite, now more than ever, to address the challenges we face on campus, in San Francisco, nationally and globally. This semester there are a number of ways to do this. Our Gators Helping Gators campaign calls our community to act quickly and responsibly in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are working to support and need everyone to come together to advance university-wide actions, new initiatives, and goals to advance the cause of Black Lives Matter at SF State. We are also partnering with our SF State students and colleagues to implore our community to be active, engaged and committed citizens eager to fulfill their civic duties with the US Census and the 2020 Election. This year we hope to inspire the actions of all Gators to cultivate a safe and healthy society for everyone.
This chapter in your life should also afford you the opportunity to better acquaint yourself with every aspect of yourself. The Division of Student Life can help you live, lead, and learn more about yourself and how to make a difference in the world. To learn more about all the various ways to stay connected and be well, please visit the virtual student engagement portal, GatorXperience, and utilize the confidential health and wellness platform, YOU at SF State, to support all aspects of your wellbeing and success. We understand that mindfulness is important and one of our SF State Psychiatrists developed a series of videos to help you cope in the midst of COVID-19, as well as a coloring book to help with stress. To personally connect with a member of the Student Life and Dean of Students Office, you can join their Zoom office hours Monday through Friday, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, or apply to be a member of the Gator Think Tank, an advisory board of diverse students that provides critical feedback and engages in insightful dialogue with the Dean of Students. From getting support to getting connected, we are here to help all students on their most challenging days and celebrate with them on their best. Just stop by our website, follow us on social media (@LifeAtSFState), or drop us a note at life@sfsu.edu and we will be glad to support you in whatever way we can. You and your success matters to us!
Everything in your life has prepared you for, and led you to, this moment and journey with us. Although we certainly wish we could tell you this in person, we are so grateful to be able to share this chapter of your life with you. Whether this is your first semester as a Gator, or you are returning, we welcome you with Purple Pride and Golden Appreciation and look forward to connecting with as many of you as possible throughout the academic year.
Be Safe and Well,
Beth Hellwig, PhD (she/her/hers), Interim Vice President, Student Affairs & Enrollment Management
Danny Glassmann, PhD (he/him/his), Associate Vice President for Student Life & Dean of Students