Spring Semester Stress — and Help

Professor Beauregard, a 2-year-old black golden-doodle and wellness dog, keeps hours at the Engelmann Student Health Center helping students with stress.
Professor Beauregard a 2-year-old black golden-doodle and wellness dog keeps hours at the Engelmann Student Health Center helping students with stress. Photographed Thursday, September 8, 2016. (USC Photo/Gus Ruelas)

Spring Semester can be a stressful time as we work toward final projects and exams, grades, commencement in a scant few weeks — is that even possible? — and deal with the myriad other matters that must be completed before the academic year draws to a close.

So I wanted to take this opportunity to remind you of the resources we have available to you, our students, and staff. It is important to share these resources with those in our community who may need them. Please see this letter that includes an attached list of resources. Student Health Services and Student Counseling (listed here) also are available; anyone who goes to crisis counseling will be seen and there is 24/7 crisis help available here. Soon, we will be distributing a “Cardinal Folder” with additional information for dealing with emergencies and other crises.

It is an unfortunate fact that college-aged adults are vulnerable to the onset of severe depression, and, in the worst cases, they can inflict self harm. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in the college-aged population. We are not immune from this. Sadly, we, too, have had student deaths this semester, and I want to assure you that we do everything we can to support the families, students, faculty, and staff during these deeply emotional times. We provide individual crisis counseling, group meetings for students, and memorials depending on the families’ desires, among other means of support.

Our counseling professionals in student health remind us that everyone’s reaction to tragedy is different, and that a range of emotions can arise that all are normal ways to grieve. When appropriate, please let your colleagues and students know that you are listening, and offer resources and support.

During stressful times, it is vital that we take care of ourselves and each other. Please do seek help or assistance, if needed.

I’ve included some references here for you:

  • Students who may be in need of counseling services, contact: (UPC) 213-740-7711 and (HSC) 323-442-5631.
  • For faculty and staff, contact the Center for Work & Family Life: 213-821-0800.
  • For faculty, students and staff in need of support, including crisis support, contact USC Support and Advocacy: 213-821-4710.
  • If you are concerned about a fellow Trojan who may be struggling with personal difficulties, contact Trojans Care for Trojans (TC4T), a private and anonymous online resource, at: https://studentaffairs.usc.edu/trojans-care-for-trojans-tc4t/

Thank you for all that you do for our community.

— Michael W. Quick, April 9, 2018