Hello Badgers,
We’re almost there!
We’ve lived through a year like no other, and with spring here (along with Terrace season!), it’s easier to see new beginnings and hope. I am excited to see our seniors graduate in Camp Randall, for us to spend more meaningful time with family and friends, and while we don’t know exactly what fall will be like, we’re hopeful to bring students a more typical campus life experience. We are so close — but we are not to the finish line yet.
To get there, it’s important that we keep testing, get vaccinated, and continue following public health and university guidelines. Know that there are many people across campus here to support your success.
Keep testing and get vaccinated.
What our campus community has been doing is working — don’t let up now. Continue to get tested. If you’re in testing compliance or fully vaccinated you should have a green Badger Badge. It’s your ticket to campus activities, any in-person exams, and graduation. If you haven’t yet, make an appointment to get vaccinated. Options are open on campus, including through the weekend. Go to myuhs.uhs.wisc.edu to schedule. Or, access off-campus appointments at vaccinate.wi.gov.
Continue to follow the public health guidelines.
We’ve done great as a campus community. And we’re proud of you for doing your part. Even if you’ve tested negative, and even if you’re vaccinated, it’s still important in public places to mask up, physically distance, and wash your hands often. Be wise while you’re being social — minimize your risk by keeping it small, outdoors, and masked and distanced. Don’t let COVID-19 disrupt your finals and end-of-semester plans. Keep. It. Up! We’re too close to the finish to let our guard down now.
Find Support: Remember you’re not alone.
There are teams of people to support your basic needs, mental health, and academic success. If you’re not sure where to go, start with the Dean of Students Office. Staff will help you connect with resources and services to be successful on our campus. Also, be sure to download the Healthy Minds Program App or visit Center for Healthy Minds for well-being resources.
Again, I know this was not an easy year, but, you did it. We did it! Use #FinishStrong on social media to get tips and resources, and tell us how you plan to finish out the semester strong.
Stay focused. We’re in the homestretch — don’t lose sight of those goals, and remember, campus is filled with support services and resources so we can #FinishStrong together.
Thank you for doing your part. I’m rooting for you.
On, Wisconsin!
Christina Olstad, Ed (she/her)
Dean of Students