Dear COEHD faculty and staff,

I wanted to reach out to follow up on the message regarding the university-wide Day of Reflection planned for tomorrow, Friday, Nov. 7.

As we process the recent loss in our UTSA community, I want to keep emphasizing that well-being and care for one another remain our highest priority. In moments like these, it can be difficult to find the right words to describe your feelings or how to respond to others. Please know that the most meaningful way you can show up is simply by listening, whether to a colleague, a student, or a friend. Your presence alone can be a powerful source of support and comfort. The university offers numerous wellbeing resources, and I encourage you to share these with students and colleagues when needed. Most importantly, let’s remind each other that it's okay to pause and take this time to process together. A listening ear, a shared moment, or just knowing someone cares can make a difference.

While I don’t believe all COEHD roles fall into this category:

“Please note that employees with essential job functions, such as Facilities, Public Safety, LARC, as well as those in units supporting tomorrow’s planned activities should report to work on-campus for their regular schedules or as directed by their supervisors. These employees will be granted a Day of Reflection at a different date.”

If you’re inclined, please advantage of the support that will be available tomorrow and beyond. The COEHD Student Success Center will also be fully operational tomorrow.

• Deer Oaks Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Counseling
• On-site counseling 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. North Paseo Building (NPB 1.408)
• Virtual counseling 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

• HR Business Partner Support
• On-site support – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at North Paseo Building (NPB Suite 451)
• Teams Virtual support 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Campus Connect training – Participate in a suicide prevention bystander intervention program offered on-campus, in-person from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Wellbeing Meeting Room (RWC 1.806) and also virtually from 3 to 4 p.m.

• Leading for Wellbeing – join the Employee Success Center at UTSA for a virtual leadership huddle focused on leading for wellbeing on Nov. 8 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

• Therapy animals - Enjoy time with these pets at Campus Recreation from 9-11 a.m. and 2-4 p.m.

I appreciate your kindness, compassion, and care as we move through this time together.

Warm regards,

Mario

-- 

Mario Torres, Ph.D. 

Dean, College of Education and Human Development

President's Distinguished Professorship

The University of Texas at San Antonio

One UTSA Circle, Main Building 3.304

San Antonio, TX 78249

Office: 210.458.5200

Fax:     210.458.4487

Mario.Torres2@utsa.edu