January 17, 2023
To: Graduate Students
Subject: Welcome to Spring ‘23 at Stony Brook! Important Resources and Information for You
Dear Graduate Students,
Welcome to the Spring 2023 semester! I hope you were able to rest and relax during the winter break. If you are new to Stony Brook, welcome to our campus community. Whether you are taking all in-person classes, all online classes, or a mix of both, we are committed to keeping you connected to our Seawolf community.
We are here to support you and your success. Please take a few minutes to read the
information below so that you are aware of our community expectations and the many
resources we have available to help you achieve your goals.
RESPECT AND CARE
In our community, we respect and care for each other. We come to Stony Brook with widely different backgrounds, talents, and interests, so it is important that we respect each other’s views and opinions. At Stony Brook, we value free exchange of ideas, inclusion, and diversity, and we uphold our commitment to maintaining the dignity and the fair treatment of all members of our community.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Do Your Part to Stop the Spread of COVID
While we have made much progress, COVID still remains a concern, so we all need to do our part to keep our community safe and healthy.
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If you have not done so already, we strongly recommend that you obtain a COVID booster once you become eligible. Click here to check your eligibility.
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If you are not feeling well, contact Student Health Services at (631) 632-6740 for an appointment. Do not attend classes or come to campus, and avoid being around people.
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If you test positive for COVID, call the Campus Health Response Team at (631) 632-6176 (on campus 2-6176) and leave a message with your name, SBU ID, a phone number to return your call, the date of your positive test result, and symptoms you are experiencing. The COVID Response Team will return your message within 24 hours of receipt. While you are awaiting a call back, please do not attend in-person classes or come to campus.
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Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers/cleaners are also effective.
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Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
In addition, please visit our informative and continuously updated FAQs that will help answer questions about vaccines, health and safety, campus life and others.
TimelyCare Free 24/7 Virtual Healthcare:
TimelyCare provides 24/7 virtual access to medical and mental health services to all Stony Brook students, including distance learning students, right from your mobile device or computer. Whether you're under the weather, anxious, or overwhelmed, or just need to talk to someone, you will be able to talk to a licensed provider, either by a voice or video call, for free.
TimelyCare offers the following services:
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TalkNow: 24/7 on-demand access to speak with a mental health professional about anything on your mind.
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Scheduled Counseling: scheduled mental health counseling appointments to speak to a licensed counselor of your choice, at a time convenient for you (up to 12 visits per year).
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Medical: 24/7 on-demand access to a medical provider that can treat a wide range of common illnesses such as a sore throat, earache, cold and flu symptoms, sinus infection, allergies and more.
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Scheduled Medical: scheduled appointments to speak to a medical provider of your choice at a time convenient for your schedule.
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Health Coaching: access to a nutritional specialist to help you adopt healthier lifestyle behaviors related to sleep issues, weight management and more, as well as real-time wellness classes and pre-recorded videos.
To access, go to timelycare.com/stonybrook or download the TimelyCare app. For more information and FAQs, visit stonybrook.edu/timelycare.
Reach out for Help
If you see something, say something. If there is ever a situation where you feel unsafe, call University Police at 333 from a campus phone or (631) 632-3333 from non-campus phones. If you are not on campus, contact 911 for your local police. Visit our Campus Safety page for more information.
Stony Brook’s Good Samaritan policy encourages you to call for help without fear of facing University sanctions.
Hazing is not tolerated at Stony Brook. Hazing can happen in many shapes and forms, and not only through the use of alcohol or other drugs. It is any action taken or situation that endangers another person’s psychological, emotional, or physical health, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate, for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership with any organization, group, or team. Report hazing incidents using the “Report” form on our Hazing Prevention website or contact University Police at (631) 632-3333.
Sexual misconduct is not tolerated at Stony Brook. The University takes all allegations
of sexual misconduct seriously and is committed to the prevention of sexual assault
and violence. We have policies and procedures in place and the Office of Equity and
Access investigates every claim that is received. To report any concern or incident
involving sexual misconduct, contact the Office of Equity and Access. In addition, the Survivor Advocate & Prevention Specialist provides confidential advocacy and support to students who experience sexual or interpersonal
violence.
Become a Trained Bystander
We offer three popular bystander intervention programs through the Center for Prevention & Outreach:
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Green Dot helps you recognize risky or potentially violent situations.
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QPR focuses on suicide prevention.
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Red Watch Band teaches you how to intervene to prevent toxic drinking and save a life.
To sign up for training sessions, visit the Center for Prevention and Outreach’s website.
Marijuana Policy
State University of New York campuses are bound by the federal requirements under the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act. Under this requirement, the use, possession, cultivation, and sale of marijuana remains prohibited on all SUNY campuses and is subject to disciplinary action under the University’s Code of Student Responsibility. This prohibition covers all SUNY property in public as well as campus residence halls, University apartments, and offices, University-owned and leased buildings, housing, parking lots, and all SUNY events.
In addition to this federal requirement, smoking or vaping marijuana on campus remains
prohibited under our Tobacco-Free Policy.
GET CONNECTED BY GETTING INVOLVED
Download the CORQ app for information about campus programs and events and a list of all currently recognized graduate organizations can be found on SB Engaged.
Organizations without pages on SB Engaged are not recognized and are not in good standing with the University. Some organizations that are not recognized at Stony Brook may attempt to continue to operate despite having lost or never receiving University recognition. Any operation of these groups is not sanctioned by Stony Brook and is against University guidelines. For more information visit here.
Join one or more of our Career Communities and connect with the Career Center. The Career Center provides career coaching and support for students in masters and
doctoral programs. They offer virtual and in-person programs, events, coaching sessions,
and other opportunities.
WHERE ELSE CAN I GO FOR HELP?
Academic rigor, financial worries, relationship problems, and other concerns may cause stress and an inability to focus. Reach out for help and talk to someone you can trust. We’re here to help you succeed!
Have questions about nutrition, food allergies? The dietitian offers individual nutrition counseling. Call (631) 632-9979 or submit a request at Stony Brook Dining for an appointment.
Center for Prevention and Outreach (CPO)
CPO offers services to address your concerns about mental health, alcohol and other substances, healthy relationships and sexual violence. SB Union, Room 108. (631) 632-2748.
Commuter and Off-Campus Students
SB Union, Student Life Suite, Room 205. (631) 632-7353.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
Student Health & Counseling Center, Second Floor. CAPS provides confidential individual and group counseling. Call (631) 632-6720 to make an appointment. You can also get 24/7 virtual access to licensed counselors and on-demand mental health support with TimelyCare’s Talk Now. If you are experiencing an urgent mental health need after hours, you can call the CAPS Crisis Line at (631) 632-6720.
Financial Aid and Scholarship Services
SB Union, Room 208. (631) 632-6840.
Report any concern or incident involving sexual misconduct, discrimination, or accessibility barrier.
Administration Building Room 201. (631) 632-6280. OEA@stonybrook.edu
Recreation and Wellness Center
Located next to the Sports Complex. (631) 632-7209. Memberships are available for graduate students.
Reach out to your RA and Campus Residences staff for help. (631) 632-6750.
Student Accessibility Support Center (SASC)
SB Union, Room 107. Call (631) 632-6748 to make an appointment or email sasc@stonybrook.edu.
Student Health & Counseling Center, First Floor. M-F 8:30am-4:30pm. Call (631) 632-6740 to make an appointment. You can also get 24/7 virtual on-demand and scheduled medical virtual visits with TimelyCare, who can treat a wide range of common illnesses such as a sore throat, earache, cold and flu symptoms, sinus infection, allergies and more.
The Student Support Team helps you navigate an issue or concern, including if you
have an extended illness and are out of class for more than 5 days. If you don’t know
where to go, the Student Support Team is available to help you. Call (631) 632-7320
to speak to a team member or email student_supportteam@stonybrook.edu for an appointment.
Go Seawolves!
Sincerely,
Rick Gatteau, PhD
Vice President for Student Affairs