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August 8, 2024

 

To: Graduate Students

Subject: Welcome, Seawolves! What You Need to Know for Fall 2024

Dear Seawolves,
 
Welcome to the Fall 2024 semester! Whether you're a new or continuing graduate student, this new academic year is a fresh start full of exciting opportunities and unforgettable memories waiting to happen. We are here to support you and your success, so please take a few minutes to read the information below so that you are aware of our community expectations and the many resources available to help you achieve your goals:   
 
RESPECT AND CARE
As Seawolves, we support each other, celebrate our diverse backgrounds, and embrace opportunities for personal growth, 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. We also expect everyone to know and follow the rules and policies in place to ensure the health and safety of our campus community.
 
STUDENT SUPPORT TEAM
Don’t know where to get help? Are you experiencing a challenging situation and need advice or some direction? Make your first stop the Student Support Team! They can help problem-solve with you and make referrals as needed to support your success at Stony Brook. For more information, visit stonybrook.edu/studentsupport. For help, call (631) 632-7320 or email student_supportteam@stonybrook.edu.
 
YOUR HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Whether you're under the weather, anxious, or overwhelmed, or just need to talk to someone, connect with a licensed provider. Your well-being is our top priority, and we are here to support you. If you’re seeking in-person care, reach out to Student Health Services and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). Check out their websites for the full list of free services.
 
Timelycare, 24/7 Access to Virtual Health, Counseling, and Well-Being Services:
To support your health and well-being, TimelyCare provides 24/7 access to a comprehensive range of free virtual health, counseling, and well-being services. Go to timelycare.com/stonybrook or download the TimelyCare app (iOS and Android). For more information and FAQs, visit stonybrook.edu/timelycare
 
YOUR SAFETY
Whenever you are walking, biking, or driving, be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to the road. Remember that it gets darker earlier in the fall, so if walking after dusk, wear light clothing or carry a flashlight so you are more visible to drivers, and use the sidewalks and the crosswalks whenever possible. If you’d like to have someone accompany you when walking on campus late at night, call the Residential Safety Program (RSP). RSP offers a walk service to any points on campus from 12:00 PM - 3:00 AM. Call 631-632-WALK (9255) to arrange a walk. 
 
Download the Rave Guardian app, which allows you to do a one-touch panic call to University Police (UPD), facilitating a faster response by police or other emergency responders. The app also allows you to set a time that coincides with the time you expect to travel from one location on campus to another. If you don’t reach your destination, or are otherwise detained, the timer will automatically trigger a panic call to UPD who will then be able to respond to your location. For more information, visit this website
 
IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING
If there is a situation where you feel unsafe, call University Police at 333 from a campus phone or (631) 632-3333 from a non-campus phone. 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 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. It can happen in many shapes and forms, and not only through the use of alcohol or other drugs. 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 Associate 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:

Green Dot helps you recognize risky or potentially violent situations.
QPR focuses on suicide prevention.  
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
 
DRUG-FREE AND TOBACCO-FREE CAMPUS
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. 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. 
 
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.
 
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.
 
SB Union, Student Life Suite, Room 205. (631) 632-7353.
 
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, call the CAPS Crisis Line at (631) 632-6720.  
 
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 
 
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.
 
This fall semester, SASC is undergoing renovations. Their temporary front desk is located in the Testing Center, Union Room 112. Call (631) 632-6748 to make an appointment or email sasc@stonybrook.edu
 
Student Health & Counseling Center, First Floor. Call (631) 632-6740 to make an appointment. You can also get 24/7 virtual on-demand and scheduled medical virtual visits with TimelyCare, which treats a wide range of common illnesses such as a sore throat, earache, cold and flu symptoms, sinus infection, allergies, and more.
 
In case of emergency, call our campus police department at 333 from a campus phone or (631) 632-3333 from a mobile or off-campus phone. 
 
Remember to wear something RED on Fridays to show your Stony Brook spirit and pride! We look forward to seeing you soon.
 
Sincerely,
 
Rick Gatteau, PhD
Vice President for Student Affairs