Dear Honors College Students:
How are you doing? That’s such a throwaway line, rarely an expression of interest, even more rarely meant to elicit an honest reply. But this isn’t a time for conventional formulas: “take care,” “be well,” and “stay safe” have new meaning these days. So:
How are you doing? We want to know because your wellbeing matters. We recognize that academic goals and overall wellness go hand-in-hand, and that our stress is shared in common but it manifests in each of us in its own particular way. The transition to finishing the semester online isn’t just difficult because everything we’ve been doing on campus is now being done remotely; there’s also the fact that we’re living in a world with more uncertainty than stability.
Because we’re the Honors College, we’re determined to end the semester successfully. But also, because the Honors College is a community, we want to make sure that you’re alright. Your advisors are available, Counseling (counseling.uic.edu) is open for business, your instructors and Fellows are there for you to contact them. I’m here, via email at rkeen01@uic.edu. We won’t be seeing each other in Burnham Hall, but we’re here.
I said last month that I’d only directly communicate items that you need to know regarding your work in the Honors College, and I’m holding to that, which is why this isn't its own email. I’m thinking of you and hoping for your safety and health as we enter the final weeks of a semester none of us will ever forget.
Take care and all the best in the days and weeks ahead,
Ralph Keen
