Hamilton Hall, an administrative building.

Generations - September 2020

In this issue

A Letter from Parent Council Member Marian Maier
Student Health Services
Counseling Services 

 

A Letter from Parent Council Member Marian Maier

Classes have started and our students are trying to adjust to the “new normal” set forth by COVID-19. As students of the arts, they face bigger challenges than most college students: Art students do not rely as much on textbooks and lectures as they do on creativity, talent, expression and the physical exertion to “get it right.” We as parents recognize the countless hours they spend perfecting their talents to become competitive artists in their chosen fields. As this is particularly difficult right now, do you ever think to yourself, “How can I help? How can I help my student and the university achieve their educational goals?”

There is a way—through Parent Council, which comprises parents with students enrolled at UArts. Parent Council meets with university leadership to provide information to UArts families, while listening to the needs of students and families as they adapt to UArts.

I joined Parent Council last November and am proud to be part of such a great organization. I enjoy connecting with other parents and learning why their students chose UArts. I also appreciate the UArts leadership team and its commitment to providing the most fulfilling education possible. When I polled other Parent Council members as to why they joined, Lynne Sullivan felt, “It was a great way to be a part of her [daughter’s] college years without being in her space.” She also enjoys “building relationships with other parents and some [members of] the school leadership team.”

Eric Fischer responded by recalling the president’s welcome brunch hosted for freshman parents, during which he met others on the council. Those parents shared “their excitement that as members, they were able to serve their students as well as the university by helping other parents gain insight into the myriad programs and support services that [are] available to parents and students.” A major highlight of the welcome event for Eric, as well as Lynne and myself, was engaging with President David Yager. He is truly an amazing artist with a vision and ingenuity that cannot be duplicated. His vision for the university and his commitment to advancing human creativity is an energy that permeates the university. 

With that said, we encourage you to join Parent Council. We look forward to meeting you and working with you to further President Yager’s vision. Through the collaboration of talent among students, families and UArts’ leadership team, we can truly help our students and the university continue to provide an exceptional education in the arts. Join us and make a difference!

If you are interested in serving on the Parent Council, contact Tim Popp, senior director of alumni relations and annual giving, at tpopp@uarts.edu or 215-717-6136.

Fondly,

Marian Maier

 

Student Health Services

We know that now, more than ever, access to healthcare is important, and we strongly believe that student wellness plays a role in academic success. As we all work together to combat the spread of COVID, we are also approaching flu season. The best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year. However, there are other healthy habits that can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses.

  • Avoid people who are sick.
  • Cover your cough.
  • Wash your hands often (with soap and water).  

Our staff is available to your student to help them stay healthy—even from a distance. If your student has questions about health and wellness or navigating healthcare resources (including telemedicine and insurance), we are here to help! 

Telehealth Services (by appointment)

  • Students can schedule an appointment by emailing healthservices@uarts.edu.
     
  • They can request virtual appointments with a member of Student Health Services’ staff through uartshealthservices.youcanbook.me.
     
  • All UArts students have access to telemedicine through Academic Health Plans (AHP), a school-sponsored provider. Visit our website for details and to download the AHP telemedicine app.

 

Counseling Services

This fall brings new opportunities and new challenges, and the Counseling Center can support your student along the way. UArts seeks to support the whole person: academically, socially, physically and emotionally. 

There are no additional fees for Counseling Center services. All our services, including individual or group counseling, are confidential and provided by trained professionals. We also provide consultation, crisis response and workshops about coping with stress and other mental health topics. 

During this remote semester, all services are by appointment only. Students can make an appointment by emailing counseling@uarts.edu. Telemental health (the HIPAA-compliant use of Zoom video) is used for counseling.  

We have also compiled a list of mental health resources and support materials that will be updated frequently on our website.