Samuel Merritt University Student Services

Trails of Hope: His Journey Back Home（DUBBED）-DramaBox Theo Levy lost contact with his parents 20 years ago due to a car accident. Fortunately, he was adopted by the chairman of Boyd Group, who raised him into the man he is today. Now that he has finally returned to his hometown, he swears to find his biological parents with the pendant he has.

May is

Remember— Currently enrolled SMU students have access to FREE Counseling services via 2 options:

1) SMU Student Health and Counseling Center (SHAC). Sessions are available either via Zoom or in person on the Oakland campus.

2) TimelyCare - A 100% Tele-Health Company offering free mental and medical care including:

● Medical: 24/7, on-demand access to a medical provider that can treat a wide range of common illnesses like cold and flu, sinus infection, allergies and more
● Scheduled Medical: scheduled options to speak to a medical provider
● TalkNow: 24/7, on-demand access to a mental health professional to talk about anything at anytime
● Scheduled Counseling: scheduled options to speak to a licensed counselor (limit to 10 visits per year). Common concerns include topics such as anxiety, depression, relationship problems, grief/loss, adjustment to school, etc.
● Group Sessions: Weekly Guided Meditation and Yoga Group Sessions, plus specialized discussions throughout the year.

Sign up now by going to timelycare.com/samuelmerritt to register. You will sign up with your preferred name and school email address and then can have visits from any web-enabled device – smartphone, laptop, or desktop. TimelyCare is available from anywhere in the United States.

Today is the final day!!! Currently Enrolled SMU Students – we need your help!!!

Today is the LAST day to complete the very important NCHA-III survey, a Nationally recognized assessment designed to gauge the health and health behaviors of University students.

The 3 Top Prizes are still up for grabs!! Three Randomly selected winners will be announced on Monday. All participants are automatically entered to win.
● Apple iPad Pro
● Apple Watch
● Apple AirPods

How You Can Participate and Help?

Students:
1. Students who are currently enrolled in the Fall 2022 semester, Check your SMU email for an email entitled: “SMU Invites you to Complete NCHA Survey - Win an iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods, Amazon gift certificates & more!”
2. Find the Unique User Link in that email and click on it to complete the survey.
3. The NCHA-III is a voluntary and confidential online survey which takes approximately 20-30 minutes to complete. We recommend taking it in one sitting.

Note: Your participation is completely voluntary and confidential. To ensure confidentiality, e-mail addresses are destroyed by ACHA before data are compiled and shared with Samuel Merritt University. The raw data file that is shared with your school will not contain any unique identifiers. If you feel that answering specific demographic questions might reveal your identity, you may leave them blank. You may answer only some questions, or you may choose not to participate in the survey at all. Any reports or publications based on this research will use only group data and will not identify you or any individual as being affiliated with this project.

Currently Enrolled SMU Students – we need your help!!!

Starting tomorrow, November 4th, 2022, you will receive an email inviting you to complete the VERY important NCHA-III survey, a Nationally recognized assessment designed to gauge the health and health behaviors of University students, with a focus on how those factors might impact their academic performance. The survey covers a wide range of health issues including alcohol and other drug use, s*xual behavior and health, mental health, abusive relationships, personal safety and violence, sleep, nutrition and exercise, and much more.

In appreciation for participating, all students who complete the NCHA will be automatically entered to win one of the following 5 prizes:
● Apple iPad Pro
● Apple Watch
● Apple AirPods
● $150 Amazon Gift Card
● $100 Amazon Gift Card

How You Can Participate and Help?

Students:
1. Check your SMU email beginning on Friday, November 4th and look for an email entitled: “SMU Invites you to Complete NCHA Survey - Win an iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods, Amazon gift certificates & more!”
2. Find the Unique User Link in that email and click on it to complete the survey.
3. The NCHA-III is a voluntary and confidential online survey which takes approximately 20-30 minutes to complete. We recommend taking it in one sitting.

Note: Your participation is completely voluntary and confidential. To ensure confidentiality, e-mail addresses are destroyed by ACHA before data are compiled and shared with Samuel Merritt University. The raw data file that is shared with your school will not contain any unique identifiers. If you feel that answering specific demographic questions might reveal your identity, you may leave them blank. You may answer only some questions, or you may choose not to participate in the survey at all. Any reports or publications based on this research will use only group data and will not identify you or any individual as being affiliated with this project.

May is

Since 1949, Mental Health America and their affiliates across the country have led the observance of May is Mental Health Month by reaching millions of people through the media, local events and screenings.

The 2022 theme – “Back to Basics” – provides foundational knowledge about mental health and mental health conditions and information about what individuals can do if their mental health is a cause for concern.

Taking a Mental Health screening at mhascreening.org can help you to better understand what you are experiencing and get helpful
resources. After that, consider talking to someone you trust about your results, and seek out a professional to find the support you need.

While you may not need this information today, knowing the basics about mental health will mean you’re prepared if you ever need it. Go to mhanational.org/may to learn more.

Remember --- Currently enrolled SMU students now have access to FREE 24/7 Mental and Physical Tele-Health Care via TimelyCare including:
● Medical: 24/7, on-demand access to a medical provider that can treat a wide range of common illnesses like cold and flu, sinus infection, allergies and more
● Scheduled Medical: scheduled options to speak to a medical provider
● TalkNow: 24/7, on-demand access to a mental health professional to talk about anything at anytime
● Scheduled Counseling: scheduled options to speak to a licensed counselor (limit to 10 visits per year). Common concerns include topics such as anxiety, depression, relationship problems, grief/loss, adjustment to school, etc.
● Group Sessions: Weekly Guided Meditation and Yoga Group Sessions, plus specialized discussions throughout the year.
**See the last picture for May's Class Schedule!

Sign up now by going to timelycare.com/samuelmerritt to register. You will sign up with your preferred name and school email address and then can have visits from any web-enabled device – smartphone, laptop, or desktop. TimelyCare is available from anywhere in the United States.

**Currently enrolled SMU students can also still be seen for medical and mental health visits at the SMU Student Health and Counseling Center (SHAC). www.samuelmerritt.edu/shac

Keep it up Bay Area!! 👏

https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/coronavirus/bay-area-could-be-first-region-in-california-to-reach-herd-immunity-ucsf-doctor/2542558/?fbclid=IwAR1QWgLkYj74GGmdv8IVJ86UrWXh9WiA9ZD7Na614b2k9l2MVUwOjnor8mk

Bay Area Could Be First Region in California to Reach Herd Immunity: UCSF Doctor The Bay Area may be approaching a COVID-19 turning point — herd immunity. Experts say it doesn’t mean the virus will disappear, but it will have a harder time spreading.

May is
This past year presented so many different challenges and obstacles that tested our strength and resiliency. The global pandemic forced us to cope with situations we never even imagined, and a lot of us struggled with our mental health as a result. Now, more than ever, we need to combat the stigma surrounding mental health concerns.

During the month of May, we will be focusing on different topics that can help process the events of the past year and the feelings that surround them, while also building up skills and supports that extend beyond COVID-19. Watch for postings all month!

A great starting point for anyone who is ready to start prioritizing their mental health is to take a mental health screening at MHAscreening.org

It’s a quick, free, and confidential way for someone to assess their mental health and begin finding hope and healing.

Ultimately, during this month of May, Samuel Merritt University wants to remind everyone that mental illnesses are real, and recovery is possible. By developing your own , it is possible to find balance between life’s ups and downs and continue to cope with the challenges brought on by the pandemic.
For more information, visit 👉🏼www.mhanational.org/may.

During the month of May we elevate, honor and celebrate our Asian Pacific community. When I asked Dr. Beth Ching what is most important to remember this year, she said “despite anti-Asian hate, we recognize that our Pan-Asian cultures are beautiful and nurture our spirits.” In line with that sentiment, we encourage our Asian Pacific community to continue to be bold, phenomenal, and fierce in every way imaginable as you continue extraordinary family legacies, take your dreams to new heights, and lead with impenetrable and unabashed fearlessness.

This month, we ask our SMU community to take time to listen and hear, act, and make change to positively transform the experiences of our Asian Pacific community.

Learn more at https://asianpacificheritage.gov/

________________________________________
Celebrations and Resources
• AAPI Women Lead https://www.imreadymovement.org/
• Asian Pacific Heritage May 2021 Events https://asianpacificheritage.gov/
• Asian Pacific Heritage Online Guide (San Francisco) https://apaheritage.org/ -guide
• Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander American Health Information Resources
• Oakland Asian Cultural Center Upcoming Events – Oakland Asian Cultural Center (oacc.cc)
• OCA Sacramento-Asian Pacific American Advocates https://www.ocasacramento.org/mission
• San Mateo County API Caucus https://www.smcapi.org/aboutus

Watch, Listen, or Read
• SMU APIDA Month 2019: Empire of Care, presentation by Dr. Catherine Ceniza Choy https://youtu.be/Ea3ejyLCzz8
• SMU Library List of AAPI resources https://samuelmerritt.bywatersolutions.com/cgi-bin/koha/opac-search.pl?idx=&q=asian
• Minari https://a24films.com/films/minari
• Our America: Asian Voices https://abc7news.com/our-america-asian-voices-aapi-documentary-american-and-pacific-islander/10551148/
• PBS Asian Americans https://www.pbs.org/show/asian-americans/
• See Us Unite for Change, May 21 8 PM (EST) MTV https://deadline.com/2021/04/ken-jeong-host-aapi-heritage-month-celebration-see-us-unite-for-change-mtv-1234746190/
• The Farewell https://a24films.com/films/the-farewell
• They Call Us Bruce podcast http://blog.angryasianman.com/search/label/podcasts
• Nextshark Asian American News https://nextshark.com/

Report and Mitigate Hate Against Asian Americans
• Stop AAPI Hate https://stopaapihate.org/
• Asian Americans Advancing Justice https://www.advancingjustice-aajc.org/

SMU and Sutter Resources for Students and Employees
• Students| can make an appointments by contacting the SHAC via Dr. Anglyn Sasser at 510.879.9200 x 7320 or at [email protected].
• Students and Employees| Sutter Employee Assistance Program call toll free at (800) 477-2258 24/7
• Spiritual Guidance for All Faiths| Sutter Health 24/7 Chaplain Urgent and Emergency Requests - please page the on-call chaplain at (510) 801-5050 and enter your full telephone number.

National Numbers
• Crisis Line Talk| 1-800-273-TALK
• Crisis Text Line| Text HELLO to 741741
• Asian Languages| 1-877-990-8585

https://brenebrown.com/blog/2021/01/25/introduction-to-you-are-your-best-thing-a-conversation/ -popup

Introduction to You Are Your Best Thing: A Conversation | Brené Brown Brené Brown: We could start the story of this book when you texted me to ask if we could talk, and I thought you wanted to continue our ongoing conversation about wallpaper and landscaping—but what came before that? When did the idea for this book come to you?

How many can relate with this??

“It wasn’t burnout — we still had energy. It wasn’t depression — we didn’t feel hopeless. We just felt somewhat joyless and aimless. It turns out there’s a name for that: languishing.

Languishing is a sense of stagnation and emptiness. It feels as if you’re muddling through your days, looking at your life through a foggy windshield. And it might be the dominant emotion of 2021.”

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/19/well/mind/covid-mental-health-languishing.html?referringSource=articleShare&fbclid=IwAR2xBeNIPkXny4dGyoUxdmiLZEtJYtl6AC70J2YoYYDjdsvpLXIGG18NhsM

There’s a Name for the Blah You’re Feeling: It’s Called Languishing The neglected middle child of mental health can dull your motivation and focus — and it may be the dominant emotion of 2021.

What is Consent? It's as Easy as Tea
https://youtu.be/oQbei5JGiT8

Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month 2021

Tea Consent Copyright ©2015 Emmeline May and Blue Seat StudiosNon-commercial use: Video must have copyright information displayed below video, with a live link to origin...

What is consent?
Consent is an agreement between participants to engage in s*xual activity. When you’re engaging in s*xual activity, consent is about communication—and it should happen every time.

Consenting to one activity, one time, does not mean someone gives consent for other activities or for the same activity on other occasions. For example, agreeing to kiss someone doesn’t give that person permission to remove your clothes. Having s*x with someone in the past doesn’t give that person permission to have s*x with you again in the future. It’s important to discuss boundaries and expectations with your partner prior to engaging in any s*xual behavior.

You can change your mind at any time.
You can withdraw consent at any point if you feel uncomfortable. One way to do this is to clearly communicate to your partner that you are no longer comfortable with this activity and wish to stop. Withdrawing consent can sometimes be challenging or difficult to do verbally, so non-verbal cues can also be used to convey this. The best way to ensure that all parties are comfortable with any s*xual activity is to talk about it, check in periodically, and make sure everyone involved consents before escalating or changing activities.

What is enthusiastic consent?
Enthusiastic consent is a newer model for understanding consent that focuses on a positive expression of consent. Simply put, enthusiastic consent means looking for the presence of a “yes” rather than the absence of a “no.” Enthusiastic consent can be expressed verbally or through nonverbal cues, such as positive body language like smiling, maintaining eye contact, and nodding. These cues alone do not necessarily represent consent, but they are additional details that may reflect consent. It is necessary, however, to still seek verbal confirmation. The important part of consent, enthusiastic or otherwise, is checking in with your partner regularly to make sure that they are still on the same page.

Enthusiastic consent can look like this:
Asking permission before you change the type or degree of s*xual activity with phrases like “Is this OK?”
Confirming that there is reciprocal interest before initiating any physical touch.
Letting your partner know that you can stop at any time.
Periodically checking in with your partner, such as asking “Is this still okay?”
Providing positive feedback when you’re comfortable with an activity.
Explicitly agreeing to certain activities, either by saying “yes” or another affirmative statement, like “I’m open to trying.”
Using physical cues to let the other person know you’re comfortable taking things to the next level

Consent Rules
Rule 1: Establish Boundaries
Rule 2: Communicate Comfort Zones
Rule 3: Ask Every Time
Rule 4: Check In Regularly
Rule 5: Respect Each Other

Learn more about Consent here 👉🏻

https://www.rainn.org/articles/what-is-consent

April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month and this year’s theme is

During survivors and advocates engage the greater community in s*xual violence prevention efforts. We know that one month isn’t enough to solve the serious and widespread issue of s*xual violence, but the attention April generates is an opportunity to energize and expand prevention efforts. This year’s campaign champions the power of asking for consent — whether it be asking to hold someone’s hand, for permission to share personal information with others, or if a partner is interested in s*x.

Consent is a clear, concrete example of what it takes to end s*xual harassment, abuse, and assault. The goal of the campaign is to empower everyone to put consent into practice.


Learn more here 👉🏻
https://www.rainn.org/articles/consentrules

Oakland clinic offers Mayan interpreter for COVID-19 vaccinations La Clinica de La Raza targeting Latin Mam or Mayan-speaking community with interpreters at vaccine sites.

Dear SMU Community,

On March 1 President Wang sent out a statement condemning anti-Asian hate crimes, racism, and incidents of xenophobia and called for respect, healing, and fairness to all. We are deeply saddened by yesterday’s violent attacks in Atlanta, GA that took the lives of 8 people, 6 of whom were Asian women. Stop AAPI Hate’s national report explains the ways in which our Asian community has bared increased harmful behavior and violence both locally and nationwide from March 2020 to February 28, 2021. Yesterday’s events prompt us, as a University, to reflect on our Principles of Community.

These principles call on us to lean deeply into our restorative practices by reminding us to ask ourselves, “how can I make it better?” Today, we offer one small way to value, affirm, and support our Asian community by gathering and holding space for them. By holding space we are demonstrating that we are willing to walk alongside another in whatever journey they're on, without judging them, making them feel inadequate, trying to fix them, or trying to impact the outcome. Please join us for this special listening and healing space:

Asian American Listening & Healing Space
Date| Tuesday, March 23, 2021 1:00 – 2:00 PM
Join Zoom Meeting| https://samuelmerritt.zoom.us/j/96821591358?pwd=Y1ZrTkNzNGtGT3JkUXlFbUwxOFpJdz09
Meeting ID| 968 2159 1358
Passcode| 176597

Our prayers and hearts are with those deeply affected by the attacks in Atlanta, GA. Our hearts continue to be with the Asian community experiencing the discriminatory harmful behavior and violence that has been occuring locally and nationwide.

Though Samuel Merritt is planning healing space, we have linked this resource guide from Asian Americans Advancing Justice so that you may report and/or mitigate harm against the Asian community.

We encourage anyone who would like a deeper level of support to utilize any of the following services:

SHAC: Students can make initial intake appointments by contacting the SHAC at (510) 879-9288.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Call toll free at (800) 477-2258 24/7

Spiritual Guidance: Sutter Health 24/7 Chaplain Urgent and Emergency Requests - please page the on-call chaplain at (510) 801-5050 and enter your full telephone number.

National Su***de Prevention Lifeline
(800) 273-8255

National Su***de Prevention Lifeline (Spanish)
(888) 628-9454

National Su***de Prevention Lifeline (Options for Deaf and Hard of Hearing)
(800) 799-4889

Crisis Text Line
Text HELLO to 741741

National Domestic Violence Hotline
(800) 799-7233

Veterans Crisis Line
(800) 273-8255

National Graduate Student Crisis Hotline
(877) 472-3457

https://www.advancingjustice-aajc.org/covid19

Coronavirus/COVID-19 Resources to Stand Against Racism Asian Americans have been targeted by racism and xenophobia related to the coronavirus or COVID-19. We offer the following resources in response to this hate.

https://www.healthline.com/health-news/why-lgbtqia-people-may-feel-more-isolated-during-the-pandemic

Why LGBTQIA+ People May Feel More Isolated During Pandemic New research finds that the need to remain physically distant during the pandemic has left many LGBTQIA+ people alienated from chosen families and community support systems, fueling a sense of isolation that can further damage their overall health.

Free Healing Space for the AAPI community on Friday, March 5, 2021 9am PT/12pm ET

Register: https://calendly.com/ethels-club/free-healing-session-for-the-aapi-community-1?month=2021-03

https://chwi.jnj.com/voices-from-the-front-line/the-path-to-leadership-four-nurse-leaders-share-their-story

The Path to Leadership: Four Nurse Leaders Share Their Story When it came to nursing, Sasha DuBois felt called to serve. She came from a family of health providers and frontline staff, and she was happiest herself when she was helping someone. “I knew I wanted to be the first and last person by the patient’s bedside,” she recalls.

You are invited to join the African Diaspora Committee for our annual Black History Month event on Thursday, February 25, 2021 5:00 – 6:30 PM via Zoom.

This event features four Bay Area African American physicians on the frontlines of the pandemic leading access to testing and vaccinations along with ensuring accurate information is being provided to the Black community and communities of color.

Register in advance for this meeting|
https://samuelmerritt.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJclc-uvrDgoHtVtjRTBBtVjsK9SGNzmGRWU
*After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Tuesday on Instagram Live

https://www.instagram.com/p/CKq8asVjS1C/?igshid=1qu01akpq2lny

As my parents and in laws age, it is hard not to think about what it would mean should they need more of our assistance and care. This is a super complex decision process that is heavily impacted by our cultural values. It touches on filial piety, boundaries, duty versus generosity, compassion and understanding our own limits. This is why I’m super excited to chat with lifestyle blogger, Hoàng-Kim, about this topic, as she went through this very journey in providing elder care for her father. She has shared about how her life has shifted since taking on this role and has graciously offered to share her thoughts with us. Join us if you are interesting in understanding the complex nuances of caring for our parents as first and second generation immigrants!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/living-with-diabetes-during-the-covid-pandemic-and-beyond-tickets-137246757747?aff=ebdssbonlinesearch

Living with Diabetes during the Covid Pandemic and Beyond Living with Diabetes during the COVID Pandemic and Beyond

Please consider donating if you can ❤️

How Healthcare Workers Can Combat and Prevent Burnout

“You can reverse burnout, but it won’t simply go away on its own. You’ll need to make some changes to your work environment or lifestyle.

—Reach out to your supervisor or human resources department about decreased hours or workload.
—Take some time off, before burnout sets in.
—Do some self-reflection and notice what your own signs of burnout are.
—Keep up with basic self-care like eating a nutritious diet, getting exercise, and practicing good sleep hygiene.
—Use your time wisely – rest when you need to rest, but don’t spend all of your free time laying on the couch. Ignoring routine chores can cause them to build up, which can add to stress.
—Add some stress reduction strategies into your regular schedule like deep breathing, yoga, or meditation.
—Interact with your colleagues; making time for peer connections can increase solidarity and reduce emotional exhaustion.
—Connect with a friend or family member and make time to really catch up instead of saying a quick hello.
—Check in with a therapist. Having a professional help you process what you’re dealing with can be a powerful tool.”

Facing Burnout as a Healthcare Worker Work-related stress can lead to burnout for anyone. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, it was especially prevalent among healthcare workers.

Have you voted yet? Share your pictures if you have them. This one is by Asst VP for Student Affairs, Craig Elliott

Coping with Election Stress Workshop & Discussion
Monday, October 26th at 4:00 pm

The Samuel Merritt University Student Health and Counseling Center (SHAC) recognizes that this has been a particularly divisive election season, with a significant amount of hurtful and hateful rhetoric impacting many members of our campus community because of their race or ethnicity, s*xual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, political views, country of origin, or other aspects of their identity. For some community members, the impact is direct and personal. For others, the divisive climate is disturbing and provocative.

While there are times when we can feel helpless in the face of political vitriol, be mindful that it is within our power to impact the world as we impact those closest to us. This is a time when peace and healing are most needed. Join Samuel Merritt University Staff Psychologist, Dr. Anglyn Sasser, for a workshop and discussion about Managing and Coping with Election Stress.

Join the WebEx Meeting link here: https://samuelmerritt.webex.com/samuelmerritt/onstage/g.php?MTID=e7948340d741fdf955f32df83210b16c9

Students of Color Forum Meetings

Amid these difficult times, the Samuel Merritt University Student Health and Counseling Center (SHAC), through its work with individual students and in its outreach to the University community, aspires to affirm our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We are dedicated to social justice through increased awareness of the effects of oppression, prejudice, and discrimination.

In this aim, the Student Health and Counseling (SHAC) is partnering with Sutter EAP to offer SMU Latinx, Asian-American/Pacific Islander, and Black/African-American students with a safe space to share their experiences, thoughts and feelings about current political and social stressors, mental health concerns, impacts of stereotypes and stigma, and barriers to accessing resources.

These discussions will be facilitated by a licensed EAP clinician (non-affiliated with SMU) who shares the same race and background of the invited group of students.

This forum will be one hour in duration and take place via the following Skype links. We hope you can join us!

Asian-American & Pacific Islander Students
Wednesday, October 21st
12:00 – 1:00pm
https://meet.sutterhealth.org/narvak/ZEOOIT9F

Latinx Students
Wednesday, October 28th
12:00 – 1:00pm
https://meet.sutterhealth.org/narvak/ZEOOIT9F

African-American & Black Students
Wednesday, November 4th
https://meet.sutterhealth.org/narvak/ZEOOIT9F

Times running out— are you registered to vote?? Election day is Nov. 3

California Registration deadlines
Online: Oct. 19
By mail: Postmarked by Oct. 19
In person: Nov. 3

Absentee ballot deadlines
Request: Oct. 27
Return by mail: Postmarked by Nov. 3
Return in person: Nov. 3 by 8:00 p.m.

Early voting
Oct. 5 - Nov. 2, but dates and hours may vary based on where you live.

Learn more here 👉🏼 https://registertovote.ca.gov/

Track your vote-by-mail ballot as soon as it's been mailed to you and get notified when your county receives your completed ballot. Every registered voter in CA should receive a vote-by-mail ballot in October.

Online Voter Registration | California Secretary of State California Online Voter Registration website. Register to vote online, save a stamp!