Welcome Message From Student Affairs: Explore Your Campus Resources
Krystin Deschamps
Editor’s note: The following message was sent to USU students by Krystin Deschamps, interim vice president for Student Affairs, near the beginning of the Fall 2024 semester.
We at Student Affairs are so pleased you are part of our community this year. At Utah State, we prioritize your well-being as much as your academic success. We understand that college life can be both exhilarating and challenging, and we’re committed to providing you with the help and resources needed to thrive.
As you start this semester, I want to remind you of the amazing resources available to support you throughout your time here.
Academic Success Coaching: Academic Success Coaches conduct one-on-one appointments with USU students to address their concerns with a sense of academic belonging, build their skills related to habits of mind, connect them to the right resources, and serve as their accountability partners. Check out their website to view their bios and book an appointment.
Aggie First Scholars: Aggie First Scholar's mission is to provide a framework to develop and discover the potential within, while celebrating the success of first-generation college students at USU. At USU, a first-generation college student is anyone whose parents and/or guardians have NOT yet completed college OR anyone whose parents and/or guardians have NOT yet graduated with a 4-year, bachelor’s degree in the U.S. Visit their website to find out more.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): CAPS offers free and confidential individual, group and couples therapy to students. Located on the third floor of the Taggart Student Center, they provide both in-person and virtual appointments. CAPS also provides free workshops and a self-guided resource library. They also offer crisis appointments if you need to talk to someone (even if you are not typically eligible for their services). You can reach them at capsinfo@usu.edu or 435-797-1012.
CARE Office: If you have a concern and you’re not sure where to go to for help or need assistance getting connected with any of the above resources, call the CARE Office to get connected with support at 435-797-0400. If you are concerned about another student, especially if you think they may hurt themselves or someone else, fill out this form to refer them for help. Always call 911 if you or others are in immediate danger or experience an emergency. You can call 988 for mental health emergencies.
Disability Resource Center (DRC): The DRC helps students with disabilities access academic accommodations and other services. A disability can be defined in many ways, including a mental health diagnosis or other health conditions. Contact the DRC at 435-797-2444 or visit their website to make an appointment. You can also stop by and see them in the bottom floor of the University Inn.
Office of Equity: The Office of Equity is designated by the university to enforce state and federal laws (and university policies related to sexual misconduct, discrimination, and equal opportunity. They can provide supportive measures to students who have experienced sexual misconduct or discrimination and provide pregnancy accommodations. Visit their website to reach out or call 435-797-1266.
Renter Education and Resources: Whether you’re a first-time or seasoned renter, there are things you need to be aware of when preparing to rent a new place to live. From working with landlords to setting up utilities, find detailed information on what you need to know.
Student Health and Wellness Center (SHWC): Any student enrolled in one credit of classes can access the SHWC. When you register for classes each semester, you pay a student health fee, which enables the center to provide many of their professional services without any additional cost to you. Options for free therapy and psychiatric services are also available. Make an appointment by calling 435-797-1660.
Sexual Assault and Anti-Violence Information Office (SAAVI): SAAVI is a campus-based office providing safe and confidential counseling, advocacy, and information to the USU community. SAAVI’s services are open to all USU students, staff, and faculty. Please contact SAAVI through their main email saavi@usu.edu or visit their website for more info. You can also stop by and see them in the Taggart Student Center, room 311.
SafeUT: The SafeUT app offers 24/7 mental health resources, including direct chat with a counselor. Support is immediate and confidential, and as easy as reaching for your phone and sending that first message. Download it on the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Student Involvement Clubs: With nearly 100 USUSA Clubs on campus at any given time, these clubs organize thousands of events for Utah State University students each year, providing service, involvement, and academic opportunities to students across campus. Check out a full list of clubs you can join today.
Student Money Management Center: The Student Money Management Center can help you assess your financial situation and make plans for where you want to be and what you want to accomplish. The center provides free, confidential, one-on-one counseling sessions to any USU student.
USU Career Design Center: Career coaches can help with career assessments, planning your education and other experiences to meet your goals. They also provide resume reviews. Call 435-797-7777 to set up an appointment with a career coach.
USU’s Student Nutrition Access Center (SNAC): The Student Nutrition Access Center is the location of USU's on-campus food pantry. Any Aggie with a USU ID in need of food can order from SNAC one time per week, no questions asked. They are located in the Taggart Student Center, room 332.
Once again, welcome to Utah State University! We’re here to support you, and I encourage you to take advantage of these resources. Whether you need help adjusting to college life, managing your workload, or simply finding your place on campus, we’re here for you, and we care about you.
We’re excited to see all that you will achieve and experience during your time here.
Best regards,
Krystin Deschamps
Interim Vice President for Student Affairs
Utah State University
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