President's Message to Students: Online Week 2 – take care of yourself physically and mentally

Randolph College President Bradley W. Bateman sent this message of encouragement to students after their second week of online classes.

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Dear Students,

Congratulations on completing your second week of online learning. By now, I hope everyone is feeling more comfortable with the adjustments necessary for this different way of learning. I’m proud of all of our students for taking on these challenges and working so well with our faculty and staff.

To say these are not normal times is an understatement. Besides the broader concerns about the health and wellness of ourselves, as well as our family and friends, many of you are having to adjust to living at home on a permanent basis once again. It’s not easy for anyone.

While I know you realize the importance of doing your best work academically, it is probably even more necessary at this time to make sure you are taking care of yourself as well. Limit your time watching the news, go outside, get some exercise, chat with your friends on social media, and find some way to relax. All of these things will help you manage the day-to-day stress that we are all feeling right now.

I wanted to make sure you knew that our counseling team at Randolph is also available to help you deal with these tough times. We will be offering free and confidential telehealth counseling to Randolph students until May 8. These sessions can provide additional support as you adjust to changes in your living environment and routine, cope with feelings of grief and other intense emotions, or experience stress related to financial concerns or online learning. Our counselors can provide resources and a caring, listening ear that can be extremely helpful as you try to cope with the impact of COVID-19 on your personal life. Any Randolph student can take advantage of this service, and I encourage you to reach out.

I know this is not an easy time for any of you, but I hope you realize how much the faculty and staff of Randolph College care about you. Though we may not be on the same campus—or even in the same town or state—none of us is alone in this, and we will get through this together. We are a family here at Randolph, and that close-knit community will sustain us until we are able to be physically together again behind the Red Brick Wall.

Stay well and stay safe.

Best wishes,

Bradley W. Bateman
President