University Daily Update - April 2

Rockhurst University Companions, 

This time of huge transition and uncertainty can be stressful for all of us. Today we share updated information from the Counseling Center regarding resources for students and also for faculty and staff. We encourage everyone to take a look and to lean on this resource if needed. In addition, the Student Success Network announces new offerings beginning next week, and summer registration opens today. Even though we miss gathering together on campus and seeing everyone in person, it is great to know that we continue to operate as a caring and helpful community. 

Summer Course Discounts 

We know that many of you like to take summer classes to stay on track – or even get ahead – for graduation. Though the end of this spring semester is certainly looking different from what we’re used to, we wanted to ensure that you still had the opportunity to meet your academic goals this summer.  

To support you, we’re offering a large selection of online undergraduate courses this summer, and are offering a $100 discount per credit hour for all undergraduate courses during Summer 2020. This is on top of the already discounted rate for 1000- and 2000-level classes, bringing Summer 2020 rates to $362/credit hour. Our 3000- and 4000-level summer courses will be offered at a similarly discounted $531/credit hour. Registration for summer courses will open on Thursday, April 2. Find more information about our summer classes here. 

Our biggest priority is to support your academic goals. If you have any questions or concerns about summer classes, registration or online learning please contact your academic advisor. 

Counseling Center Update 

As we continue to monitor the evolving reality of living during a pandemic, we are often confronted with uncertainty and anxiety. As a means of providing support to the Rockhurst Community in general, and Rockhurst students in particular, the Counseling Center has been busy putting things into place to better serve. While some things are “in place,” others are “in process” and we will continue to update the community on the status of services available. With that in mind, please be aware of the following: 

·         Counseling Center staff are available for telephone calls/consultations with any students/faculty/staff during normal business hours. In order to manage the flow of the calls, please contact April Gray (our Office Manager) at 816 501-4826 and she will set up an appointment on our calendars. Appointments can also be set up by contacting us directly via email – elbert.darden@rockhurst.eduor rachel.pierce@rockhurst.edu. 

·         The Counseling Center is in the process of setting up virtual counseling sessions via Zoom.  We are working to get a version of the software that increases the level of security of the sessions, thus better protecting confidentiality. Please note that due to various states regulations, we will only be able to provide counseling services (telephone or virtual) to students who currently reside in the state of Missouri. We will provide updates as they are available regarding states that allow therapists to operate across state lines.  We are happy to work with students living outside of Missouri to identify counseling resources within their area. 

·         The Counseling Center is working on getting access for students to fill out forms online. That means that we will be able to accept new clients once again! We will update everyone on when that is be available. As with the previously mentioned Zoom counseling sessions, we will not be able to accept new clients who currently reside outside of the state of Missouri. 

·         Please know that while all of these options are available (or are in the works), everyone has access to the mental health support app Sanvello. If you already have Sanvello, please make use of the full suite of support services and consider making that a part of your daily routine. For those of you who have not downloaded the Sanvello app, go to your phone’s app store, enter a search for Sanvello, and download the app (the word Sanvello appears over a green wave in the form of an S). Proceed through the setup process and be sure to enter your Rockhurst email when asked to supply your email address. It’s that simple. Then explore the offerings of Sanvello and take advantage of what it has to offer. 

The Counseling Center is here to be a resource to the Rockhurst Community. We will update you when new or improved services are available. In the meantime, be safe, be well and be hopeful! 

Career Services 

Career Services congratulates those students who are landing full-time career track positions and summer internships.  We also recognize that it is a particularly difficult time for many of you who are still searching for opportunities or who have recently been notified that your summer internship has been cancelled.  The good news is there are employers that are still hiring.  These include national companies like Amazon, Lowe’s, Pepsico, pharmacies, and grocers.  KC based companies, such as Blue Cross/Blue Shield of KC, Federal Reserve Bank-KC, Intouch Solutions, Northwestern Mutual, and Spring Venture Group are hiring as well.  You can connect to all opportunities through your RU Career Account.  

To set up your account, have someone review a resume, or even practice a virtual interview, just connect with your Career Services professionals.  Career Services is holding virtual “drop-in” office hours every day from 9-11 and 2-4 and is always happy to schedule outside those times as well.  To get more information, please contact mike.theobald@rockhurst.edu or christina.wendling@rockhurst.edu. 

Virtual Success Sessions 

Mark your calendars now! From next week until finals begin we offer you “Career Tip Tuesdays” and “Snacks and Strategies Thursdays.” Sessions will begin at 2 p.m. and last 30 minutes.  Sessions will be recorded and then shared for those who weren’t able to join us live. Look for the zoom link to join in Monday’s update. If there is a session you’d like to see, send an email to mindy.pettegrew@rockhurst.edu.  

Next Week’s Sessions: 

Linking with LinkedIn  

April 7, 2020 

During these challenging times, making professional connections is even more essential.  Gain insight into how LinkedIn can assist you with your career exploration and develop connections as you start professional journey. 

How to Marie Kondo your remote world  

April 9, 2020 

Have all the changes turned your world upside down?  Are you trying to figure out which professor wants what?  Afraid of missing deadlines?  Come learn some tricks to help you organize or share with your fellow students what has worked for you.  We are all in this together! 

Health Care Update 

In light of COVID-19, HCA has decided to temporarily consolidate its Neighborhood Walk-In & Family Care Clinic into the Goppert Trinity Family Care (GTFC) operations.  Please call 816-276-7600 to get an appointment with GTFC - it is located just two miles directly south of Rockhurst University for your health care needs (6675 Holmes Road, #360).  Their hours are the following:  Mon-Thu 8:30-7, Fri 8-4:30, Sat 8-12, Sun closed.  As a reminder, most services are available for no deductible or co-pay for our students who carry the RU sponsored Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) student health insurance plan.  GTFC also welcomes RU-sponsored BCBS Preferred-Care Blue plan for employees.  For more information, including pre-appointment paperwork, please visit https://mymidwestphysician.com/locations/goppert-trinity-family-care/.   

Also, please note the following instructions from GFTC: “During this time, we ask that you limit accompanying visitors and attend your appointment alone. The only permitted exceptions will be a single caregiver for a minor patient, or for a patient with a disability or impairment warranting assistance.”  Be sure to call GTFC prior to arriving at their facility, particularly if you have COVID-19 symptoms. 

Mission Moment(s) 

·         Campus Ministry is hosting a weekly jam on its YouTube channel each Wednesday at 9 p.m. Last week the series kicked off with Hyunki Yoon, D.M.A., liturgical musician in Campus Ministry, performing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Last night featured Frank Macias performing “Strong Enough.”  

·         The Kansas City Jesuit community is now livestreaming Mass at 5:15 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10:30 a.m. Sunday. Virtual congregants are asked to attend “live” if at all possible, and videos will only be available until midnight each day. 

Matthew D. Quick, Ph.D.                            Randy Hopkins 

Vice President & Dean of Students          Chief of Security 

Crisis Management Co-Chair                     Crisis Management Co-Chair