End of semester message from President Smith - Dec. 15, 2023

To the Eastern Michigan University community,

Congratulations on finishing another semester. As always, I'm looking forward to our Commencement on December 17 with great anticipation. Commencement shows the heart of Eastern Michigan University like nothing else. The sense of pride, camaraderie and community on display that day is palpable, and it's always a highlight of the year for me.

Our Commitment To Each Other

The Fall of 2023 has been challenging for many of us, but I'm proud of the resilience, kindness, and care I've seen across campus every day. We truly are a supportive community of scholars, and we continue to show it in myriad ways, big and small. As we head into what I hope will be a restful, refreshing break, I want to emphasize again that our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is strong and unwavering. It is among Eastern Michigan University’s greatest assets and it remains central to our mission. Eastern is home to students and employees from around the world, and hatred against anyone, any group, any religion, any ethnicity, has no home here.

Let us continue the good work we've begun, to create and maintain a safe and supportive environment for all. Let us speak and act with care, concern, and respect, even when we may disagree on issues impacting our campus, region, and the world. And above all, let us honor the responsibility we have to one another, to continue to provide a welcoming environment for all in our campus community.

Resources For Those In Need

The holidays can often be a particularly difficult time for those who are struggling. Please remember to utilize some of the numerous resources we have available to all. They include:

  • Swoop's Food Pantry, located at 100 Pierce Hall, is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the following days:   
    • Monday, Dec. 18
    • Tuesday, Dec. 19
    • Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024
    • Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024
  • Our Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) office is staffed with caring professionals who are available to students. Visit the CAPS website for holiday hours and details on how to access a counselor. 
  • Employees can visit the Human Resources Wellness Programs website to learn how to access the Employee Assistance Program. 

The Ypsilanti community also has several helpful resources available to all during the holidays. Among them:

  • United Way of Southeast Michigan provides a range of services designed to help individuals and families meet their basic needs.  Learn more about their work.
  • Washtenaw County Community Mental Health provides mental health services to all individuals in the county, regardless of their diagnosis, insurance coverage, age, or ability to pay for services. Located at:  555 Towner Street Ypsilanti, Michigan 48198, 24-hour crisis number: 734.996.4747. Learn more.
  • Hope Clinic provides free food assistance and health care to all, whether or not clients have health insurance or the ability to pay. The clinic is located at 518 Harriet St., Ypsilanti, MI 48197, and can be reached by phone at 734.484.2989. Learn more. 
  • SafeHouse provides free temporary housing and a range of free, confidential services to those who are survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault. Its 24-hour helpline is reachable at 734.995.5444. Learn more about SafeHouse.

Please do not hesitate to utilize any of these services if you or someone you know needs help.

Reminders About Key Dates

Finally, as a reminder, our residence halls that are not pre-designated as Winter Break housing will close at noon on December 16, and the University is closed Friday, Dec. 22 and reopens Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. Classes resume Monday, Jan. 8. I look forward to seeing you all in the new year.

My very best,
James Smith, Ph.D.