Dear Presidents, and Deans, Provosts, Chief Student Affairs Officers, and Chief Enrollment Managers,
Just a quick note to let you know of this important opportunity for our campus communities, as communicated by University Dean Angie Kamath.
Specifically, City and State officials have released information on additional unemployment resources as a result of the CARE Act that was passed on 3/27/20. Specifically there are new and additional unemployment benefits called Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) that is available to those who are not typically eligible for unemployment insurance including self-employed/1099 workers, part time workers, and those who were not working for an extended period of time. Impacted students can apply by phone or online. We encourage all campuses to share this information with all students broadly via digital, faculty, student affairs and general college communications. More information can be found at: https://labor.ny.gov/ui/pdfs/pandemic-unemployment-assistance.pdfand https://www.labor.ny.gov/ui/cares-act.shtm.
There is also a hotline NYC WELL staffed 24/7 with counselors, described as follows:
An infectious illness outbreak such as this one can be stressful to you, your loved ones, and your friends. It is natural to feel overwhelmed, sad, anxious, and afraid, or to experience other symptoms of distress, such as trouble sleeping. To reduce your stress and to manage the situation more resiliently, try to remain positive, remind yourself of your strengths, connect with friends and loved ones and use healthy coping skills. NYC Well’s website offers a number of well-being and emotional support applications (apps) that can help you cope.
If your symptoms of stress become overwhelming, reach out for support and help. You can contact NYC Well, a confidential 24/7 helpline, staffed by trained counselors. They can provide brief counseling and referrals to care in over 200 languages.
• Call 888-NYC-WELL (888-692-9355)
• Text “WELL” to 65173
• Chat at NYC.gov/nycwell
Please share widely.
All the best,
JL
—
José Luis Cruz, Ph.D.
Executive Vice Chancellor and University Provost
The City University of New York