April 30, 2026

Dear Seawolves, 

As we approach the end of the academic year, I hope you are looking forward to the summer as a time to relax, recharge, enjoy time with family and friends, or further your education through summer internships, classes, or research projects. If you are graduating this year, congratulations! We’re so proud of you! 

We know the end of the semester can be a stressful time, so we want to offer you some advice and helpful resources: 

Take Care of Yourself 
As you work hard on your final projects and study for your final exams, remember to practice self-care. Self-care means taking care of yourself so that you are healthy, well, able to focus on studying, and successfully finish everything you want to accomplish. Part of self-care and stress relief is also getting a good night’s sleep and eating healthy meals.

The end of the semester is also a time to celebrate your hard work and reconnect with friends. As you enjoy well-earned moments together, prioritize safety—both your own and those around you. Plan ahead for a sober ride and lean on the skills learned in your Red Watch Band training.

Connect with Campus Resources 
Our community of faculty, staff, and fellow Seawolves care about you and your well-being. If you feel heightened stress, please reach out to any of these resources below for help:

Student Support Team provides caring support, helps solve problems, and connects you to resources. 1st floor of the Union, (631) 632-7320, student_supportteam@stonybrook.edu.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides caring, confidential in-person individual and group counseling. 2nd floor of the Student Health and Counseling Center, (631) 632-6720.

TimelyCare’s TalkNow offers free, 24/7 on-demand, virtual access to speak confidentially with a counselor anytime, day or night, about anything on your mind. You can also schedule free 1:1 counselor appointments on the TimelyCare app.  

CAPS Crisis 24/7 Line Call (631) 632-6720 anytime day or night if you are feeling distressed and need to speak with a crisis counselor.

Join our Stony Brook Traditions and End of Semester Events
We have many events and traditions happening over the next couple of weeks to help you connect with friends and destress. Check SB Engaged for a full list of fun and relaxing events hosted by campus departments and student clubs and organizations. Here are a few highlights:

Roth Regatta is in its 37th year at Stony Brook!  On Friday, May 1, join us at Roth Pond beginning at 12 noon to see your friends and peers race across the pond in boats made of cardboard, duct tape, and paint.

Last Night Out celebrates the last day of spring classes. On Friday, May 8, join us on Staller Steps from 4-7 pm for free food, games, and performances.

Late Night Breakfast, hosted by SBU Eats, offers free hot breakfast. Join us on Monday, May 11 from 9-11 pm at East Side Dining. This year’s theme is the Soccer World Cup, so wear your favorite team shirt! 
 
Our team and I are grateful for the care, respect, and support for each other that you bring to our Stony Brook community. Good luck on finals, Seawolves. Enjoy your summer! 

Sincerely,

Rick Gatteau, PhD
Vice President for Student Affairs