Love and care are critical values in higher education and in spaces that center equity and diversity. These are not the terms that always come immediately to mind in moments of crisis, but they can be the values that help individuals, communities, and institutions navigate through unfathomable moments of deep trauma. We are living through such a moment.
Whether you are directly or indirectly impacted by the recent war between Israel and Hamas and/or trying to support community members, including students, staff, faculty, or alumni, it is our goal to help you identify the range of resources available to you.
During times of crisis and uncertainty, we recognize that our community seeks support, trauma-informed resources, and educational opportunities. Below, you will find information on systemwide and campus-specific resources that can address immediate needs or provide avenues to assist others.
We will continuously update this page as information becomes accessible. We encourage you to contribute by sharing any University of Minnesota resources or events with us via email at [email protected].
Supporting our communities in the wake of the Israel/Hamas War
Student Resources
Systemwide
Crookston
- Crookston Counseling Services
- Multicultural Education
Training, programming, and alliance opportunities - Report a Bias Incident
- Al-huda Islamic Center, East Grand Forks, MN
- Wellness Care Team
The Care Team is a multi-departmental committee that addresses issues related to student health and wellbeing and how it affects behavior on campus. The committee counsels on student concerns and creates actionable plans to connect students with resources and counsel faculty/staff in handling student needs and behavior.
Duluth
- Chabad, Duluth
- Duluth Counseling Services
- Islamic Center of the Twin Ports
- Multicultural Center
- Muslim Student Association of Duluth
- Office of Diversity and Inclusion
- Report a Bias Incident
Morris
- Equity and Diversity Committee
- Equity, Diversity & Intercultural Programs
- Equity, Diversity & Intercultural Resources
- International Student Program
- Jewish Student Union Campus Club
- Morris Student Counseling
- Muslim Student Association
- Report a Bias Incident
Rochester
- Black Student Union
- Chabad of Southern Minnesota
- Diversity Inclusion Committee
- Intercultural Student Center
- Intercultural Learning and Development Resources
- Intercultural Reading Resources
- Muslim Student Association
- Report a Bias Incident
- Rochester Counseling Services
- Students for Tibet Association Rochester
Twin Cities
Reporting, Safety, Mental Health, and Reflection Spaces
- Bias Response and Referral Network
- Boynton Mental Health
- Boynton Health's Urgent & Crisis Counseling
Same-day counseling services are available for students experiencing urgent/crisis mental health concerns Monday - Friday, 8:00 am-4:30 pm; call 612-624-1444 or go to the 4th floor of the Boynton Health clinic, and a staff member will provide the next steps. - BeWell: A wellbeing Resource for the Health Sciences Student Community
- CFANS Wellness Navigator
- Let's Talk
Let’s Talk provides informal virtual and in-person drop-in consultations for U of M students throughout the academic year. No appointment is necessary, so you can drop in during the scheduled times. - Reflection Rooms in Wilson Library and Walter Library
- Resources for Students and Scholars During a Crisis in their Home Country from International Student and Scholar Services (ISS)
- Safe Campus
- Student Counseling Services
Associations, Groups, and Cultural Centers
- Al-Madinah Cultural Center
- Arab Student Association
- BIPOC Health Professional Student Collective
- Chabad at the University of Minnesota
- Chroma Collective Student Group, College of Design
An intentional space for BIPOC in the College of Design - Connexions International
- Design Justice Initiative
Resources from the College of Design, including the Design Justice Collective, course information, and more - Minnesota Hillel
- Mu Upsilon (UMN) Chapter of the Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity
- Muslim Students Association
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pi Jewish Sorority
- Muslim Student Dental Association
- Muslim Medical Student Association
- Muslim Law Student Association
Faculty & Staff Resources
- Diversity Community of Practice
A systemwide grassroots community of faculty and staff - Employee Assistance Program
Provides confidential professional consultation and referral services to address any personal or work concern that may be affecting your wellbeing - Office for Conflict Resolution (OCR)
OCR provides formal and informal conflict resolution services to non-union-represented University faculty, staff, and students who are experiencing employment-related conflicts - Office for Equity & Diversity Education Program
- Equal Opportunity & Title IX Office
Responds to reports of discrimination and related retaliation through informal problem-solving or formal investigation - Safe Campus
- U of M Affinity Groups
Volunteer-run affinity groups
Educational Opportunities
- Center for Educational Innovation
Provides research-informed, transformative, and inclusive leadership in teaching and learning across the University of Minnesota system - Center for Jewish Studies
- Discussion Guide from the School of Public Health: Reckoning with Violence and Crises
- Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing
Virtual and in-person workshops, events, courses, and wellbeing series - Islamic Studies
- Listening Intentionally to Support Student Mental Health and Wellness
Video from the Office for Student Affairs - Equity & Diversity Education Program
- Making Effective Referrals
Video from the Office for Student Affairs covering best practices to assist faculty and staff in building their competence and confidence in supporting student mental health - Workplace Compassion Amid Conflict
Guide for leaders to support their employees
Collected Resources for Instructors
- Teaching in Times of Crisis
Vanderbilt University - Framework for Teaching Controversial Issues
Judy Pace - Trauma-Informed Teaching: Diversity and Inclusion
Indiana University Bloomington - Trauma-Informed Teaching
CSUF - Faculty Development Center - Teaching Materials on Antisemitism and Racism
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum - Islamophobia is Racism
This resource was developed by the following individuals: NSu’ad Abdul Khabeer, Arshad Ali, Evelyn Alsultany, Sohail Daulatzai, Lara Deeb, Carol Fadda, Zareena Grewal, Juliane Hammer, Nadine Naber, and Junaid Rana
Freedom of Expression
University Policy
Several policies at the University of Minnesota reaffirm students’ right to free expression.
Board of Regents Policy: Academic Freedom and Responsibility
Academic freedom is the freedom, without institutional discipline or restraint, to discuss all relevant matters in the classroom, to explore all avenues of scholarship, research, and creative expression, and to speak or write on matters of public concern as well as on matters related to professional duties and the functioning of the University.Board of Regents policy: Student Conduct Code
The Student Conduct Code governs the conduct of all University of Minnesota students. Students rights and responsibilities under the First Amendment is key feature of the Code’s guiding principles.Board of Regents policy: Code of Conduct
The Code of Conduct applies to Regents, administrators, staff, and faculty. It further establishes the University’s commitment to promoting academic freedom and responsibility for all staff, faculty and Regents.
Protesting and Planning and Event
Given that the University of Minnesota is a public institution, it cannot unreasonably limit students’ First Amendment rights. Learn about protesting at the U of M.
Before planning an event, we encourage reading through the University’s policies regarding event management and planning. Learn about planning an event at the U of M.