Published on March 29, 2021

Hello CASE scholars and supporters!

I hope you all are enjoying a well-deserved, safe and relaxing Spring Break 2021! There have been many news reports and videos surfacing on social media showing several spring breakers not following CDC guidelines when visiting the top “spots” for spring break. The CASE team hopes you continue to practice the safety and security measures that will allow you to return to Mizzou in a safe and healthy manner. As you know, there are still a few weeks remaining before we wrap up the 2020-2021 academic year.

I wanted to offer my top five Spring Break tips, whether you are traveling to a popular spot or staying close to home with family/friends (adopted from Virginia Tech University Office of Safety and Security).

1. Drive and arrive safely. Buckle up and take good care on the road. Of course, never drink and drive and ensure there will be a designated driver if alcohol will be present. Or, simply call an Uber, Lyft or taxi.
2. Create a secret code word that only your close friends will know so that your friends will know if you are uncomfortable or unsafe. Hear that word, then send help, fast!
3. Eat right, hydrate and wear sunscreen. It’s important to maintain overall health (eating, sleeping, hydration and protection from the sun) while on break.
4. Protect your location on social media. Sharing too much information about your location on social media may endanger your safety.
5. Use the buddy system when venturing out to a social event.  Never leave a party with a stranger and establish a meeting place if you get separated. If you leave without your friends, give your friends details about where you’re going and when to expect you back.
6. Bonus—Remember we care about you and your mental health. We can’t wait for you to return safely so we can finish up for the semester strong!

Take care and we’ll see you all soon.  As always, let us know if you have any questions.

E. Andre Thorn, Ph.D
Director, Center for Academic Success and Excellence (CASE)
“Serving Students Since 1995”
110 Student Success Center, 909 Lowry Mall
Columbia, MO  65211
P: 573-882-9208
F: 573-884-4353
www.case.missouri.edu

Indigenous Peoples and Lands Acknowledgement:
I would like to acknowledge that I work in what is colonially known as “Missouri,” and that these were the homelands of the tribal nations of the Nutachi (Missouria), Jiwere (Otoe), Wahzhazhe (Osage), Ogáxpa (Quapaw), Chikasha (Chickasaw), Illini, and Báxoǰe (Ioway), among others.