Supporting students all summer

Although campus is quieter during the summer months, employees across the university remain focused on supporting students, whether they are taking classes or summer internships, living or working on or near campus, or relying on university services and resources.

“Student Affairs services remain available throughout the summer because we want students to stay connected,” said Amanda Kraus, vice president for Student Affairs.

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Kraus emphasized the importance of maintaining consistent services so students can easily access what they need when they need it.

“If students find themselves in a situation where they need support, advice or resources to navigate a difficult circumstance, we’re here and we want them to know that,” added Kraus. “We’re here all year and we want to make sure students know they’re welcome to reach out to us at any time.”

Thanks to these dedicated employees, students can access a range of resources to support their physical and emotional health as well as academic success.

Housing and basic needs

Employees across campus continue to connect students with resources to help them meet essential needs, from housing and food access to clothing and emergency assistance.

On-campus housing through Housing and Residential Life allows students to live close to their classes or internships, while the Campus Pantry and Campus Closet provide food and clothing resources to both students and employees.

The Dean of Students Office’s Student Assistance team also remains available to help students navigate personal crises, life challenges, health issues and academic struggles.

Health and well-being

Employees at Campus Health and Counseling & Psych Services continue to provide medical, mental health and wellness services throughout the summer, including urgent care, primary care, counseling, nutrition, physical therapy and women’s health services.

“Health and wellness are year-long priorities,” said Carrie Johnson, assistant director of health promotion for Campus Health. “Like any other time of transition or change, summer may also pose challenges that students could use support with.”

Johnson said Campus Health and CAPS use the summer to review student data and trends to prepare fall services and programming. The teams also engage in outreach for new students, parents and back-to-school programs.

Facilities Services

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Around 650 Facilities and Planning employees across the state are continuing their work throughout the summer to keep campus welcoming and safe while creating and maintaining facilities that support research, learning and student success.

Among the key projects crews will continue to work on over the summer is a future residence hall on the northwest corner of East Speedway Boulevard and North Campbell Avenue, set to open in time for the fall 2028 semester. Other ongoing efforts include a renovation of a large lecture hall in the Modern Languages building and construction of the new Medical Innovations Building at the Phoenix Bioscience Core in downtown Phoenix.

"Much of our work happens when campus is quieter, but the impact is felt every day," said Joshua Wright, chief facilities and planning officer. "The summer months give our teams the opportunity to make significant progress on projects that will benefit the university for years to come."

Recreation

Campus Recreation employees help students stay active and connected during the summer. 

Many programs and all three locations remain open with summer hours posted online. This includes open swim, gyms, weight rooms, courts, group fitness classes, indoor track, the Outdoor Rental Center, the Bouldering Wall and more.

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Summer is also the busiest time of year for Campus Rec youth programs, where counselors at “A” Camp lead activities for elementary students at South Rec. 

Supporting academic success

Employees also remain committed to assisting students academically, including through University Libraries.

The Health Sciences Library – Tucson and Special Collections remain open the same hours as during the academic year, while the Main Library and Weaver Library operate with reduced hours. Students can connect with staff online, by phone or in person at the Ask Us lobby desk and borrow equipment for their projects. 

Students can also continue to take advantage of CATalyst Studios, where staff offer one-on-one consultations in the makerspace. At Wildcats Memory Lab, employees show community members how to digitize vinyl records, photos, CDs and other content.

Behind the scenes, library employees are preparing the new Special Collections exhibit opening this fall, "De Manteles Largos: Celebrating Foods of the U.S.-Mexico Borderlands."

While campus may slow down during the summer, supporting student success is a year-round commitment for employees throughout the university.

“If students have a question, concern or a situation occurs over the summer, we’re available to provide support and offer resources that may be critical for their health and well-being as well as their academic success,” said Kraus.

Employees at U of A museums also offer students, employees and community members a chance to stay cool while exploring art, culture, science and more. Read more about the museums and attractions open this summer.