The Gatepost Editorial: Stay connected over the holidays

By The Gatepost Editorial Board

Congratulations, Rams! We have made it to the end of another exciting and rewarding semester. 

As the last week of the semester wraps up and preparation for finals begins, students are beginning to look forward to a break for the holidays. 

Many of us will be headed home for the holidays, but there is a significant population, including international students and athletes, who spend part or all of their winter break on campus in the residence halls. 

Availability of campus resources over break is different than students may be used to during the semester. For those who do stay on campus, here are some notable changes and resources you can turn to during winter break.

Most importantly, the Dining Commons are closed to students beginning Dec. 19 through Jan. 18 at 9:30 a.m. Ram’s Den Grille and Sandella’s are also closed during this time. 

While there are a plethora of dining locations around Framingham, dining out may be too costly for students supporting themselves throughout the month. 

The Rams Resource Center (RRC), which provides students with non-perishable food items and toiletries, is open during winter break on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. beginning on Dec. 22. 

Students can make an appointment to visit the RRC outside of its normal pantry hours by calling the Dean of Students Office at (508) 626-4596. 

For students who need more financial assistance, the Dean of Students and Lorretta Holloway, vice president of Student Success, are available to connect you with resources.

In addition, the Independent Association of Framingham State Alumni (IAFSA) has a Gap Emergency Fund as a source of emergency funding for students facing sudden financial need. Reach out to office@alumnihouse.org.

In addition to the Dining Commons’ closure, the RamTram and Student Transportation Center will also be closed Dec. 19 to Jan. 24.

However, students at Framingham State have access to Catch Connect, a free transit service provided through the MetroWest Regional Transit Authority. 

This is an entirely free service for Framingham State students requiring only an FSU student email address to register for free trips. Students must download the Catch App to request a trip. Once registered, students can input the desired location such as Target, the Natick Mall, or the Commuter Rail and can be picked up at the MWRTA bus stop located on State Street outside of the McCarthy Center. 

Note: Catch Connect does not operate on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day. 

The Health and Counseling Centers will both be available to students with limited hours. The winter break hours for both offices will be listed on their page on framingham.edu in the coming days.

In the case of a medical emergency, if you are on campus, call University Police at (508) 626-4911. If you or someone you know on campus is having a mental health crisis, the Counseling Center encourages students to call Advocates Psychiatric Emergency Services 24/7 at (508) 872-3333 or the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. 

In addition, Residence Life staff, including resident assistants (RAs) and professional staff, will be on campus and in the Residence Halls to assist students over break. 

RAs are on duty on weeknights from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. and 24 hours on weekends, including during holidays. 

If you are staying on campus for winter break, know that you are not alone. Every resource listed above is available to make your time on campus as enjoyable and comfortable as possible during winter break. 

If you know a friend staying on campus over break, reach out and check in with them during winter break. 

Take this time to reach out to family and friends and recharge in preparation for next semester. 

See you in January!