With finals looming on the horizon, the University Counseling Center is preparing a weeklong series of events to help support students as they approach the finish line of the academic year.
Set to kick off on Monday, March 25, Mindful March Madness will include interactive games, hands-on activities, a mental health screening event and more.
“After spring break, students are in for an intense seven weeks before they enter finals week. We want to show our support for our Rockets and center their mental health and well-being in the process by meeting them where they are,” said LaTasha Sullivan, director of the Counseling Center. “We aim to be intentional in meeting students and highlighting resources, services and information that can support them.”
Located in the University Health Center, the University Counseling Center offers students free and confidential services including individual and group counseling, mental health and awareness programming and crisis intervention services.
Mindful March Madness will begin with an opportunity for students to make friendship bracelets, pet puppies and participate in an engaging activity from the National Alliance of Mental Illness from noon to 3 p.m. Monday, March 25, in Carlson Library Room 1005. In the evening students are encouraged to visit Doermann Theatre at 7 p.m. for a free screening of “The Color Purple” with complimentary drinks and snacks.
More events open to faculty, staff and students will be held throughout the week, including:
• Out of Your Mind, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26. Participate in an interactive game hosted by the Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs and Addiction This engaging event will explore the intersections of mental health and substance use.
• Meals, Movement and Mental Health, starting at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 26. Discover foods that can boost your mood, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Rocket Dining will serve free dessert fruit kabob samples along with tips on healthy eating. Then the Student Recreation Center will be hosting a free yoga class from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. The day will conclude with Late Night at the Rec from 8 to 9 p.m., with students able to participate in an array of activities including creating fidget spinners.
Mindful March Madness also will host several Wellness Check-In events from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 27, and Friday, March 29, in the Parks Tower Café and Mulford Library Room 420, respectively. Students will be able to take a mental health screening, speak with a therapist about their results and learn healthy coping skills.
On Friday, March 29, the center will hold an in-person STAR suicide prevention training in the Collier Building Room 3410/12.
Registration is required for the STAR training. A full schedule of events and sign-up links are available on the University Counseling Center website and on Invonet.
If you or someone you know is thinking or talking about suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org for additional resources.
