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 today, March 24, Mindful March Madness will include interactive hands-on activities, therapy dogs, mental health screening events and more.
“This year, the Counseling Center has serviced over 500 unique students in direct mental healthcare. We know that many students are not ready to come see us at the center, so these events are for us to come see them where they are,” said Dr. LaTasha Sullivan, director of the Counseling Center. “We hope to engage students in screening to increase their opportunity for early awareness and prevention. Our events focus on supporting students, building a healthy community, engaging in positive mental health activities and sharing useful resources.”
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.
Scheduled events include:
• Monday, March 24: Mental Health Screening Day is scheduled from noon to 3 p.m. in Carlson Library Room 1005. Take a mental health screening and speak with a counselor about your results. Engage in self-care by making an essential oil roller and creating affirmation pouches in partnership with the National Alliance for Mental Illness.
• Tuesday, March 25: Style Your Stuffie from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Carlson Library Room 1005. Spend time with adorable puppies in partnership with Residence Life and get creative by making a stuffed animal. Then style a stuffie to keep for yourself, gift to someone you know or donate to charity.
• Wednesday, March 26: CASE, CARE and Careers Tabling with CASE from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Rocket Kids Room. Join Career Services to explore campus and community resources. Snacks and lunch bags will be given away while supplies last.
• Thursday, March 27: Self-Care Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at eight participating offices and locations across Main Campus. Take a break for self-care and enjoy engaging, relaxing activities across campus, such as creating your own Zen garden, utilizing the free massage chairs on campus or working on a mandala project. The Student Recreation Center will host movement stations, while Rocket Dining will offer nutrition-focused activities.
• Friday, March 28: Bubbles With Bubbles from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Mulford Library Room 420. Join the Counseling Center for another opportunity to take a mental health screening and discuss your results with a counselor. Craft bubble art and spend time with Bubbles, the therapy dog.
A full schedule of events is available on Involvement Network.
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.
