Midterm Study Breaks, Creating an Inclusive Community, and Well-being Resources for You!

Dear Students,

I am writing to share well-being resources with you that I hope will be helpful. I know that the middle of the semester can be busy or feel overwhelming at times. I encourage you to take breaks and to connect with your community and centers of support—something that often helps me to breathe, recenter, and take actionable steps forward. 

An important part of caring for ourselves and our community is working together to foster a sense of inclusion and belonging throughout Columbia. Small actions of kindness can go a long way: saying hello to someone you don’t normally talk to, sending a note to a classmate who is sick to offer support, or inviting someone new to study with you. These moments can help you to feel connected to the larger community and also support your own well-being in return. 

We all play a role in making Columbia a welcoming environment for all of our community members. One important step in ensuring an inclusive community is taking the time to learn about what a bias incident is and how to report them. Our community is stronger when we are supporting and looking out for one another.

I hope you were able to find time to rest over the break and that you find these resources beneficial.

Well-being Tip: Looking to improve your time management skills?  

In the evening, write down how you plan to spend your day tomorrow. Be as specific as you can about the activities you hope to do and how long you think they will take. You could use this 1440 form from Columbia Health, your own notebook, or a calendar app. Then, the following evening, write down how you actually spent your day. How much did it differ from your plan? Try to be honest with yourself and reflect on your day without judgment. Simply use this moment to reflect on what you set out to do versus what actually happened, then set the agenda for tomorrow. Over time, you can learn where you’re spending the majority of your time and if there are ways to restructure your schedule to benefit you most.

Financial Well-being: Taking Care of Taxes

The deadline to file taxes is Monday, April 18. iGrad has a guide to help you prepare to file. Questions? Feeling overwhelmed? Join Student Financial Services and University Life for a webinar answering your questions about student finances this tax season. Monday, March 27, 4:00 - 5:00 PM. Register here.

Alice! says… With the weather warming up, you may be planning to enjoy spring activities and celebrations. If you choose to drink while socializing, you can do so while looking out for yourself and those around you. Check out the Go Ask Alice! Q&A How can I help my drunk friend? for tips on being smart, safe, and responsible while enjoying the vibes.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month – I am & I can

This April, Columbia Health Sexual Violence Response (SVR) reminds the community that from small steps to big leaps and everything in between, whoever you are or wherever you are from, you CAN help build a compassionate and accountable community where sexual assault can end. These upcoming events are open to all students.

• Disrupting the Culture of Online Sexual Violence (Virtual). Speaker Adam Dodge (EndTAB) discusses what abuse in online spaces looks like, how different genders experience it, and how can we be part of the solution. Friday, April 14, 12:00 - 1:30 PM. Register here.
• Kinky And Curious: Skills for Consensual Kink 101 (Virtual). Sex & pleasure educator Luna Matatas will be busting myths about kink, teaching skills like communicating your fantasy, giving and receiving consent, exploring fantasies and navigating shame. Tuesday, April 18, 6:00 - 7:30 PM ET. Register here.
• Denim Day (In-Person). Stop by the Lerner Ramps to grab some swag, take the Denim Day Pledge, and participate in some myth-busting. You can share why you wear denim and your commitment to creating a community of compassion and accountability – where survivors are supported and not blamed after an assault. Wednesday, April 26, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Learn More.

Upcoming University Life Well-being Events

• Art After Five: Spring Edition (In-Person) Create art, meet students from across the University, and reflect on multiple aspects of your well-being. Available crafts will include collage, button-making, DIY flower crowns, and more! Tuesday, March 28, 5:00 - 6:00 PM. This event is part of the Graduate Initiative for Inclusion and Engagement. Register here. 
• Grab-n-Go Succulent Study Break (In-Person). Drop by for a quick Succulent Study Break! Grab a faux succulent and decorate your new plant. First come, first served – while supplies last! Wednesday, April 26, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM. Register here.

Well-being Events, Opportunities, and Resources from Columbia Health

Columbia Health supports the health and well-being needs of students from the Morningside/Manhattanville campuses. Learn more about their services and who they serve.

• Dog Therapy Study Break (In-Person). Take a break with therapy dogs and relaxing activities! First come, first served. Please wear a mask and bring your CUID. Hosted by Alice! Health Promotion in Butler 214. Friday, March 24, 2:30 - 3:30 PM. Learn more.
• Naloxone Training (Virtual). This training – open to all Columbia affiliates – teaches participants to support the community by recognizing signs of opioid overdose and administer life saving medication. Tuesday, April 4, 3:00 - 4:00 PM. Register here.

Well-being Events, Opportunities, and Resources from Student Health on Haven

Student Health on Haven supports the health and well-being needs of students from Columbia University Irving Medical Center Campus (CUIMC). Learn more about their services and who they serve.

• Support Groups and Gathering Spaces. Counseling Services providers will guide and facilitate these sessions, which include First Gen, Creating Fulfilling Relationships, Connecting Through Loss, Thriving at the Margins, and Relationship with Food and Body. Learn more.
• In-Person & Virtual Guided Meditations. In collaboration with the Augustus C. Long Health Sciences Library, Well-Being and Health Promotion is offering in-person meditation on Wednesdays at 1:30 PM in the Knowledge Center Orange Room. Zoom-based guided meditations are also available on Tuesdays at 11:30 AM and Thursdays at 3:30 PM. Learn more.

Take care,

Joseph Defraine Greenwell, Ed.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs
University Life
Gender Pronouns: He/Him/His
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