Upcoming Study Breaks and Well-being Resources for You
Dear Students,
I am writing to share well-being resources that I hope will be helpful as you navigate the end of this academic year.
The end of an academic year can be stressful, please lean in to support where needed. As Shatize shared in her Student Voice blog (more below), “never be afraid to ask for help.” I hope you find a moment to take a break, whether it's attending one of the upcoming study breaks in this email or finding a few minutes on your own for a meditation, a walk, or something else you enjoy. Short breaks can go a long way.
If this is your final semester, congratulations! Please pause to reflect on and celebrate your accomplishments. I am wishing you every success in your next chapter and hope you will stay in contact with me via LinkedIn. I’d also like to acknowledge that amidst the fun and excitement of commencement season, this moment of change can be overwhelming. I encourage you to stay connected to the peers and mentors you know here, as well as to access the benefits of Columbia’s alumni network.
Need to Talk to Someone?
- Morningside/Manhattanville Students: Support is available from Columbia Health through virtual drop-ins with an Alice! Health Promotion specialist, Wellness Coaching, urgent mental health concerns drop-in and problem-solving/coping skills drop-in with a Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) provider. CPS is also available 24/7 at 212-854-2878, if you need immediate assistance.
- Columbia Health’s Coping Tools guide provides additional supportive resources.
- CUIMC Students: Support is available from Student Health on Haven through support sessions, individual counseling, and well-being strategy sessions. Student Health on Haven is also available 24/7 at 212-305-3400, if you need immediate assistance.
- Student Health on Haven’s Coping with Uncertainty and Transition guide provides additional supportive resources.
- All Students: Breathing Space (In-Person). Religious Life invites you to an open space where you can talk to a peer counselor, drink some tea, or just relax. Drop by May 2 and May 3 from 3:00 - 6:00 PM. Learn more.
Get to Know Resources at the Center for Student Success and Intervention
The Center for Student Success and Intervention (CSSI) is available to support you through all of the circumstances you may face during your journey at Columbia. Check out their new website and resources available to you. Recently, CSSI, in partnership with The Food Pantry at Columbia, has reopened its CUIMC location.
Student Spotlight
Shatize Pope: Finding My Village at Columbia
Shatize Pope, GS'23, shares her journey as a student and parent at Columbia – from acclimating to Columbia during the COVID-19 lockdown to finding her “village” through the University Life Ambassador program, her work at Community Impact, and more.
“Never be afraid to ask for help. I definitely had to learn that because I am someone who feels as though I have to do everything on my own.” - Shatize Pope, GS'23
Well-being Tip: Powering Down for the Night
Sunlight in the morning tells your body it’s time to wake up and can help you feel awake and productive throughout the day. In the evening, set an alarm to remind yourself to power down your computer, TV and cell phone screens 30 minutes before bed. An eye mask or black out curtains can also be helpful if the city lights are keeping your room too bright at night. More tips on how to sleep better.
Financial Well-being: Understanding Student Loan Repayment Options
Check out this video from iGrad for a brief overview of the many types of repayment plans. iGrad is a free resource available to all Columbia students, even after you graduate.
University Life Well-being Events
- Night at Butler (In-Person). Decompress before finals with the University Life Events Council and Columbia Libraries. You can make your own Zen garden or pet rock, hang with therapy dogs, relax with a guided meditation, and enjoy snacks – including Insomnia Cookies! Thursday, April 27, 6:00 - 8:00 PM. Register here.
- Yoga Class (In-Person). Take a break and relax with yoga in Earl Hall, hosted by Religious Life every Thursday. Please bring your own mat and arrive 5-10 minutes early to sign in and set up. Thursdays, 5:00 - 6:00 PM. Learn more.
- Study Days (In-Person). Religious Life will open the Earl Hall Auditorium and provide tea, snacks, and a study space. Tuesday, May 2 - Thursday, May 11. Times vary. Learn more.
More Well-being Events, Opportunities, and Resources
- Peace & Presence Workshops (Virtual - Open to All Students). Peace & Presence is a mindfulness series of diverse holistic wellness workshops. Hosted by Columbia Health Sexual Violence Response (SVR).
- AIMS Addiction Rounds: Building a Positive Relationship with Food and Exercise (In-Person - Open to CUIMC students). Explore ways to make food work for you and foster positive ways to nourish your mind and body. The session will discuss strategies that support positive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors surrounding eating and exercise. VEC 902/903. Thursday, April 27, 12:30 - 1:30 PM. Hosted by Student Health on Haven Addiction Information and Management Strategies (AIMS).
- Dog Therapy Study Break (In-Person - Open to All Students). Take a break with therapy dogs and relaxing activities! First come, first served. Please wear a mask and bring your CUID. Hosted by Columbia Health Alice! Health Promotion.
- Vagina Obscura: History of the Female Body Through the Eyes of Medicine (Virtual - Open to CUIMC Students). Rachel E. Gross, author of Vagina Obscura: An Anatomical Voyage, will explore the practical impact of science’s neglect of “female bodies.” Part of SVR’s programming for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Friday, April 28, 1:00 - 2:00 PM. Register here.
- 2023 Lavender Graduation Celebration at CUIMC (In-Person - Open to CUIMC Students). You can request a rainbow tassel even if you are unable to attend! Light refreshments will be provided for all attendees. Tuesday, May 2, 12:00 - 2:00 PM. Register here.
- Guided Meditations (In-Person & Virtual - Open to CUIMC Students). In collaboration with the Augustus C. Long Health Sciences Library, Student Health on Haven 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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