About ScarletWell

Advancing Renewal: Wellness and Healing through the Arts

• Megan Lotts, Art Librarian, Rutgers University Libraries, Art Library and Cassandra Oliveras-Moreno, Mason Gross School of the Arts, Administrator, Communications and Collaboration, Art& Design.
• The Rutgers Art Network will host 4 health and wellness workshops designed to advance a sense of healing and renewal for university faculty and staff across the disciplines, inspired by the power of art. These in-person workshops will engage attendees’ senses, particularly sight, sound, and touch. Each interdisciplinary session will provide hands-on experiences including listening, observational drawing, breathing, clay work, and massage. These replicable strategies can be practiced and applied beyond the sessions in everyday life.

Limitless Wellness at Rutgers: Where Community Meets Connection!

• Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy; Aakanksha Deoli, Assistant Professor; Anita Franzione, Full Professor of Teaching; and Stephanie Kose, Events/Program Manager, Deans Office.
• This project promotes the physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being of Rutgers faculty and staff across campuses through monthly guided tours of wellness-focused Rutgers locationssuch as gardens, recreation centers, and cultural spaces. Running from September2025 to April 2026, the initiative encourages cross-campus connection, mindfulness, and inclusion.

Look at you GROW: Wellness Blooms where you Water It

• Laura Zottarelli, Senior Program Coordinator, One Stop Student Services; Ashley Rosal, Senior Program Coordinator, One Stop Student Services; and Jay Stefanelli, Director, One Stop Student Services Center
• This program promotes employee well-being across all eight dimensions of wellness by offering accessible, engaging activities. These range from small daily moments to larger community events that foster connection, balance, and a sustainable culture of well-being in the workplace. The “Wellness Garden,” will serve as a visual representation of staff’s personal wellness journey, where staff can track their participation by collecting symbolic stickers as they participate in the wellness activities. Staff will discover that wellness blooms when you take the time to water it!

Meet your Stretch Goals: Creating Physical and Mental Flexibility

• Steven Malin, School of Arts & Sciences, Associate Professor, Kinesiology and Health; and Jillian Lynch, Program Coordinator, Student Orientation and Transition Programs/Graduate Student Life
• This wellness project features a three-part workshop series designed to enhance physical and mental well-being through stretching and goal setting. The first two sessions focus on incorporating guided stretching into morning daily routines as well as in the office to improve mobility, reduce stress, and boost focus. The third session helps participants identify meaningful personal or professional goals that push them beyond their comfort zones. By combining movement, mindfulness, and intentional reflection, the series fosters healthy habits, emotional resilience, and workplace performance. Open to Rutgers faculty and staff, the series promotes long-term wellness through shared experiences and practical strategies.

Nourish to Flourish

• Team: Barbara Sinacori, Associate Professor & Program Director, Nursing; Traci Cummings-McGreal, School of Nursing, Academic Advisor, Student Affairs; and Quawntashea Bailey, School of Nursing, Student Counselor.
• The Nourish to Flourish wellness initiative addresses the growing mental health needs of undergraduate nursing students along with staff/faculty burnout, while fostering a more connected, compassionate, and collaborative academic community. Through four wellness- centered events, the initiative creates space for students to build emotional resilience and meaningful relationships with peers, faculty, and staff. Research shows that engagement outside the classroom enhances connection and belonging. Co-hosted by faculty and staff, these events break down silos, model self-care, and promote shared engagement—humanizing campus relationships and cultivating a supportive environment for all involved to thrive personally and professionally.

Paw-sitive Connections: Fostering Wellbeing Through Pets

• Robert Kurland, Rutgers Business School Senior Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs and Assistant Professor of Professional Practice; Joanna Como, Student Services Advisor, One Stop; Kathy Dowden, Manager Supervisor, One Stop.
• Paw-sitive Connections promotes workplace wellness by allowing staff to bring well- behaved, vaccinated pets to work for a day. These events foster informal interaction, boost morale, reduce stress, and encourage cross-departmental connections. Activities include pet parades, storytelling, photo booths, and shared pet photos, creating a relaxed and empathetic atmosphere. Wellness cards featuring photos of staff pets will extend the impact beyond the events. Participation, feedback, and observed engagement will measure success. This initiative aligns with the grant’s goal of enhancing community and well- being through meaningful, shared experiences among faculty and staff.

Rooted in Wellness: Growing Health and Community Through Agriculture-Based Experiences

• Melissa Bright, County 4-H Agent & 4-H Youth Development; Lisa Rothenburger, County Extension Dept. Head and 4-H Agent II; Kate Brown, Agriculture & Natural Resources County Agent III ; Shailja Mathur, Family & Community Health Sciences Educator II; Jennifer Korneski, 4- H/FCHS Healthy Living Program Coordinator; Kristine Rappaport, Program Coordinator; Jessica Shick, Environmental Program Coordinator; and Mikaela Kane, Program Coordinator.
• Rooted in Wellness is a program for faculty and staff at the Somerset County Rutgers Cooperative Extension Office, running September 2025–April 2026. Monthly sessions will be hosted to blend agriculture, nutrition, and healthy living through hands-on activities such as potted gardening, mindful garden walks, seed starting, seasonal cooking, nutrition education, composting, and farm-to-table experiences. Grounded in the land and the cooperative spirit of Rutgers Cooperative Extension, the program will foster inclusion and collaboration among Family and Community Health Sciences, Agriculture and Natural Resources, and 4-H Youth Development. Participants will step away from screens, engage their senses, and connect through purposeful activities.

Wellness Sensory Garden: Cultivating Community, Health and Harmony

• Harna Patel, School of Environmental & Biological Sciences, Teaching Instructor, Plant Biology; Vanessa Ortiz, School of Arts & Sciences, Assistant Dean, Office of Advising and Academic Services; Dan Jacobs, Assistant Director Greenhouses; Amy Meerovich, School of Communication and Information, Student Counselor; and Mya Nester-Watt, School of Environmental & Biological Sciences, Assistant Dean Academic Programs.
• Through this program, participants will learn how to plan and care for a sensory garden, stocked with perennial herbs and native plants. Participants will have access to a ready-to-use space on Cook Campus that will allow them to focus on learning, collaboration, and sustainability of the garden. Fall/Spring workshops will be hosted outdoors and in the Floriculture Greenhouses. Examples of topics include how to get started, sustaining/cultivating a garden, winter and seasonal gardening, and appreciation for garden life.

Calisthenics for Community: The Mindfulness of Movement 

• Student Team: Ian Joy, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering; Gene Angeles; and Olex Grach 
• Faculty/Staff Lead: Joanne Hunt, Department of Kinesiology and Health, Vice Chair of Education and Administration, Internship Program Director, Assistant Teaching Professor 
• Movement with Mindfulness is a student-led wellness initiative that combines calisthenics with mental health practices to foster holistic wellbeing. Each monthly session encourages students to build physical strength and confidence through accessible workouts while also promoting self-awareness through guided mindfulness techniques. Led by student leaders with experience in calisthenics instruction, the program builds a supportive community where students can decompress, connect, and grow. By focusing on stress management and mental resilience, this initiative empowers students to create lasting wellness habits. 

Clams, Crops, and Calm: Cultivating Community through a Coastal Garden 

• Student Team: Alexandria Ambrose, Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences; Andre Ascura; and Sophia Piper  
• Faculty/Staff Sponsor: Daphne Munroe, Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Associate  Professor 
• Graduate students at Rutgers’ remote research stations often miss out on traditional on-campus student experiences. To help build stronger connections among students and field stations, a greenhouse container community garden will be installed at the Haskin Shellfish Research Laboratory in Port Norris, NJ. The garden offers students, faculty, and staff a shared space to connect, relax, and grow together outside of the traditional workday. Informal gatherings with other Rutgers agricultural field stations will be held throughout the year to exchange ideas, seeds, and gardening knowledge, supporting wellness and collaboration across Rutgers’ research community. 

Introducing Resinate! Resin Jewelry-Making as Storytelling, Self-Expression, and Everyday Empowerment! 

• Student Team: Priya Gohil, School of Arts and Sciences
• Faculty/Staff Sponsor: Sheila Tabanli,  Department of Mathematics, Assistant Teaching Professor of Mathematics 
• Resinate is a wellness-centered jewelry-making experience designed to spark creativity, mindfulness, and connection in our Scarlet community. At each workshop, Resinators create unique pieces using UV resin, natural elements like dried flowers or leaves, and playful add-ins like glitter, foil flakes, or personal touches. A tiny concert photo? A seashell from a beach? Perfect. It’s not just jewelry—it’s a piece of you. We explore social, emotional, and spiritual wellness in a calming, beginner-friendly space with relaxing music and low-pressure vibes. 

Move with Meaning: A Wellness Experience Focused on Mindful Movement, Presence, and Emotional Clarity. 

• Student Team: Victoria Valentin, Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology 
• Faculty/Staff Sponsor: Stacy Trukowski, Recreation, Director & Syndee Weinberg, Coordinator, Recreation
• Move with Meaning is a wellness series that combines mindful movement with meaningful reflection. Each 90-minute session includes a beginner-friendly yoga or Pilates class followed by guided prompts and group dialogue, all tied to a wellness theme like resilience, self-awareness, or joy. Rooted in the 8-Dimensional Wellness Model, the program is designed to help participants slow down, connect with themselves, and build community. Sessions are trauma-informed and inclusive, with flexible ways to engage, whether through movement, conversation, or optional pre-class podcast reflections. It’s about meeting yourself where you are and walking away feeling more centered and recharged. 

Beloved, A Night for Women 

• Student Team: Karina Hapun, Rutgers Catholic Center 
• Faculty/Staff Sponsor: Sr. Anna Palka, Rutgers Catholic Center, Catholic Campus Minister 
• Women’s Nights are gatherings that offer a welcoming space for women to develop friendships, grow in faith, and feel uplifted alongside other amazing women. These evenings are a time to participate in an activity, share snacks, and discuss topics relevant to living out Catholic values in college. Through small acts of kindness, community, and encouragement, these events affirm women’s dignity and worth. We hope to expand these efforts year-round and reach more women, deepen connections, and foster joy, confidence, and belonging across campus. 

Trail Doodles: Incorporating Art and the Outdoors for Wellness 

• Student Team: Anastasia Ikhelson, School of Arts and Sciences; Olivia Korab; and Phoenix Kotsatos. 
• Faculty/Staff Sponsor: Traci Cummings-McGreal, School of Nursing, Academic Advisor  
• Rutgers University students that are interested in Trail Doodles will have the opportunity to take a hike alongside the Rutgers University Outdoors Club and become acquainted with the outdoors and pursue wellness through a combination of artistic expression and environmental exploration. Participants will be provided with a sketchbook and art supplies that they will use during a brief reflection time, where we will pause the hike and encourage all hikers to find a quiet and beautiful space on the trail within view to make art inspired by the nature around them. Students will develop a connection with their surroundings through awareness and appreciation and feel more grounded, balanced, and at peace. 

• DoCS Fit for Life: A Workplace Program for Fostering a Culture of Lifelong Learning, Connection, and Holistic Well-Being
  Team: David Shernoff and Deana Pagnozzi; Department/School: Rutgers Center for Mathematics, Science and Computer Education and Rutgers University Inn and Conference Center/ Division of Continuing Studies
  An ongoing education initiative, aligned with the Division of Continuing Studies’ core values of employee wellness, care, and health.
• Nature Walks, Talks and Journaling
  Team: Mary Nucci and Joseph Ventola; Department/School: Human Ecology, Office of Academic Programs/ School of Environmental & Biological Sciences
  Nature Walks, Talks and Journaling series to engage participants in nature through the combination of a focused nature journaling activity on the Rutgers campus, a guided wellness walk, and will be capped by social time over tea followed by nature journaling.
• Tranquility Together: Rutgers Cooperative Extension Virtual Book Study 
  Team: Rachel Lyons and Kathleen Howell; Department/School: 4-H Youth Development, Rutgers Cooperative Extension/ School of Environmental & Biological Sciences
  A virtual book study based on Laura Vanderkam's, "Tranquility by Tuesday" will address the wellness needs of the geographically dispersed RCE employees.
• ScarletFit: Creating community through Physical, Interpersonal, and Environmental Wellness Activities
  Team: Jamey Lister and Alyssa Juntilla; Department/School: School of Social Work
  ScarletWell Wellness Club meetings weekly to walk, run, or exercise together at parks with accessible paths and green-space areas across the Rutgers-New Brunswick campuses.
• The Care Cart
  Team: Megan Gerity and Lori Sarah Chimento Baig; Department/School: Institute for Families/ School of Social Work
  The Wellness Wagon cart filled with wellness items that provide a brief respite during the week for all faculty and staff.
• The Limitless League
  Team: Aakanksha Deoli, Stephanie Kose-Crozier, and Anita Franzione; Department/School: Bloustein School/ Bloustein School of Planning & Public Policy
  A 90-day fitness challenge with various activities designed to enhance physical and mental well-being of our faculty and staff at the Bloustein School.
• Embodied Wellness and Connection Through Polestar Pilates Mat
  Team: Frederick Curry and  Michael Saxe; Department/School: Dance, Student Affairs/ Mason Gross School of the Arts
  Pilates Mat classes to support the wellness needs of Rutgers New Brunswick staff and faculty.
• Cultivating Wellness at Work through Nature-based Practices
  Team: Gary Altman and Safiena Salaman; Department/School: Plant Biology/ School of Environmental & Biological Sciences
  Events focused on therapeutic horticulture and aromatherapy for wellness to staff and faculty of Rutgers.

• Basketball as a Tool to Promote Wellness
  Student Lead and Wellness Champion: Alexander Gamble; Faculty Sponsor: Pete Economou (Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology)
  Pick-up basketball games to promote movement and reduce stress.
• Rhythm and Recovery: Dance for Mental Health
  Student Lead and Wellness Champions: Jacqueline Finley, Ava Mortillaro, and Zina Ogunnaya; Faculty Sponsor: Jeff Friedman (Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology; Mason Gross School of the Arts)
  Movement sessions to foster individual creativity and promote interpersonal relationships.
• Dance Therapy: Growth in 8 Dimensions
  Student Lead and Wellness Champion: Zina Ogunnaya; Faculty Sponsor: Stacy Trukowski (Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology; Recreation; Student Affairs)
  Dance workshops that integrate the 8 Dimensions of Wellness model to enhance wellbeing.
• Birds of a Feather: Building Community through Bird Watching
  Student Lead and Wellness Champion: Jade Tollis; Faculty Sponsor: Richard Lathrop (School of Environmental and Biological Sciences)
  Bird Feeding Station renovation and bird-watching walks to connect and enjoy the outdoors.
• Planting a Healthy Mindset!
  Student Lead and Wellness Champion: Juliette Loftus; Faculty Sponsors: Nrupali Patel and Gary Altman (School of Environmental and Biological Sciences)
  Therapeutic horticulture sessions for creativity, emotional, and social wellness.
• Scarlet Sing and Sway
  Student Lead and Wellness Champion: Aruna Krishnan; Faculty Sponsor: Sharon Glazer (Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology)
  Karaoke nights to enhance student life and build a stronger, inclusive community through music and social interaction.
• Un-mess Your Stress
  Student Lead and Wellness Champion: Tsu-Yi Chien (Joy); Faculty Sponsor: Richard Dool (School of Communication and Information)
  Events series to promote holistic health through creative, interactive activities.
• Rutgers Social Run Club
  Student Lead and Wellness Champion: Ishan Gupta; Faculty Sponsor: Shelia Tabanli (Rutgers Business School)
  Social running club to enhance community building, inclusivity, and fitness for all levels.
• Nourishing Wellness: Engaging Rutgers Students in Holistic Health
  Student Lead and Wellness Champion: Carys Neill; Faculty Sponsor: Peggy Policastro (School of Environmental and Biological Sciences)
  Interactive wellness booths to empower students to prioritize their wellness and strengthen community connections.
• Wellness through Clay
  Student Lead and Wellness Champion: Vivian Glenn; Faculty Sponsor: Sheila Tabanli (School of Arts and Sciences)
  Pottery workshops to benefit physical wellbeing through handwork, alleviate stress, and bolster self-expression.
• Introduction to Zen
  Student Lead and Wellness Champion: Hyun Sunwoo; Faculty Sponsor: Hee Chung Chun (School of Communication and Information; Department of Asian Languages and Cultures, School of Arts and Sciences)
  Workshops on the benefits of meditation and mindfulness for mental health and well-being.
• Better Me with BME
  Student Lead and Wellness Champion: Rebecca Risman; Faculty Sponsor: Kristen Labazzo (School of Engineering)
  Campus walks to encourage incorporation of movement into daily life and enjoyment of the outdoors.
• Visible
  Student Lead and Wellness Champions: Trina Baptista and Charley Wang; Faculty Sponsor: Don Schaffner (School of Environmental and Biological Sciences)
  Mini-event series focused on underrepresented groups in food science to provide information, connections, and community.
• Bob Ross Like A Boss
  Student Lead and Wellness Champion: Priya Gohil; Faculty Sponsor: Sheila Tabanli (Rutgers Business School)  ​​​​​​​Unleash your inner artist at Bob Ross Like A Boss, a paint & sip event where you can follow a Bob  Ross tutorial or free-paint your own masterpiece with guidance from skilled painters, all while enjoying themed mocktails—because, like Bob, we believe there are no mistakes, just happy little accidents!
• CAPS Open House to Promote Wellness and Connection
  Student Lead and Wellness Champion: Sahithya Suryanarayanan; Faculty Sponsor: Jennifer Jones-Damis (Counseling, Alcohol and Other Drug Assistance Program and Psychiatric Services (CAPS))
  Mental Health Open House Day to destigmatize mental health and connect to free resources.
• Cooking Confidence: Mastering Grocery Shopping and Meal Preparation on a Budget
  Student Lead and Wellness Champion: Naomi Zafir; Faculty Sponsor: Alexandra Ceribelli (School of Arts and Sciences; Harvest at Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health)
  Interactive seminars to teach students how to grocery shop for wellness.

Rutgers Business School

• Alfred Blake
• Gavin Cummings
• Robert Kurland

Dining Services

• Shawna Dempsey

Educational Opportunity Fund

• Zena Jubilee

Graduate School of Education

• Vallarine Paynter

Learning Centers

• Jennifer Denard

Mason Gross School of the Arts

• Lisa Sanon-Jules
• Christine Whalen Bender

Math & Physical Sciences

• Geeta Govindarajoo

Nursing

• Quawntashea Bailey    
• Traci Cummings-McGreal 

One Stop Student Services 

• Nicole Chen
• Joanna Como
• Kathy Dowden
• Stephanie Jones
• Alexis Morales
• Ashley Rosal
• Laura Zottarelli

Recreation

• Rebecca Bastuga
• Paul Fischbach

School of Arts and Sciences

• Erica Anderson
• Lauren Carino
• Vanessa Ortiz

School of Engineering

• Iris Zipkin

School of Management and Labor Relations

• Rebecca Tinkham

Student Affairs

• Jeff Broggi
• Mackenzie Carey
• Pamela Harris
• Alicia Jenkins
• John Leciejewski
• Amber Schreck
• Phillip Smith
• Maddy Zijdel

Undergraduate Admissions

• Ryan Lynch

On June 3, 2025, at the Rutgers Garden Pavilion, 35 Rutgers-NB staff and 5 Rutgers Health faculty received recognition for earning the Peer Support Leader micro-credential, demonstrating their commitment and competence in supporting their colleagues and serving as Wellness Champions. Their commitment to training and participating in monthly peer support sessions to practice and refine skills over the past nine months is commendable!  Supporting staff in the workplace is important to promote professional fulfillment, work life balance, and to prevent burnout.  These Peer Support Leaders’ passion for connection and wellness will strengthen our Rutgers University–New Brunswick community. Congratulations to all!

Description: This session provides an overview of wellness and its connection to mental health. Participants will learn about the eight dimensions of wellness and how they interrelate to influence mental health. The session will highlight the importance of maintaining balance in these areas and provide practical strategies for integrating wellness practices into daily life. Attendees will also explore common mental health challenges and the impact of stress on mental health. This workshop aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage proactive approaches to mental health.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding the eight dimensions of wellness.
• Recognizing the signs and impact of mental health issues.
• Strategies for incorporating wellness practices into everyday routines.

Description: This interactive workshop focuses on the development of personalized self-care plans to promote good mental health. Participants will engage in activities to identify their self-care needs and explore various self-care techniques. The session will cover self-care, emphasizing the importance of regular self-assessment and adaptation of self-care strategies. Attendees will leave with a concrete wellness self-care plan tailored to their individual needs and circumstances.

Key Takeaways:

• Identification of personal self-care needs within the 8 dimensions
• Exploration of diverse self-care strategies
• Development of a personalized wellness self-care plan

Description: Effective communication is crucial for fostering a supportive learning environment. This workshop equips educators and academic staff with the skills to communicate supportively with learners, enhancing their academic and personal success. Participants will learn techniques for active listening and providing constructive feedback. The session will also address strategies for recognizing and responding to students' mental health needs and building strong, supportive relationships.

Key Takeaways:

• Techniques for active listening and effective communication.
• Strategies for providing constructive feedback.
• Methods for creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
• Approaches to recognizing and addressing students' mental health needs.

Description: This session aims to equip participants with the skills and knowledge to become effective mental health and wellness champions. Attendees will learn how to identify potential champions, develop leadership qualities, and create sustainable initiatives that promote mental health and wellness. The session will cover strategies for organizing and maintaining a network of champions who can advocate for and implement wellness programs. 

Key Takeaways:

• Identifying and recruiting mental health and wellness champions.
• Developing leadership qualities in wellness champions.
• Strategies for organizing and sustaining a network of champions.

Description: Creating and sustaining a positive working culture is essential for the well-being of employees and the overall success of an organization. This workshop provides practical wellness tips and strategies to foster a supportive and healthy work environment. Participants will learn about the importance of workplace wellness, techniques for reducing stress, and ways to promote work-life balance. The session will also cover how to encourage open communication, recognize and celebrate achievements, and create a culture of mutual respect and support.

Key Takeaways:

• Importance of workplace wellness and its impact on productivity
• Techniques for reducing stress and promoting work-life balance
• Strategies for fostering open communication and mutual respect
• Ways to recognize and celebrate achievements to boost morale

Description: This workshop introduces college students to the fundamentals of peer support, highlighting the importance of building supportive relationships among peers to enhance mental health and well-being. Participants will learn about the key principles of peer support, including empathy, active listening, and mutual respect. The session will cover practical skills for providing effective support to peers, recognizing signs of distress, and referring peers to resources. Students will also explore ways to maintain their own wellness while supporting others.

Key Takeaways:

• Grasp the basic principles and benefits of peer support for wellness
• Learn techniques for fostering empathy, active listening, and mutual respect among peers.
• Recognize when and how to share mental health and wellness self-care resources
• Discover ways to maintain personal wellness while supporting others

Description: This workshop equips college faculty and staff with the essential skills to provide peer support within their professional community. Participants will learn about the role of peer support in promoting a healthy and collaborative work environment. The session will cover key concepts such as creating a culture of trust, offering emotional support, and facilitating open communication. Faculty and staff will also learn practical strategies for identifying colleagues in need of support and guiding them to appropriate resources, while ensuring their own well-being.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand the significance of peer support in fostering a positive work environment for faculty and staff
• Learn how to build a culture of trust and support within the academic community.
• Gain skills in offering effective emotional support and facilitating open communication among colleagues
• Recognize when and how to guide colleagues to mental health and wellness self-care resources
• Explore strategies for maintaining personal wellness while providing peer support

Description: Our days are hectic. Attention to self-care and simple daily practices can build resilience and increase a person’s overall wellness. This session will introduce the practice of taking time for yourself and, specifically, taking a few moments to “pause.” The overall purpose of the session is to focus on the present moment taking time to pause to learn how to become aware of thoughts and breath. 

Key Takeaways:

• Define the value of pausing and unplugging
• Consider how to take a few minutes daily to unplug and practice the pause
• List benefits of taking time to pause during the day

Description: This session addresses taking time for yourself, specifically breathing, moving, and nourishing your body and mind. The overall purpose of the session is to focus on the present moment and become aware of thoughts and your breath, to move mindfully, and to think about how to nourish the mind and body to improve mood, decrease anxiety, and lessen the feelings of stress.

Key Takeaways: 

• Apply pause to focus awareness on breathing to relax and calm the mind and body
• Practice gentle stretches and movements to release tension and refocus 
• Nourish your mind and body

Description: The session focuses on the importance of sleep and rest and how to use the strategies presented throughout the self-care series to help you fall asleep and stay asleep. Participants will explore using what they have learned about pausing, breathing, moving, and nourishing the body and mind to relax into a restful sleep.  

Key Takeaways:

• Explain how and why sleep is essential for overall health and wellness
• Describe common sleep issues and consider impact of sleep deprivation
• Identify self-care strategies for improving and maintaining healthy sleep routines
• Consider wellness self-care practices that can help create and/or restore a restful sleep

Description: In this session, you will explore ways to create wellness plans that sustain the benefits of the wellness self-care practices of the series. You will be re-oriented to the pause, breathe, move, and nourish practices to re-experience the benefits as you work toward establishing self-care daily plans.

Key Takeaways:

• Describe the benefits of pause, breathe, move, and nourish practices 
• Define wellness strengths in 8 dimensions 
• Define strategies for focusing on self-care practices as part of a daily wellness plan 
• Create a wellness self-care plan

Description: Every unit throughout the university has its own culture, based on its values, traditions, communication patterns, and policies. This interactive session will introduce concepts, tools, and leadership strategies to evaluate and improve your wellness culture.

Key Takeaways:

• Describe how to create a workplace culture of wellness and why it is important
• List ways a wellness culture can support job satisfaction and success
• Apply leadership strategies and resources to facilitate and foster a wellness culture 
• Identify tools and strategies for staff to promote self-care and wellness in the workplace

Description: This consultation session is designed to help faculty and student leaders develop and implement strategies to create a culture that supports mental health and wellness. Participants will receive guidance on identifying the needs of their communities, designing effective wellness strategies, and promoting mental health awareness. The session will include best practices for engaging stakeholders, fostering a supportive environment, and integrating wellness into the fabric of the institution. Leaders will also learn how to evaluate the effectiveness of their initiatives and make necessary adjustments to ensure sustainability.

Key Takeaways:

• Identifying the mental health and wellness needs of faculty and students.
• Designing and implementing effective wellness programs.
• Best practices for engaging stakeholders and fostering a supportive environment.
• Methods for evaluating and sustaining wellness initiatives.