Jack Abbot- General Reporter
The University hosted a Wellbeing Fair in the Adanti Student Center Ballroom in honor of the “Week of Wellbeing.”
The event was attended by several organizations on campus who help to promote the physical and mental wellbeing of students. The event took place from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m..
“It gives an opportunity for students to learn a lot about a lot of on campus resources that are geared towards their holistic wellbeing,” Coordinator of the Wellbeing Center Allyson Regis said.
Regis has been the director of the Wellbeing Center since September of 2022. She has been working to make sure that the university can become better at being more welcoming to students who struggle with their wellbeing.
“A lot of college, they have counseling services, which we do as well, but with wellbeing, we focus more on prevention and outreach,” Regis said.
Regis highlighted the concern that many students who need help are aware that there are resources on campus but do not know where or how to access them. An important part of this event was educating students on where to find these resources.
“With wellbeing, it’s something that we need to verbally talk about because I think sometimes people can talk about it behind closed doors,” Regis said. “To actually outwardly talk about these topics is important.”
“Week of Wellbeing” is a week that occurs every semester at the university to bring awareness and provide resources and events for the mental and physical wellbeing of students.
A common theme that came up during the event was a dramatic increase in loneliness following the COVID pandemic. Many students, especially those who began college at this time, have found it difficult to find connections and friends.
“It’s difficult for people to be vulnerable,” Regis said. “We’re seeing people talk about feeling lonely but not talking about in a group but more-so one-on-one conversations that they may be having with us.”
“I found this event to be really helpful because I know where a lot of different programs take place,” business administration major Zahary McCarthy, a sophomore, said. “I did not know that the Wellbeing Center was in Schwartz.”
One of the groups represented at the event was the Violence Prevention, Victim Advocacy and Support, VPAS, Center, which helps those on campus who have experienced abuse and are afraid to reach out to peers, families or the authorities. They are even able to help students change classes or dorms to help them avoid people who they feel threatened by.
“The VPAS Center offers advocacy and support for those who experience sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking,” Coordinator Colleen Kearney said. “Students can come and get information, resources, referrals and accommodations if they experience any of those crimes on campus.”
The event began with a rough start as the fire alarm went off and the Adanti Student Center had to be evacuated. However, after the doors reopened the event slowly began to fill up over time. Many at the event believed it to be a success.
“I just think it’s so important to take a step back and reflect on our own mental wellbeing,” Wellbeing Center Graduate Intern and public health major Shayne Lister said. “I think that the work that we do is amazing, and I’m proud of the work that we do.”
