The pandemic has added an extra layer of emotional stress to daily life. As students quarantine on campus, adapt to changes in their routine, and learn to navigate new social situations, the Human Development and Counseling Departments introduced supportive services, including a visual wellness wheel that helps students understand and balance aspects of their well-being. Carrie Smith P '18, '20, '24, human development coordinator, explained, "We wanted to share a framework for our entire community to discuss wellness."
Students have been introduced to the wellness student intranet site and wellness wheel model by their proctors or orientation leaders during quarantine. The wheel highlights eight important dimensions of wellness: emotional, environmental, intellectual, occupational, financial, physical, social, and spiritual. It is also used in HD250 classes.
Jodi von Jess, director of counseling, added, "Bring Change 2 Mind, our student mental health awareness organization, has discussed taking one dimension from the wellness wheel per month and highlighting challenges and resources for that dimension. Peer Listeners are also able to use the language and help guide peers to the suggested resources. We are eager to do what we can to best support students' health and well-being!"
Peer Listeners currently host evening hours Monday through Friday and sessions are available to all students.
