Nationally, almost one in three students report poor mental health. Recognizing the immense pressure that affects students’ academic focus, learning and performance, Guttman’s Division of Student Affairs is always finding creative ways to promote wellness throughout the year.
This May, Mental Health Awareness Month, the College paid special attention to students’ emotional wellbeing through a thoughtful variety of programming. According to Student Psychological Counselor Xioel Terrero and her Guttman Counseling and Wellness Center colleagues, promoting mental health awareness can break down stigmas and encourage open conversations. Counseling and Wellness joined forces with Guttman’s Connect Center and CUNY Edge to host a comprehensive Wellness Fair on 5/6 for students to browse tables to speak with representatives of the city’s HRA social services agency, Legal Aid Society, Urban Justice Center, SNAP food assistance, Project Stay sexual health services, Guttman Public Safety and CUNY Citizenship Now!
For any student in need of stress relief, Campus Groups, the online communications and events platform sponsored by the Office of Student Life, provides a wide array of opportunities through its packed calendar of activities around campus on any given day. Throughout the month, students could take part in the Gaming Grizzlies Club’s free play every Tuesday, head out for Pickleball Wednesdays, enjoy the ever-popular “Play with Puppies” event on 5/13, the 5/15 Peer Leaders’ “Manis and Mingle,” or the 5/20 “Express Yourself” hat and t-shirt design event. The Abilities Club sponsored a “Campus Chill” night out at Dave and Buster’s on 5/8, and on 5/27 faculty incorporating Nature-Based Learning activities in their classes convened for their Spring gathering. The Counseling and Wellness Center combined with UMOC on 5/29 to host an inviting “Man Cave” opportunity to discuss men’s mental health.
