Campus Life and Wellbeing Provides Students with ‘Wellbeing Wednesday’ Midweek Reset

The beginning of the semester is always a whirlwind: new classes, new routines, and the pressure of getting settled on campus. To give students a chance to slow down, and in a reflection of its mission to create a thriving student community centered in connection and wellbeing, the Campus Life and Wellbeing collaborative of Student Affairs partnered with several campus offices to offer a series of low-key activities on Sept. 3 as part of Wellbeing Wednesday.

By offering accessible and varied options, Wellbeing Wednesday. At a time of year when it can be hardest to slow down, these offerings gave students permission to reset and reminded them that their wellbeing is a core part of the UMass experience.

Students were able to choose from a variety of experiences, each designed to make it easier to pause and breathe during a busy week. Some found focus on the climbing wall at the Recreation Center, while others re-centered during a guided forest therapy walk in Sylvan Woods. At the Franklin Permaculture Garden, students shared fresh herbal tea and conversation, while a creative recovery session in Worcester Dining Commons used artmaking as a tool for connection and healing. Camp U brought the energy of lawn games and a fire pit, while archery, disc golf, and an outdoor spin class provided outlets for movement and play. As the day wound down, the Orchard Hill Pavilion became a space of calm with Sunset CHILL, where students reflected through meditation, gentle stretching and intention bracelet making.

Throughout the day, the "Need a Lift?" program helped students reach events more easily while also connecting them to campus resources.

"It was nice to step away from the stress for a bit," one student said. "I met new people, tried something different, and left feeling more grounded."

More information about the Campus Life and Wellbeing collaborative can be found on the Student Affairs website.