Mental Well-Being
College is an exciting period of growth, transition, and new opportunities. Along with these changes, students may experience a wide range of emotions as they adjust to new academic, social, and personal responsibilities. Health Promotion offers inclusive programs and resources designed to support students in managing stress, building emotional resilience, and maintaining overall well-being. Through education, skill-building, and supportive services, students are empowered to develop healthy coping strategies, navigate challenges with confidence, and thrive both personally and academically.
Mindful University Project
The Mindful University Project is an interdisciplinary collaboration with a mission to empower our campus community to build a culture of mindful presence and compassion.
The work of the Mindful University Project allows our students to improve their mental well-being, boost academic flourishing, increase resiliency to stress, and reduce levels of anxiety and depression.
Our goal is to create a safe and inclusive space for all students, staff and faculty to learn and engage in mindfulness through:
- Student Mindfulness Community;
- drop-in yoga and movement classes;
- half-day silent retreats;
- educational workshops
- faculty and staff training
Health Promotion Events
Paws for Stress Relief
Come pet the pups! Paws for Stress Relief brings therapy dogs to campus for students to spend some time with. This monthly program occurs on select Mondays on the River Campus and Thursdays at Eastman School of Music. Health Promotion also provides educational information, fun activities, and stress-relief giveaways such as lavender sachets or stress balls.
DeStress Fests
Destress Fest is an opportunity to engage in a variety of fun, stress-relieving activities during midterms and finals. Enjoy soothing music, calming tea, and more in the Welles-Brown Rom at Rush Rhees Library! Each Destress Fest is different. Activities may include:
- Board games
- Puzzles
- Craft table
- Stress balls
- Coloring
- Gratitude jars
Pop-Up Sensory Spaces
The Sensory Pop-Up Program will provide students with accessible, low-barrier opportunities to engage in relaxation, grounding, focus, and decrease overstimulation during the academic year. These temporary spaces offer a variety of sensory supports, including calming lights, fidget toys, aromatherapy, mindfulness activities, coloring, and quiet reflection spaces to decompress.
Recognizing that students have diverse sensory needs and preferences, the program aims to create welcoming and inclusive environments during major campus events and traditions, as well as high-stress time periods such as midterms and finals. These spaces are designed to support neurodivergent students, students experiencing stress or overwhelm, or any student seeking a moment of calm, restoration, or sensory relief. Brought to you in collaboration with Health Promotion, the CARE Network, Residential Life & Housing, and Student Activities.
Supporting a Student or Peer in Distress
Be There Certificate
Are you interested in gaining knowledge on mental health literacy, as well as skills and confidence to safely support peers who may be struggling with their mental health? Health Promotion and the Medallion Program have partnered to offer the Be There Certificate for students. The Certificate counts towards an Interpersonal Competence workshop for the Medallion Program.
The Be There Certificate is Jack.org and the Born This Way Foundation’s digital, self-paced learning experience designed to increase mental health literacy and provide youth with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to safely support anyone who may be struggling with their mental health. The Be There Certificate is available in English, French and Spanish, offering universal best practices while diving deeper into the intersections of culture, identity, and social determinants of mental wellness.

If you complete the Certificate and want Medallion credit, simply email the Medallion Program with your completion certificate and they will send you a Level 2 Workshop Reflection!
University Resources
All full-time students can set up an initial assessment appointment at the University Counseling Center (UCC) to discuss the options and create a treatment plan that meets their needs. Contact UCC at 585-275-3113 to make an appointment or to learn more.
- Counseling (short-term individual, couples)
- Same-day appointments & after-hours crisis line
- Self-help resources
- Skills groups & Grad-student specific therapy groups
- Drop-in groups
- Referrals (psychiatry, community therapists)
- Consultation services when you’re concerned about another student
Learn more about UCC services. Do you have other ideas/questions for how UCC can support you? Contact Michael Siembor.
- Submit a CARE Referral or Report if you have a concern about another student or yourself, and want to get connected to resources through your school
- CARE Resource Center to get more information about resources available across campus.
The Department of Public Safety (DPS) is available 24/7, and can be reached via phone call or text at (585)275-3333. The majority of DPS officers have completed a 40 hour training to be a part of the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), to better understand how to work with individuals in crisis. If a student has safety concerns for themselves or for a friend, DPS can conduct a Check the Welfare of a student and connect them with the help/assistance they need in real time. DPS recently collaborated with UCC & ResLife for the CIR Program.
The Office of Mentorship and Student Advocacy (OMSA) is the official academic home of all historically underrepresented minority students (Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, American Indian, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander). We are dedicated to the betterment of the minority student experience at Rochester through advocacy, holistic advising, education, and collaboration with campus departments. Our department also connects minority students to various resources, on and off campus. We support our students with the social connections needed to ensure academic, professional, and personal success.
The goal of the University Ombuds is to promote a respectful and inclusive community. This is done by resolving conflicts, challenging perceptions, and advocating for fairness for everyone at the University. These confidential services are available for all students. Contact the Ombuds Office.
Religious & Spiritual Life is home to 14 different faith communities, all of which offer worship, spiritual practices and opportunities to make friends and have fun. See their website for a listing of services and events happening at the chapel Facebook Instagram. Chaplains are available during the day without appointment for students who are struggling and need an empathetic ear. Students do not have to be members of any religious or spiritual tradition to speak with a chaplain, and chaplains will not discuss religion or spirituality unless the student wishes to do so. We also have a labyrinth for meditative walking.
The mission of the Paul J. Burgett Intercultural Center (BIC) is to promote cultural understanding, build a community where everyone feels included, and provide avenues for promoting a culture of respect and opportunities for collaboration. Our goal is to promote welcoming environment while creating a sense of belonging among all of our community members.
- Did you see something or have something happen to you based on perceived bias? Submit a report.
- Follow them on Facebook and Instagram. You will find more information on our Meet-Up Groups and BIC programming.
The David T. Kearns Center for Leadership and Diversity at the University of Rochester has been dedicated to fostering academic excellence and expanding pathways to advanced degrees. With a commitment to supporting students from a range of backgrounds, the center develops scalable educational models that equip learners with the tools needed to achieve their academic and professional aspirations.
At its core, the Kearns Center is dedicated to empowering students through academic opportunity, leadership development, and personalized support. Each member of the center is committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment where students can thrive and excel throughout their educational journey.
Active Minds is an undergraduate national college student organization focused on raising mental health awareness, fighting mental health stigma, and inspiring positive change on college campuses. Our chapter works with UHS, UCC, and various student organizations and organizes campus-wide events to educate the student body on issues of mental health, challenge stigmatizing beliefs, and provide a safe and positive environment for students to share their experiences. We believe in compassionate advocacy, and strive to work towards a campus climate where students, staff, faculty, and administration prioritize all aspects of wellness.
NAMI on Campus is an undergraduate college student organization that is an affiliate of NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness) and NAMI/NYS. NAMI provides advocacy, education, support and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives.
Student Activities supports student well-being and engagement through an array of programming and services.
Student Activities offers opportunities for connection and community building through signature events and traditions throughout the year, such as Dandelion Day, Yellowjacket Weekend, Winterfest, and Late Night Programming.
In addition to providing events, there are a variety of items that students can sign out at the Campus Information Center to support one’s well-being:
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Lamps
- Breathing Lamps
- Noise-Cancelling Earmuffs
- Sport & Outdoor Equipment: Bocce Ball, Giant Jenga, Kan Jam, Snowshoes, Spikeball, Yoga Mats, and Picnic Blankets
Off Campus Resources
- Thriving Campus – find mental health clinicians in the area
- National Alliance of Mental Illness – Support groups and advocacy
- 2/11 Lifeline – 24/7 support by trained counselors
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Mental Health Association – Self-help drop-in services, peer support, life skills drop-in workshops, family and career support
- Trillium Health – Support groups, one-on-one support and access to resources, and medical care.
- Willow Domestic Violence – 24/7 support by trained counselors via hotline (585)-222-SAFE, individual short-term counseling, support groups, empowerment workshops, supportive housing, and emergency shelter for those who are victims of physical, verbal, psychological, sexual, economic, or threatened abuse
Campus Well-being Resource Map
The University of Rochester offers a wide range of resources to support your well-being and help you thrive. Explore our Student Support Resource Map below to discover all the available services!