Mental Well-Being
Graduate Student Well-Being
Graduate Student Well-being Collective
The Graduate Student Wellness Collective comprises of faculty, staff, and students from URochester graduate schools. The Collective’s work centers on improving the well-being of graduate students. Our meetings are open to the public. Collective members volunteer for events, help to promote offerings and resources available on campus for graduate students, and also be able to interact more directly with campus partners to bring changes in resources and practices at the University.
Programming
All of the Health Promotion events are open to graduate students. We offer an array of well-being programming, including: yoga and meditation classes, meditation retreats, Paws for Stress Relief, Destress Fests, sound bath and acupuncture events, Wellness on Wheels, and more.
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!
CARE Resource Center
Do you have a concern, but not quite sure where to go for help? Visit the CARE Resource Center! On this website, you are able to browse a large list of concerns, or type in what it is you’re looking for. You will be given a variety of options of on and off campus resources available to you!
Mental Well-Being
The University Counseling Center
All full-time graduate students can set up an initial assessment appointment 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) in addition to offering short-term counseling and access to a variety of well-being resources
- 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.
The CARE Network
- The CARE Network is a support program that connects students to resources and strategies to facilitate their success. By completing an online referral, a member of the Urochester community identifies a concern(s) they have about a student who may benefit from CARE support. Concerns often include academic challenges, mental health issues, financial struggles, interpersonal conflicts, and medical incidents. The CARE Network team accompanies referred students in navigating such challenges.
- 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.
- The CARE Resource Center is available for self-guided access to resource information both on and off campus anytime.
- Crisis or emergency concerns should be handled by the Department of Public Safety (DPS) by calling (585) 275-3333 available 24/7. For urgent mental health concerns, students can call the University Counseling Center (UCC) at (585) 275-3113 also available 24/7.
Other Mental Health Resources
- Thriving Campus – Find mental health clinicians in the area
- National Alliance of Mental Illness – Support groups, mental health education, advocacy, and a variety of wellness events
- 2/11 Lifeline – 24/7 support by trained counselors
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988
Mindfulness
Mindful University Project
The Mindful University Project, an initiative within Health Promotion, 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:
- Calming U introductory mindfulness classes
- Daily yoga classes
- Half-day silent retreats
- Sound Bath and Acupuncture Events
- Healing from Within – Chronic Pain Class
- Student Mindfulness Facilitator Trainings
- Educational workshops and faculty and staff training
Religious & Spiritual Life
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. 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.
Buddhist Meditation Group
Join the URochester Buddhist Meditation Group via Zoom for weekly sessions each semester. Each session includes a brief introduction to a mindfulness practice (e.g., loving kindness, body scanning, thought labeling, walking meditation, etc.), the practice itself, and some time to discuss together afterward. Contact Kyle Trenshaw for more information or to be added to the email list. No prior meditation experience is necessary. We look forward to sitting in community with you!
Sexual Health
Sex Ed 101
Do you feel like you didn’t learn enough about sexual health before coming to the university or in your time spent here already? Join our online program, Sex Ed 101, to learn all the basics of sexual health. Over the course of 21 days, you will learn about contraception, consent, masturbation, and more! Learn more and join at any time on our website.
Food/Nutrition Resources
UHS Nutrition Services
The University Health Service (UHS) offers nutrition services for student patients. These services are offered by a registered dietitian. Your UHS primary care provider may refer you to the dietitian, or you may choose to schedule an appointment on your own. We recommend checking your insurance coverage before receiving services. To schedule an appointment, call UHS at 585-275-2662!
The Food Pantry
The Food Pantry is dedicated to challenging the rising issue of student food insecurity on campus by supporting and serving all students and postdocs at the University of Rochester. Individuals can browse and choose non-perishable items during the Pantry’s operation hours in 105 Wilson Commons, or pre-order a bag for pick up. Check out their website for more information!
The Rochester Public Market
Looking to get some cheap, nourishing vegetables, fruits, and other food items to keep you fueled as we enter into finals season? Visit the Rochester Public Market from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays!
Westside Farmers Market
Head over to the 19th Ward on Tuesdays from June until October from 4-7 PM to get some affordable and nutritious produce, jams, meats, and more at the Westside Farmers Market! Located at 831 Genesee Street. You can check out a list of their vendors on their website and even sign up to volunteer for them!
Sleep
Zzzzs to As Online Sleep Challenge
Our online program provides students with practical tips and strategies to calm the mind for a better night’s sleep. The 21-day challenge includes:
- An online presentation covering the science and physiology of sleep, as well as sleep challenges common to college students.
- Informational emails about sleep & diet, caffeine & alcohol consumption, technology use, and environmental factors that disrupt sleep.
- Relaxation and mindfulness training.
- Simple & practical tips.
- Sleep logs and other helpful tracking tools.
Registration for this online program is open all year and students can begin any time. To sign up, visit our registration page. Upon registration you will receive an email to complete a sleep questionnaire. After that, participants will benefit from motivational quick tips (sent approximately every three days) and educational emails (sent once per week).
Other Sleep Resources
- Download the RISE App – the first energy management app that helps improve sleep and energy to help people reach their potential! Students get free 4-year premium access with their URochester email.
- F.lux – Decrease blue light on your computer!
- Create the Best Environment for Sleep
- An Overall Sleep Guide
- Healthy Sleep Habits
Financial Well-Being
Graduate Assistantships
Graduate assistantships under the Office for Residential Life and Housing Services are currently open, such as Graduate Head Resident, Graduate House Advisor, Graduate Community Assistant, and more! Check out all the positions and apply on their website.
Scholarship Funding
Looking for some scholarship funding? This is the time of year to apply! Please refer to the University of Rochester’s Financial Aid Outside Scholarship page for a comprehensive list of scholarship engines.
If you have any questions about how an outside scholarship would impact any other component of your financial aid awarding, please connect with your financial aid counselor.
General Resources Across the Institution
Office of University Engagement and Enrichment
OEE’s mission is to provide educational and programmatic opportunities through strategic collaborations for the University community to engage openly, learn continuously, and contribute meaningfully, while prioritizing respect, curiosity, well-being, and care.
OEE offers an array of events, education and programming, engagement opportunities, and presentations by request.
University Ombuds
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.
Graduate students at the University can use the Ombuds for conflict resolution, consultation, coaching, and an information resource. Interactions with Ombuds is confidential and an “informal process”.
Office of Disability Resources
The Office of Disability Resources (ODR) is a team of dedicated professionals to ensure that members of our community with disabilities have equal access, reasonable accommodation, and full participation in the University experience. Students can request academic accommodations with the Office of Disability Resources.
School-Specific Resources
The School of Arts & Sciences and The Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences
Graduate students in SAS or Hajim have access to support in the Graduate Education & Postdoctoral Affairs (GEPA) office. See links below for staff contacts as well as department contacts to ask questions and provide support.
Graduate students and postdocs in SMD can reach out to either:
- Amber Rivera for wellness resources
- Nathan Smith, MS, PhD: Associate Dean for Research Mentorship for mentoring, coaching, and help with interpersonal relationships
Other supports available:
Students at Warner can reach out to Anika Simone Johnson, EdD, Assistant Dean of Engagement and Student Life. Student support available:
- Warner Office of Student Success: https://www.warner.rochester.edu/students/staff
- Warner Student Involvement: https://www.warner.rochester.edu/students/student-experience/involvement
- Warner Student experience: https://www.warner.rochester.edu/student-experience
- Warner Support Services: https://www.warner.rochester.edu/students/academic-life/support-resources/writing-services
- Quantitative Consulting Services: https://www.warner.rochester.edu/students/academic-life/support-resources/quantitative-services
Students at Simon can reach out to Jim Newton, assistant dean and HR liaison.
Other supports available: