Student Wellness is teaming up with the First Year Experience for C&C! Located in the SASB Plaza, tomorrow 3p-5p. Let’s converse about alcohol and healthy relationships, while enjoying TROLLEY STOP HOTDOGS!
That’s RIGHT–your or your student group could win $1,000 at the very first LDOC HeelFest!!!
LDOC HeelFest will be an end-of-year talent show extravaganza. This is the first year UNC is doing this event and it is a collaboration among multiple campus departments and student groups. It will be held at Ehringhaus Field from 4-8pm on LDOC, which is Friday April 24th. The talent show will feature a showcase of UNC student talent, and the students at the event will get to vote on the winning performer/group. The Grand Prize will be a cash amount, TBD.
Come to auditions this week and next…Let’s see what you got!
LDOC HeelFest audition schedule
Previously known as CHECS appointments, Student Wellness offers sexual wellness education appointments with a trained health educator to individuals as well as student pairs. Topics for these appointments include but are not limited to:
- Contraceptive option consultations and education;
Photo “Devious Question” by Zita, Flickr Creative Commons - HIV testing and counseling;
- Well Woman’s Exams questions;
- Post-diagnosis STI management questions; and
- Other concerns or questions relating to sexual health.
When are educational appointments available?
For the Fall 2014 semester, sexual wellness education appointments will be offered:
- Tuesdays, 1PM-3PM
- Wednesdays, 10AM-12PM
- Thursdays, 10AM-1PM
- Fridays, 10AM-11AM
How does a student make a sexual wellness education appointment?
Because of limited availability and space, students should call Student Wellness at 919-962-WELL ahead of time to schedule an appointment. Depending on demand, there are usually available appointments within the week. Walk-in appointments may also be available if other appointments are not yet scheduled.
Free HIV Testing at World AIDS Day!
Photo “World AIDS Day, December 1” by Sully Pixel, Flickr Creative Commons
Every year on December 1, people worldwide write to increase awareness and testing for HIV on World AIDS Day. This year Student Wellness and other campus partners will be celebrating this day on December 2 by offering a free, confidential, fast HIV testing in the Union from 10am-4:45pm. For more information visit the Facebook event for the day.
For further questions about these appointments and World AIDS Day, please contact [email protected].
Logo from National Alliance for Mental Illness: http://www.nami.org/template.cfm?section=mental_illness_awareness_week
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), around one in four adults in the U.S. experience a mental illness each year – that’s about 61.5 million people. Furthermore, one in 17 adults is living with a serious mental illness like major depression, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder. Given these statistics, it’s likely that mental illness affects the majority of us in some way. Yet, it’s a topic that is often misrepresented or ignored altogether in the media and within our society as a whole.
To work towards changing this, Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) was created in 1990 – Each year, the first full week of October (this year, October 5-11) is designated as MIAW. So that’s happening next week! You might be wondering: what exactly is Mental Illness Awareness Week, and how can I get involved? Keep reading for answers to these questions.
NAMI explains that during Mental Illness Awareness Week, “we fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for equal care.” As NAMI’s definition states, fighting the stigma surrounding mental illness is one of the main objectives of MIAW. According to a study done among students at UNC, 11.3% of Carolina students surveyed said they agreed with the following statement: I would think less of someone who has received mental health treatment. Furthermore, 19% of students surveyed agreed with this statement: I feel that receiving mental health treatment is a sign of personal failure.
As these statistics show, stigma surrounding mental illness in our community is a real issue. For more information on stigma and how to combat it, check out Stigma Free Carolina – a group on campus working to fight stigma and raise awareness about mental health issues in the UNC community.
“People in the summertime,” by Gonzalo G. Useta, Flickr Creative Commons
There are a bunch of great events happening at UNC for Mental Illness Awareness Week – if you’re interested in learning more, get involved with some of these opportunities! Here’s a schedule of events for MIAW (and beyond):
- Mental Health awareness event in the Pit – sponsored by Stigma Free Carolina
- October 3, 2014 from 12:00-2:00pm
- Location: the Pit
- Trivia questions and prizes!
- Rethink Psychiatric Illness training – sponsored by Stigma Free Carolina
- October 4, 2014 from 2:00-6:00pm
- Location: Student Union, room 2423
- Register here
- Redefining Mental Health panel discussion sponsored by Stigma Free Carolina
- October 6, 2014 from 5:30-7:00pm
- Location: Carolina Inn
- Register here
- Interactive Theater Carolina performance on mental health issues
- October 7, 2014 from 6:00-7:30pm
- Location: Student Union, room 3203
- Register here
- Mental Health 101 training
- October 9, 2014 from 6:00-8:00pm
- Location: Student Union, room 3408
- Refreshments served!
- Register here
- Rethink Psychiatric Illness training
- October 25, 2014 from 12:00-4:00pm
- November 8, 2014 from 2:00-6:00pm
- Register here
For more information on mental health services on campus, including individual and group counseling, check out UNC’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).
BY: Ben Smart
This week only– UNC Campus Rec is offering a sampling of our most popular programs FREE! Take advantage of this opportunity to bond with your fellow Tar Heels and discover which fitness activity is perfect for you. With a variety of indoor and outdoor choices, the Week of Welcome at Campus Rec is arguably the most exciting way to kick off your Fall 2014 semester.
Like the idea of outdoor kickball? Come join the Intramural Staff Tuesday August 19th at 6:00 pm, and relive your days in elementary school for a good old fashioned game of playground-style kickball!
Searching for a way to stretch, unwind, and find inner peace? Join us for yoga Wednesday August 20th at 5:15pm in the SRC to increase your Zen. Designed to develop physical and mental discipline, yoga explores and connects poses for a unique strength and flexibility workout.
Maybe the adrenaline rush of rock climbing is your thing? Come out on Thursday August 21st at the Ram’s Head Rec Center for open climb. Experience 2,400 square feet of new, exciting climbing terrain at the Rams Head Climbing Wall. Never climbed before? No problem. We’ll show you the Ropes!
Or do you want to end your week with a butt-kicking fitness class? This Friday August 22nd 4:30pm-5:30pm, Cardio & Pump fitness class will be offered at the SRC. This is a great chance to mix it up and try something new with your cardio workout. Designed with interval training, cardio circuit, and body sculpting elements, this class is great for all levels and especially for those who enjoy a non-choreographed, easy-to-follow cardio and toning class.
See the full jam-packed schedule here. Campus Rec is one campus experience you do not want to miss!
Welcome (back) to Carolina! It’s a brand new year with new classes, new opportunities, and possibly new friends. Maybe you’re ready to hit the ground running or maybe you’re a bit anxious about all of these changes. Either way, Student Wellness is here to help you find your way. Specifically, we want to make sure that you know what resources are available and nearest to you for two reasons:
- If you know where helpful resources are NOW, then in times of need, you’ll know exactly where to go (or where to direct your friends)!
- We want you to become familiar with what resources this fantastic campus has to offer. I can tell you from personal experience that I WISH I knew these places existed, and I found out about them…4 years too late!
image from 5kmissionpossible.com
It’s time to WIN PRIZES! Here’s how to play:
- Below you’ll find some of my favorite Carolina hotspots, split up by location.
- Visit at least 1 spot in each location category (South Campus, Bell Tower, Old Well)
- Take a selfie in front of the building or sign or whatever is accessible for you.
- Post that photo to Instagram or to the Tar Heel Wellness Challenge Facebook Page with #THWC for a chance to win a $20.00 gift card for UNC Student Stores!
- Come visit us at Student Wellness Services on the 2nd floor of the Campus Health (James A. Taylor) building, show us your pics, and EVERY PERSON will leave with a prize – whether it’s a pair of rockin’ sunglasses, a sweet notebook, or a surprise!
Jani’s Favorite Campus Hotspots
Visit each center’s website for some great online resources!
image from housing.unc.edu
Near the South Campus Dorms…
The Learning Center
SASB North
This center has a great supportive environment. They connect you with peer tutors, academic coaches, study groups, and learning disability and accessibility resources. They can also help you out with test prep!
The Writing Center
SASB North
Folks at this center edit and proofread papers and even help develop your unorganized thoughts into a full essay. They send a notice to your professor to let them know you’re taking advantage of their resource, you really care about the work, and you take it seriously. In my experience, this really helped boost my grades.
LGBTQ Center
SASB North
This is a wonderful place to meet great people. The center also has a resource library and a cozy, safer space to relax in. You do not have to identify as gay, queer, bisexual, etc. to enjoy this space!
Accessibility Resources and Services
SASB North
This center hooks you up with alternative testing conditions, provides assistive listening devices, provides means of alternative format course textbooks, and more. As someone who gets panic attacks and an increase in my anxiety in high-stress situations, I wish I took advantage of these services as an undergrad. You can BET I’m going to as a graduate student!
Rams Head Rec Center
Near Morrison and Rams Head Dining Center
This gym has group classes throughout the day, exercise equipment, and a climbing wall.
Tip: To get from South Campus (first-year dorms) to Mid Campus (classes) the fastest – walk to Morrison, find the path that starts behind the dumpsters and goes through a wooded area. The path exits at the Campus Health Building (James A. Taylor Building)!
image from unc.edu
Near the Bell Tower…
Women’s Center
Stone Center
This is a great place to chat and connect with people who are passionate about gender equity work. There are also tons of interesting classes, lectures, and performances hosted here throughout the semester.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
3rd floor of Campus Health Building (James A. Taylor Building)
CAPS offers a range of mental health services from 1-on-1 counseling to group therapy.
Campus Health Services
1st floor of Campus Health Building (James A. Taylor Building)
Feeling under the weather? See a doctor at CHS for free. You can also visit CHS for anything from a pelvic exam to immunizations.
Healthy Heels Shoppe
Basement of Campus Health Building (James A. Taylor Building)
Get everything you need from prescription refills to popular over-the-counter meds and nutrition bars.
Student Wellness Services
2nd floor of Campus Health Building (James A. Taylor Building)
This is the greatest spot on campus 😉 But for real – we offer a supportive, safer, and non-judgmental environment for conversations around health and well-being. We connect you to peer education groups, campus student groups and resources, or trained staff that can discuss an array of topics from HIV testing to microaggressions to decision-making to active bystander skills.
Student Rec Center
Near Student Stores, the Football Stadium, on Stadium Drive
This is another gym on campus that has fun group classes and equipment. It’s very easy to stop by between classes.
The Study Abroad Office
FedEx Global Education Center, up McCauley Street
The building itself is awesome with a lovely café and cozy study spots throughout. Advisors connect you to programs around the world depending on your interests, major, and goals. They’ll also work with you on how to transfer classes back to UNC for course credit. For example, I learned how to pick classes strategically at Dublin City University in Dublin, Ireland to count towards my Environmental Sciences and Engineering BSPH degree. I ended up not having to take some required courses at UNC and was able to take some fun electives my senior year.
image from unc.edu
Near the Old Well…
Academic Advising
Steele Building, Near South Building and Saunders Hall
Do you have a hold on class registration because you haven’t seen your academic advisor? I suggest you visit advising on a regular basis, not just before registering for classes!
Career Services
Hanes Hall (NOT HANES ART CENTER!), across from Saunders, near Carroll Hall (School of Journalism and Mass Communication)
Don’t wait until senior year. This is a great place to come chat about your passions and they’ll help connect you with jobs and internships throughout your time at UNC to figure out what you like and don’t like.
The Office of Scholarship and Student Aid
Pettigrew Hall, North Campus across from the Franklin Street Post Office
Whether you’re an undergraduate or professional student, you can visit walk-in hours to ask advisors financial questions or to get info about financial aid and scholarship options.
SO, start clicking away, snap some pics, and get hashtaggin’! I hope to see you all in our office soon J
Jani
Have a question about campus or local laws? Want the inside scoop on how to avoid getting a citation?
Come to Coffee with a Cop!
May 28, 2014
Women’s Hospital Conference Room 4
8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
I attended Coffee with a Cop a few months ago with a list of questions from students and 
staff around UNC’s policy on marijuana possession and probable cause for searching residence hall rooms. Not only did I get concrete answers to all my questions, I got some really helpful advice to pass along to students and FREE coffee and cookies…YES!
Take advantage of this opportunity to talk openly with law enforcement; you might be surprised at how willing they are to answer your questions, address your problems, and to offer advice for staying out of legal trouble. Don’t just take it from me; here’s what they say on the Coffee with a Cop website:
“In over 175 cities and towns in 36 states, Coffee with a Cop has done wonders for community trust, police legitimacy and partnership building.
One of the keys to Coffee with a Cop’s success is that it removes the physical barriers and crisis situations that routinely define interactions between law enforcement officials and community members. Instead it allows for relaxed, informal one-on-one interactions in a friendly atmosphere. This informal contact increases trust in police officers as individuals which is foundation to building partnerships and engaging in community problem solving.
So pull up a chair and grab a cup of coffee….”
See ya’ll there!
Make a plan:
- Before Halloween (like, TODAY!) talk with your friends about getting to and from Halloween parties and events how you will get around and how you will get home, and how you will keep tabs on each other throughout the night so no one gets left behind.
- Account for all people in your group of friends when you go out and when you head home. Staying with friends throughout the night will help ensure that everyone is safe and having a good time!
- Offer to watch your friends’ drinks (alcoholic or not) when they leave the table.
Make it a night to remember:
- Drink water!
- Consider the weather when you are designing your costume – be sure to dress warmly and remind your friends as well!
- Activities like pre-gaming raise BAC (blood alcohol content, a measure of the amount of alcohol in your body) and make it more likely for a person to pass out or black out. Talk to your friends about risk reduction strategies if they are planning to drink. Some common strategies among UNC students are: eating before drinking, avoiding shots, alternating alcoholic drinks with water, setting a pacing limit (e.g. 1 drink per hour), or an overall drink limit for the night. For more ideas, check out this blog post.
Ask for Help:
- Familiarize yourself with Halloween-specific resources and guidelines like the Town of Chapel Hill Guidelines, Parking Information from Public Safety
- If someone is experiencing signs of alcohol poisoning or other injury, call 911 for medical help.
- If you see potentially violent (physical or sexual) situation, call 911 for help!
- If you or someone you know is experiencing distress, find one of the many uniformed police officers that will be on hand for the event. Their main goal is to keep everyone safe. If you can’t find someone in person, call 911.
- Keep in mind NC’s new Good Samaritan Law: If you seek medical help on behalf of someone with alcohol poisoning, you will be exempt from certain underage alcohol possession charges. In other words, they cannot ticket you with underage possession or consumption of alcohol if you are you seeking medical attention on behalf of someone who may have alcohol poisoning.
- If you don’t feel comfortable contacting police, look for volunteers from Student Affairs. They’ll be walking around in pairs to assist students in need of support. They can connect you to emergency or support services.
- When things don’t go as planned, contact other resources that night or the next day for support for yourself or your friends.
Have a safe and fun Halloween!
This week, UNC Student Wellness will install free condom dispensers in 10 restrooms throughout the Carolina Union and Campus Recreation!
UNC students have shown overwhelming support for the installation of the condom dispensers. Last Friday, the student group SASH (Student Advocates for Sexual Health) sponsored a photo campaign allowing students to make their voices heard in support of the dispensers. Check out the slide show below:
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Consistent, correct condom use affords protection against unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STI), and is a critical component of STI risk reduction and pregnancy prevention strategies. During the 2011-2012 academic year, more than 18,000 condoms were provided (free of charge) to UNC students; however, condom use among students remains low. In a 2011 survey of UNC students, 79% of students reported having vaginal sex in the last year. However, only 44% report using a condom for vaginal intercourse; additionally, only 25% reported condom use for anal intercourse, and 3% for oral sex. Various barriers to condom use have been documented, including cost and availability.
Research on condom provision programs shows that access to safer sex supplies does not encourage earlier or increased sexual activity. In fact, there is evidence that provision of safer sex supplies delays age at first sex, and increases the proportion of protected sex acts without increasing the frequency of sex. One UNC Resident Advisor reacted to the condom dispensers saying, “I think it would allow people to access the supplies without having to ‘be seen’ by a staff member or fellow student. You could see an increase in the safe sex on campus.”
This initiative to increase access to and affordability of safer sex supplies is a collaborative project between UNC Student Wellness, Campus Recreation, the Carolina Union, and the UNC Center for AIDS Research.
What do you think about the condom dispensers? Make your voice heard by leaving a reply below, or on the Student Wellness Facebook page or Twitter!
In case you haven’t heard, it’s National Eating Disorders Awareness Week and there are some awesome events going on to raise awareness here at UNC!
First, a little information on eating disorders from the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA): In the United States, approximately 20 million women and 10 million men suffer from an eating disorder at some time in their life, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, or an eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS). Many others struggle with disordered eating behavior/attitudes and body dissatisfaction. The emotional and physical consequences of eating disorders are wide-ranging and can include social isolation, depression, muscle wasting, bone loss, and even cardiac failure and death. In fact, anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder.
If you or someone you know has an eating disorder, there’s help! For more information about eating disorder signs and symptoms and how to help someone dealing with an eating disorder, visit the NEDA website. If you are struggling with food, exercise, and/or body image issues, please visit UNC’s Counseling and Psychological Services at Campus Health for a walk-in appointment 9-12 and 1-4 Monday through Friday. For general healthy eating questions and advice, you can make an appointment with the Nutrition Education Consultant at Student Wellness at 919-966-3658. For those with medical conditions and/or eating disorders, you can schedule an appointment with a Registered Dietitian at 919-966-2281.
So, what’s happening this week? These fun events will increase your knowledge and awareness of eating disorders, promote a healthy view of food and activity, support positive body image, and raise much-need funds for eating disorders research. Come to any and all events – your name will be entered into a prize raffle for each event you attend. Visit the UNC Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders Facebook page for more information on all of these events.
Monday
- Eating Disorders Myth Busters, 11:30am-1pm, Lenoir
- Eating for Exercise, 5:30-7pm, SRC
- Benefits for Eating Disorders Research, Sweet Frog, all day; Clothes Hound, 6-9pm & party at 7pm
Tuesday
- Eating Disorders Myth Busters, 11:30am-1pm, Rams Head
Wednesday
- Information and Research Fair, 11am-1pm, The Pit
- Hip Hop Master Class with Joseph Nontanovan, 6:30-7:45pm, SRC
Come celebrate your body at a FREE Hip Hop Dance class with renowned dancer and choreographer Joseph Nontanovan from Step Up! Every day your body allows you to walk, dance, breathe, and laugh – so celebrate that fact! Joseph’s hip-hop class will be about having fun and feeling good (not about burning calories or changing your shape). When you feel good about yourself, you project a confidence that makes you beautiful, so come to dance and appreciate all that your body can do! - Free Film Screening: CHISEL, a CWS Peer Health Organization and the MRC are co-sponsoring a showing of Cover Girl Culture: Awakening the Media Generation, 8pm. Undergraduate Library Room 205. Come watch the film, enjoy free snacks, and participate in a discussion afterwards
Thursday
- Greek Groove, 7pm, Memorial Hall
Greek Groove is a dance competition open to every Panhellenic chapter on campus, requiring each team to submit a dance of around 3 minutes. This year’s event benefits NEDAwareness Week!