Our Initiatives


On-going Programs and Initiatives

Be Kind to Your Mind

Self-care is important and we are here to help share strategies and tips for students. Here are some quick tips to reduce stress and increase self-care:

  • Eat healthy – water and healthy snacks
  • Move – stay active
  • Sleep – try to get 6-8 hours per night
  • Talk to friends or family
  • Breathe – breathing techniques
  • Positive Affirmations – show compassion to yourself
  • Unplug – take some time away from electronics and social media
  • Yoga and stretching – can help decrease mood
  • Journaling – write down your thoughts to help clear your mind
  • Be creative – enjoy a hobby
  • Take a Break – 10 minutes away for a mind break

The Relaxation Station is also available to students to unwind. The Relaxation Station will be set up in Centro during the academic year so you can get your mental and emotional health back on track! We will have various self-care and de-stress activities as well as healthy snacks!

Art for the Heart

This program intends to relieve student stress, help them express themselves/emotions, and ignite creativity in their spirits. Students technically could create art on their own, but often do not if not provided the resources and allotted time each week to do so. Program is held every other week during the semester. Check in Engage for dates.

Mental Health Screening Series

The Mental Health Screening Series is a group of in-person screening and awareness days offered throughout the academic year. In-person screenings offered include Alcohol, Depression, Eating Attitudes, and Anxiety. Educational information is provided to students about basic knowledge of common mental health issues, potential symptoms, or warning signs, and where to get help and support for themselves or a friend. Students also have access to the online mental health screening platform – it offers free, anonymous screenings that are accessible at any time.

Sleepy Knights

The Sleepy Knights Sleep Challenge is a 21-day challenge taking place during the spring semester. Participants try to sleep 7-9 hours a night and are asked to track their sleep each night utilizing a free sleep app. Participants will all receive a sleep mask and emails with a variety of sleep tips and education throughout the challenge. After completing the challenge, participants will be eligible to win one of three grand prizes. Sign up on Engage!

Ask the RD: Nutrition Coaching

There is a lot of conflicting nutrition information out there. Come to the expert in food and nutrition. Our Campus Dietitian is a registered dietitian that would like to help you reach your individualized nutrition goals. She is committed to improving the health of our community.

The goal of nutrition coaching is to:

  • assess your individual nutrition needs
  • provide education including practical tips to meet your nutrition needs
  • to promote your body's potential towards health, wellness and disease prevention

Fitness Buddies

Knight Fitness Buddies is a program for the Bellarmine campus community to get moving together. Fitness Buddies (student volunteers) are available to workout, exercise and move with you, in or out of the gym. A Fitness Buddy is not a personal trainer, but they can provide valuable motivation, accountability, and support to help you reach your wellness goals. With this flexible program, we will help connect you with a Fitness Buddy that matches your personal goals and interests. We welcome all levels and fitness interests!

If you are interested in participating and matched with a Fitness Buddy, please fill out the registration form.

Knights Fitness

Are you looking for motivation to stay active? Do you want some tips on exercise and fitness? Maybe someone to ask a question about how to lift or use a fitness machine in the SURF? If you answered yes to any of those questions, feel free to join our text group - Fitness Knights! Fitness tips and motivation is sent out twice a week via the GroupMe app. Join by completing the form below.

Cookies and Canvas

Cookies and Canvas is a late-night event held every fall semester that promotes stress management, self-care, and relaxation. This event provides students with an opportunity and space to relax and have fun with other students. Students will be provided all the art supplies that are needed.

Fresh Check Day

Fresh Check Day® is a program created by the Jordan Porco Foundation (JPF) and Bellarmine hosts it on campus every fall semester. It is an uplifting mental health promotion and suicide prevention event that includes interactive expo booths, peer-to-peer messaging, support of multiple campus departments and groups, free food, entertainment, and exciting giveaways. Fresh Check Day aims to create an approachable atmosphere where students are encouraged to engage in dialogue about mental health and helps to build a bridge between students and the mental health resources available.

National Eating Disorder Awareness Week

Mark your calendars! National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (#NEDAwareness) is held every spring semester at the end of February. We’re changing the conversation around food, body image, and eating disorders! Learn more at www.nedawareness.org.

Responsibility is More Than Just Luck

Learn about how to make responsible and healthy decision when it comes to drinking or helping a friend who has been drinking. Make your St. Patrick’s Day Pledge leading up to St. Patrick’s Day. No matter what your plans are for the holiday, you can pledge to keep you & your community safe. Be proud of the way you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

Finals are Ruff

Take a moment to relax and chill at the Finals are Ruff! event offered each day during finals week at the end of the fall and spring semester. There are a variety of activities that can help you de-stress and energize including pet therapy dogs, free chair massages, yoga, a Labyrinth, and coloring and crafts. Refreshments provided too!

Presentation Topics

The following is a list of topics that can be presented by Campus Wellness:

About Campus Wellness

Discover how your academic success is connected to your health and wellness. The Mind, Body, and Spirit wellness model will be covered along with campus resources, ways to get involved with Campus Wellness, and how to enhance your overall well-being. This workshop provided by Campus Recreation and Wellness.

AOD Bingo

This program is an interactive bingo-format presentation that covers general information around alcohol and other drugs. This workshop provided by Campus Recreation and Wellness.

BU Be Fit: Fit for Life

Learn about Campus Recreation services including intramurals, club sports, personal training, and the SuRF. Program discusses how to start becoming physically active, myths about physical activity, how to create a basic exercise program, and more! This workshop provided by Campus Recreation and Wellness.

BraveBU Bystander Empowerment Training

This training covers definitions and skills needed to be an active and empowered bystander on campus. Presented in connection with BraveBU.

Building Resilience

Discussion of factors that contribute to resilience, including social connection, values/goals, mindset, self-care and stress management. This workshop is provided by the Counseling Center.

Eat Well, Be Well

Participants will be aware of various food groups and understand the MyPlate recommendations for a healthy lifestyle. Participants will be able to identify proper portion sizes and heart-healthy foods. This workshop provided by Campus Recreation and Wellness.

Escalation Workshop

Escalation is a powerful, emotionally-engaging 90-minute film based workshop that educates the campus community about relationship violence and empowers students to work for change. Research based. Facilitated by students. Workshop developed by the One Love Foundation.

Evolution of the American Diet

Program discusses various topics related to food including: Why do we eat what we eat? How the history of our country, advertising and status influences our food choices? The program is approximately 45 minutes and geared towards any audience. Presented by Health Services.

First Year Wellness Mistakes

The biggest mistakes college freshmen make is regards to their health and wellness; includes brief coverage of diet, exercise, sleep and stress. This program is specific for first year students. Presented by Health Services.

Helping a Distressed Student

How to recognize signs of emotional distress and strategies for supporting the student and making a referral to the Counseling Center. This workshop is provided by the Counseling Center.

LGBTQ Allies Training

Review of key concepts regarding sexual orientation and gender identity; and strategies for creating an affirming, inclusive environment for the LGBTQ community. This workshop is presented by the Counseling Center in conjunction with the Office of Identity and Inclusion and the Assistant Vice-President for Student Affairs.

Managing Test Anxiety

This program provides an overview of what causes test anxiety and strategies for reducing it. This workshop is provided by the Counseling Center.

Sleep Health – It’s Time to Play the Feud!

Learn about the importance of sleep while not falling asleep during this dynamic program (set up like the game show Family Feud) all about sleep health. The top answers about sleep and sleep health are on the board! As a result of this presentation, participants will be able to identify why sleep is important and list barriers that prevent them from quality sleep as college students. Participants will be able to list the health risks associated with sleep deprivation and brainstorm methods to increase quality sleep in their lives. This workshop provided by Campus Recreation and Wellness.

Stress Management

This program focuses on stress management by discussing an overview of factors that contribute to stress and techniques for reducing stress. This workshop is provided by the Counseling Center.

Don’t see what you are looking for on our list or have an idea? We are willing to meet and customize a program just for you! Reach out to us by visiting our Wellness Request Form.