The overall well-being of the entire Vanderbilt community is paramount. During this time, the university encourages all Commodores to check in not only with themselves, but also with their friends, classmates and colleagues. All students are encouraged to connect with the many resources available through the Student Care Network when in need.
One of those resources is the University Counseling Center’s drop-in consultations, which provide easy access to informal, confidential consultations with UCC counselors through Zoom. Speaking with a counselor at a drop-in consultation can provide insight, solutions and referrals to other campus resources. Appointments are first-come, first-served, and there is typically not much of a wait. The counselor will listen closely to a student’s concerns and provide support, perspective and suggestions for resources.
The UCC’s identity-based drop-in consultations provide opportunities for students with historically minoritized identities to receive brief support around these concerns in an affirming space. Black, international and/or LGBTQIA+ students are always welcome to visit any drop-in consultation space for any non-urgent concern.
Schedule of UCC drop-in consultations
- Mondays: Black students from 2 to 4 p.m.
- Tuesdays: International students from 7 to 8 a.m., all students from 10 a.m. to noon, LGBTQIA+ students from 2 to 4 p.m.
- Wednesdays: Black students from 10 a.m. to noon and all students from 2 to 4 p.m.
- Thursdays: all students from 1 to 3 p.m. and LGBTQIA+ students from 2 to 4 p.m.
- Fridays: all students from 10 a.m. to noon
University Counseling Center (UCC) fall workshops
Melanin Matters @ VU: A Workshop Series for Black Students, select Tuesdays from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
An initiative dedicated to creating a safe, brave and affirming space for Black-identified students to discuss topics. Registration via Zoom is required for participation. Upcoming topics include:
- Oct. 13: In Living Color: Let’s Talk About Internalized Racism and Oppression
- Oct. 27: I’m Rooting for Everybody Black!: Let’s Celebrate Black Excellence
- Nov. 10: Keep that Same Energy: Let’s Talk Social Justice
- Dec. 1: The Wrap-up: Self-care and Winning at Finals
Transfer Student Outreach, every other Tuesday from 4 to 5 p.m.
A space for undergraduate, graduate and professional transfer students to connect around difficulties related to transferring to a new university in a remote environment. Connect with UCC facilitators and other students for support, psychoeducation, and self-care strategies.
- Oct. 13: Adjusting to living off-campus at a new university (Imposter Syndrome)
- Oct. 27: Self-care strategies and coping with loneliness, isolation, and stress
- Nov. 10: Study skills
- Nov. 17: How to connect with others in a remote environment
- Dec. 1: Ongoing support for adjusting to life at VU (OSCC Services/Campus Resources)
Navigating Distress as a VU International Student
The “Navigating Distress as a VU International Student” is committed to support international students through the student life journey. These workshops provide international students, both local and abroad, a safe and open space to express their needs, connect and share their experiences with other international students, and learn new strategies to manage stress and thrive.
- Oct. 20 from noon to 1:30 p.m.: Self-care and Healthy Boundaries
- Nov. 17 from noon to 1 p.m.: Taking Advantage of Student Care Network Resources
- Dec. 14 from 3 to 4 p.m.: Preparing for Winter Break as an International Student
Power Talks: Being an Anti-racist Ally, Wednesdays from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
A confidential space for undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in developing identities as anti-racist allies. In this eight-week workshop, students will connect, share experiences and resources, explore the impact of systems of power and privilege, and develop skills and strategies to begin disrupting oppression in empowered ways. If interested, please contact ruth.howard@Vanderbilt.Edu to schedule a brief informational meeting.
The Psychology of Peak Performance Workshop Series, select Fridays from noon to 1 p.m., open to graduate and professional students and postdocs
This workshop series is designed to promote expert performance by exploring common issues impacting graduate and professional students and postdocs. Each session will briefly cover theory and research on the topic and provide a space for attendees to discuss their related experiences and to gain support and consultation.
- Oct. 30: Managing Conflict and Relationships
- Nov. 13: Finding Work/Life Balance
Woke and Well: Navigating Social Justice Issues and Mental Health Among Student Athletes, select Wednesdays
Student-athletes are invited to join this space for community building and open dialogue related to navigating multicultural issues, social justice advocacy, identity-based trauma, body image concerns, and emotional wellness through a framework that uplifts the unique experiences of student-athletes.
- Oct. 28: We Can’t E-RACE this Issue: Exploring Social Justice Issues Related to Race among Student Athletes
- Nov. 11: EveryBODY is Beautiful: Exploring Body Image among Student-athletes
Center for Student Wellbeing (CSW) fall workshops
Drop-in Wellbeing Coaching, Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon
Drop-in Wellbeing Coaching, in partnership with the Bishop Joseph Johnson Black Cultural Center, is a safe and open space where students who may not feel the need to schedule a coaching appointment may drop in to discuss their well-being or to explore CSW services. The time can be used to create or set goals and focus on well-being strategies such as stress management.
Drop-in Academic Coaching, Wednesdays from 1 to 3 p.m.
Drop-in Academic Coaching provides a supportive space for undergraduate, graduate and professional students to individually meet with an academic coach. Students have the opportunity to discuss an extensive variety of academic matters, such as learning strategy, time management or writing challenges.
How to Student: Finals Prep, Monday, Nov. 30, from 2 to 3 p.m.
“How to Student” workshops are designed to assist students who may be having difficulties with classes, wish to improve grade point averages or who would simply like to enhance study techniques for university work. While these workshops are very helpful to students who are experiencing academic difficulties, including balancing hectic schedules, they are also beneficial to anyone who wishes to become a more efficient learner.
Financial Well-being, Tuesday, Nov. 17, from 2 to 2:45 p.m.
College is a time for new experiences and personal growth, and that includes developing strong financial habits. During this session, students will have the opportunity to assess personal relationships with money and how they impact financial behaviors; identify connections between mental and financial well-being; analyze current spending and saving habits; and become more aware of ways to apply budgeting and money-saving concepts.
Writers Accountability Group, Nov. 5 and Dec. 3 from 3 to 4 p.m.
The Writers Accountability Group offers graduate and professional students an opportunity to support each other through the writing process, facilitated by a CSW coach. Monthly meetings are for sharing goals and accountability, not text. Participants should be actively writing and able to commit to regular attendance. Email samantha.york@vanderbilt.edu to register.
Surviving and Thriving with ADHD and Other Executive Function Concerns, select Wednesdays from 4 to 5 p.m., search “ADHD” in AnchorLink for the Zoom information
This workshop series will focus on strategies for improving work completion and time management and organization, as well as touching on cognitive behavioral and mindfulness interventions. A verified diagnosis of ADHD is not required for this workshop; any interested student is welcome. Contact Frances Niarhos at frances.niarhos@vanderbilt.edu or Samantha York at samantha.york@vanderbilt.edu for more information about these workshops.
- Oct. 14, 28 and Nov. 11, 18: Drop-in for accountability, check-in
Contact Frances Niarhos at frances.niarhos@vanderbilt.edu or Samantha York at samantha.york@vanderbilt.edu for more information about these workshops. - Oct. 21: ADHD and Academic Work
- Nov. 4: TLCs (therapeutic lifestyle choices)
- Dec. 2: Prep for Finals