Weekly Wellness Newsletter 8/30/22

August 30, 2022

Your guide to wellness programs and events, recreational opportunities and highlights, timely educational wellness information and service offerings throughout the academic year.

Wellness is a key aspect of student life here at RIT.

While your academics will take up a lot of your time and energy, it’s important to prioritize your physical and mental health, too. Along with wellness services, getting active in recreational activities and social events can boost your energy, motivation levels, and overall well-being.

Take care of yourselves, Tigers!

Learn more about Wellness services and resources

How to Get FREE COVID-19 Home Tests

Did you know residential households in the U.S. are eligible to order free at-home tests through the federal government? This federally funded program ends this Friday, Sept. 2, so order your free COVID-19 tests today!

Here’s how to get your free tests:

Go to www.covid.gov/tests
Click on Order Free At-Home Tests
Enter your contact and shipping information
Click on Check Out Now
Click on Place My Order to finalize your order

Plus, insurance companies and health plans are required to cover 8 free over-the-counter at-home tests per covered individual per month. The process for obtaining tests varies for each insurance provider, so be sure to check with your insurance company and/or pharmacy on how to get your tests. RIT students may use the Wegmans pharmacy delivery service to deliver their free tests to the Student Health Center for convenient pick-up. Instructions are available on the Student Health Center website.

Register for Fall Intramurals by Wednesday, Sept. 7

Intramurals are a fun way to get involved on campus! Whether you are interested in playing your favorite sport, want to try out a new activity, or want to meet new people with similar interests, Intramurals are the way to do it. Check out the full list of Fall Intramurals and get registered today!

Party PAWS: a realistic take on alcohol and cannabis use

Party PAWS is a comprehensive education and awareness program created to not only help students better understand alcohol and cannabis use, but also help to make informed and responsible decisions if you choose to consume.

If you are ever in a situation with alcohol or cannabis, be sure to take a Party PAWS:

PAUSE to check in with yourself before consuming more.
ASSESS what’s happening - take some time to take it all in.
WHY are you choosing to have another? Don't mindlessly consume.
SOLVE for the situation. Make an informed decision about what to do next.

Take it easy Tiger, it’s okay to take a Party PAWS.

Presented by Health Promotion and Substance and Addiction Intervention Services for the Deaf (SAISD).

Learn more about Party PAWS

Each week, we are sharing a financial wellness tip to help you make the connection between financial management decisions, your overall wellness, and student success. Money touches every aspect of our lives, and a lack of financial literacy can cause unnecessary stress and negatively impact one’s mental and physical health.

Know Your Financial Aid Counselor
The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships has a dedicated counselor assigned to work with each student based on their college of study. As scholarships, grants and student loans start to disburse you may have more detailed questions and/or concerns. Contact the office via email ritaid@rit.edu or by calling 585-475-2186 to schedule an appointment, phone call or a zoom meeting with your counselor. All billing, payment and refund questions should be directed to Student Financial Services or 585-475-6186.

Review the Financial Aid Checklist to make sure you complete all requirements that will allow your financial aid to disburse on time. You will receive monthly emails if there outstanding action to be taken. All email regarding financial aid is sent to your RIT email account and not to your parents. Please configure your email preferences so that you are sure to receive email notices regarding your financial aid. Familiarize yourself with eServices, RIT’s secure online portal where you can pay bills, view or apply for financial aid, view grades and schedules, request a payment plan, and request a refund. You can also grant access to your parents under “Manage Accounts” so that they can view your financial aid and billing statements.

Reminders

Withdrawing from courses after the Add/Drop period can impact your financial aid, so make sure to speak with your Financial Aid Counselor first
Check eServices regularly, as anticipated aid that has not paid by the last week in September will no longer credit your account and may delay your ability to register for spring
Reach out to OFAS If there has been a change in your family’s circumstances
It is not too late to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for 2022-2023

Bow Wow Wellness
Wednesday, Aug. 31
Fireside Lounge, 12:30-2 p.m.

Your favorite furry friends are back! Stop by the Fireside Lounge to de-stress with therapy dogs. If you’re missing your fur family at home, come hang out with these pups and start your Fall semester feeling refreshed and relaxed.

Learn more

Public Market Bus
Saturday, Sept. 3

Interested in exploring the city of Rochester and all it has to offer? Take a free ride downtown and shop for fresh produce, ethnic delicacies, and more at the Rochester Public Market! The Public Market Bus will be running most Saturdays during the Fall Semester.

Getting There:

Pick up from Grace Watson Hall (Lot C) at 10:30 a.m.
Pick up from Kate Gleason Circle at 10:45 a.m.

Coming Back:

Leave Rochester Public Market District at 12:30 p.m.
Return to the Rochester Institute of Technology at 1 p.m.

No RSVP required. Bus is first-come, first-served until max capacity on the bus is reached.

Learn more

Connection is Prevention:
National Suicide Prevention Week
Sept. 4-10, 2022

Suicide prevention is important every day of the year. National Suicide Prevention Week gives us an opportunity to shine a special, encouraging light on this topic that affects us all, and send a clear, hopeful message that help is available, and suicide can be prevented.

Together we can help to fight suicide and engage in the conversation about mental health by connecting with ourselves, each other, resources, and the community. Connect with us and your peers throughout the week, and beyond, for support and learn how you can make a difference.

Interested in volunteering? We are looking for students to help out with Fresh Check Day on Sept. 7, a positive and upbeat fair-like event featuring various interactive student-led booths promoting suicide prevention through mental health awareness, stigma reduction, connection, and support. We hope that you will join in supporting this event by volunteering for one of the many opportunities available.

Learn more and complete the volunteer interest form >

National Suicide Prevention Week Events

For additional events and event information, go to rit.edu/events.