Weekly Wellness Newsletter 9/26/23

September 26, 2023

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

Looking for things to do on campus with students who have similar interests? RIT Wellness offers a wide variety of events and programs to get involved in throughout the academic year. Here’s a glimpse of what will be happening on campus in the coming weeks!

If you want to make healthier lifestyle choices…
Have you been Sober Curious lately? Join a month-long challenge to abstain from substance use this October!

PartyPAWS: Sober Curious Edition A month-long challenge to abstain from substance use

With various events and giveaways planned each week, the Health Promotion department is here to help you stay on track. Check out the Sober Curious Kick-off event on Thursday, Oct. 5 to learn more!

If you want to get active…
If you’re interested in playing your favorite sport, trying out a new activity, or making friends with similar interests, check out the variety of recreation opportunities available to RIT students – including monthly fitness center clinics, open recreation, intramurals, club sports, and Red Barn Climbing.

A group of students playing indoor soccer

With activities offered at every experience level, you’re sure to find a way to get involved that’s best for you!

Workshops and Outreach Groups with Counseling and Psychological Services

If you’re looking for mental health support and connection…
Did you know Counseling and Psychological Services offers workshops and outreach groups throughout the semester to provide additional support to RIT students?

You do not need to be connected to Counseling and Psychological Services for treatment to attend these sessions.

If you love animals…
Be sure to check out Bow Wow Wellness with therapy dogs and Goat Yoga! Both of these activities are fun ways to relax and take a break from the daily grind. More information about these upcoming events can be found below!

Two students smiling at Bow Wow Wellness petting a therapy dog

Rochester Public Market Bus Presented by the Wellness Collaborative

If you want to explore the Rochester community…
Take a free ride downtown and shop for fresh produce, ethnic delicacies, and much more at the Rochester Public Market!

The Rochester Public Market Bus runs most Saturdays throughout the semester. Check out the full schedule here!

Check out more upcoming Wellness Events

Tell Me Something Good written in black text on a yellow background graphic

Thank You for Being a (Potential) Friend

Travel down the road and back again. Your heart is true, you’re a pal and a confidant.

While there are numerous physical and mental health benefits to having people you trust and relax with, starting conversations with new people can be tricky. Here are some tips to get you started:

You can start the conversation with simple questions, and then work your way up to open-ended questions.
Listen to what people tell you, and ask follow up questions based on that.
Remember, there is no right or wrong answer to an opinion based question.
Share appropriate details about yourself that are relevant to the conversation.

To learn more about developing and practicing social skills, you are always more than welcome to join Health Promotion’s Social Tigers program! It is fun and engaging 4 week that can help you improve your communication skills and confidence while building connections to your fellow Tigers.

The next section of Social Tigers that you can join is on every Monday from 4-5 p.m. starting on October 16 and ending on November 6. For more information and to register for this section, check out Health Promotion in CampusGroups.

Bow Wow Wellness
Wednesday, Sept. 27
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 to feel refreshed and relaxed.

Learn more

Goat Yoga with Goat Yoga of New York
Thursday, Sept. 28
Greek Lawn

Take a moment to destress and regroup after a busy start to the Fall semester! Enjoy a beginner yoga class for humans while a tribe of goats engage with you yogi's! You are encouraged to show off your RIT spirit by wearing an RIT shirt to the event!

There will be four 30-minute sessions:

11:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
12:15-12:45 p.m.
3-3:45 p.m.
3:45-4:15 p.m.

Please note:

Bring your own yoga mat or towel as yoga mats will not be provided
Class will be outside on the grass
There is the potential the goats will jump and/or climb on you
Signing of waiver is required to participate in the event

In the event of rain, the event will be cancelled and an email notification will go out.

Coffee & Company: Crafting Connections
Thursday, Sept. 28
Health Promotion Suite (CPC 1760), 12:30-1:30 p.m.

The Health Promotion team invites you to join us for an afternoon pick-me up! Come chat with us about various topics each week, and their connection to mental health! This week, come chat with us about your hobbies and how you can use them to make meaningful connections with others.

Public Market Bus
Saturday, Sept. 30

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 much more! No RSVP required, bus is first come, first serve until max capacity on the bus is reached! Students MUST show their RIT ID before boarding the bus.

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

Monthly Fitness Center Clinic
Sunday, Oct. 1
Student Life Center Upper Dance Studio, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Join the WFC personal trainers on the first Sunday of every month for a free fitness clinic! The next one will be held on Sunday, October 1st from 11am – 1pm in the Upper Dance Studio in the SLC. “Everything Dumbbells 101” is open to both beginner and experienced lifters. Learn how to program an effective dumbbell workout for yourself, as well as get feedback from a certified trainer on your form and technique. The clinic is free, but advance registration is required.

PartyPAWS: Sober Curious Kick-off!
Thursday, Oct. 5
Student Alumni Union 1500, Alumni Room, 2:30-4:30 p.m.

Have you been Sober Curious lately? Join us for a month-long challenge to abstain from substance use this October! With various events and giveaways planned each week, the Health Promotion department is here to help you stay on track.

At this first event, you can expect to learn more about other Sober Curious offerings, meet the Health Promotion staff supporting your journey, sign up for messaging services to keep you motivated, and meet other like-minded RIT students!

Student Flu Vaccine Clinics

RIT is partnering with Wegmans to provide on-campus flu vaccine clinics for RIT students. If your insurance is not accepted by Wegmans, you can get the vaccine at the Student Health Center for $20.

Tuesday, Oct. 10 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Global Village Fitness Studio
Tuesday, Oct. 31 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Student Alumni Union, 1510/1829 Room
Wednesday, Nov. 1 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Student Alumni Union, 1510/1829 Room

Fall Intramural Tournaments

Join us for single-day tournaments showcasing a variety of activities! This fall, we are offering Spikeball, Soccer, Pickleball, and Table Tennis. Tournaments are a great way to relax and try something new!

Soccer – October 28, 12-5 p.m.
Pickleball – November 11, 6-11 p.m.
Table Tennis (Doubles) – December 2, 1-6 p.m.

Registration will close one week before the tournament begins.

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