Health Promotion

Rooted in harm reduction philosophy, our alcohol and cannabis programs explore research about these substances and ways to consume responsibly. We remind students that the RIT Code of Conduct prohibits consuming alcohol and/or cannabis, and drinking alcohol is against NYS law if you are under the age of twenty-one. Although recreational cannabis use is legal for individuals twenty-one and older in NYS, cannabis is illegal at the federal level and therefore not allowed on campus.

Impact Feedback – have you thought about reviewing your alcohol or cannabis use? Set up an appointment with our Health Promotion Specialists to start the conversation.

We define Mental Wellness as a state in which RIT students work to develop and apply skills to help cope with and manage the normal stresses of life. Examples of mental wellness may include individuals working productively and contributing positively to their community.

Social Connections are the relationships you have with the people around you like your peers, friends, colleagues, and family. Building social connections helps to create a system that can support your physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being.

Sexual health is an important part of overall health and wellness. Our programming provides a positive and respectful approach to sex education and sexual relationships. We provide comprehensive information to help students make the most educated and informed decisions regarding their sexual health.

Sleep management is using the skills and strategies to increase one's quality of sleep and to improve sleep hygiene practices. Proper sleep management can help decrease stress, improve grades, and study habits, and can help contribute to an overall better mood throughout the day!

Stress is the body's physical and psychological reaction to a situation or any change that requires an adjustment or response. Everyone experiences stress – it’s completely normal. Stress management involves using skills and strategies to help better handle stress and difficulties in your life. These skills or strategies can help you to organize your thoughts, give your mind and body the break it may need, and help prepare you to tackle challenges you are facing. Working to manage your stress can help lead you to a more balanced and healthier life.

Dogs and more dogs! Did you know that spending just a few minutes with a dog can help:

• Reduce anxiety
• Lower blood pressure
• Increase levels of serotonin and dopamine, two neurochemicals that play large roles in mood, calmness and mental wellbeing.

Bow Wow Wellness is an opportunity to connect with trained therapy dogs, their handlers, and fellow animal-loving students. We know that students often miss their pets when away from home or just need a friendly pick-me-up during stressful times. Bow Wow Wellness occurs once per month in the Fireside Lounge.

 A random act of kindness for YOU! Practicing random acts of kindness can: 

• Increase a sense of positivity and help us be kind to others
• Enhance the release of oxytocin (the warm and fuzzy feeling hormone)
• Reduce stress, even just for a couple of minutes

This event occurs twice per semester in various locations on campus. These bags will brighten your day - filled with practical items that will bring a smile to your face. A small, kind gesture can turn your entire day around!

Did you know that half of all new sexually transmitted infections (STIs) occur in people under 25 years old in the U.S. (CDC, 2020)? In fact, many STIs have no symptoms. The only way you can be sure you do not have an STI is to Get Yourself Tested!

Get Yourself Tested is a week-long event that occurs once per semester and serves as an important reminder to check in with your health and be a responsible sexual partner!

Looking for more information on sexual health and STIs? You can find everything you need at the Student Health Center on campus. The Student Health Center is a non-judgmental space for confidential screenings of all STIs, including HIV, Syphilis, Chlamydia, & Gonorrhea, as well as treatment and prevention of STIs.

Play It Safe is an online system for RIT students to order cost-free safer sex supplies and have them delivered to one of five convenient drop-off locations. All supplies and orders are free. Options include various barrier methods for protection, lubricants, pregnancy tests, and more! All kits include additional education and conversation starters to help build skills and confidence when communicating with partners

Order a Play It Safe Kit

Party PAWS is a realistic take on alcohol and cannabis use. Party PAWS is an education and awareness program created to help students better understand alcohol and cannabis use and 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 is happening - take some time to take it all in.
• WHY are you choosing to have another? Avoid mindless consumption.
• SOLVE for the situation. Make an informed decision about what to do next.

Learn more about Party PAWS

Research shows an increasing number of college students who are not getting enough sleep! Without 7-9 hours of sleep each night, students can suffer from:

• Learning and memory impairment, which can lead to academic struggles
• Decreased attention and vigilance, which may lead to injury
• Higher levels of distress, which may decrease your quality of life.

The 30-Day Sleep Challenge provides students with the opportunity to learn more about sleep management practices to increase their quantity and quality of sleep. The Sleep Challenge takes place once per semester and includes peer support from the Wellness Peer Educators!