February 03, 2025 4:00 pm - February 08, 2025 4:30 pm ET
Various Locations

What is the Week of Wellbeing?

The Week of Wellbeing starts our semester off with a host of opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to return to campus and  relax, connect, and recharge. Highlights include Chapel Unplugged, a peaceful evening of acoustic music and mindfulness, and the enchanting Pondfire by the campus pond.  You're also invited to participate in a transformative retreat with renowned yoga teacher Rolf Gates, alongside other engaging events designed to nurture mind, body, and spirit. The Week of Wellbeing is a cross-campus collaboration, involving the Okanagan Wellbeing Collective, the Office of Equity and Inclusion, Student Affairs and Campus Life, and many others.  

Keep reading to learn more about each event. 

Chapel Unplugged

Monday, February 3, 4 - 6:30 p.m. in the Old Chapel

Join us for our Spring continuation of the hit "Chapel Unplugged" series. The Old Chapel transforms into a laid-back, coffee-house setting featuring live acoustic music courtesy of our very own UMass Songwriting club, a knitting station, coloring, and more. Don't miss this chance to make new connections and get recharged for the busy semester ahead!

Finding Hope and Connection in Cynical Times

Wednesday, February 5, 11:30 - 1:00 p.m. in the Campus Center Auditorium

Join us over lunch during the Week of Wellbeing for a talk by Jamil Zaki, professor of psychology at Stanford University and director of the Stanford Social Neuroscience Lab.

Zaki and his colleagues study social connection, what that connection does for us, and how people can learn to connect more effectively.  Jamil has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles and received more than two dozen awards from scientific associations and universities.  

Welcome Back Pondfire

Wednesday, February 5, 4 - 8 p.m. at the Campus Pond

Pondfire is back for the Spring semester! There's never a better time than a cold February night to cozy up to a warm fire and have a s'more or two (or three!). Join us!

More about Pondfire

Yoga and Meditation Retreat

Saturday, February 8, 9 - 4:30 p.m. in the Old Chapel

Join us for a day-long meditation and yoga retreat led by Yoga teacher and author, Rolf Gates. Learn mind-body techniques designed to help you achieve your goals in sustainable and healthy ways.

Providing for the Wellbeing of Trans and Nonbinary People Today

Thursday, Feb. 6, 7 p.m. in the UMass Stonewall Center (now in Goodell 403) & by Zoom
Register for the Zoom

A panel of providers from Transhealth, Translate Gender, and University Health Services will discuss the state of gender-affirming care under the new presidential administration and the services they offer.

Sponsored by the Stonewall Center, Transhealth, Translate Gender, and University Health Services. Co-sponsored by the Office of Equity and Inclusion.

Workflow Wisdom: Creative Problem-Solving

Tuesday, February 4, 1 - 3 p.m. in the Campus Center, Room 805

When an obstacle occurs, getting inspiration to solve it in a creative way may be tricky. In this workshop we will discuss what creative problem solving and critical thinking are, and how to maximize both when problems arise at work.

Workplace Mindfulness

Thursday, February 6, 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.  Location to be determined.

In this session, we'll discuss the meaning of mindfulness and wellbeing, how you might already be practicing and how to implement tools you can use every day to improve your success in the workplace.