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UMass Amherst embraced a campuswide commitment to holistic wellness with a blend of interactive workshops, social gatherings and contemplative practices during its first Week of Wellbeing in early February. Designed to support students, faculty and staff, the week’s events reflected the university’s dedication to fostering a Health Promoting University under the Okanagan Charter and explored ways to cultivate both personal and community wellbeing.

The week began with Chapel Unplugged, where campus community members gathered to unwind, connect and set a positive tone for the spring semester. Engaging discussions and workshops, such as “Workflow Wisdom: Creative Problem-Solving,” encouraged attendees to approach workplace challenges with fresh perspectives, while “Workplace Mindfulness” offered practical tools for integrating mindfulness into daily professional life, highlighting the link between wellbeing and success.

Building a sense of belonging remained a key theme throughout the week. Events like UMass Recovery Lunch and the All-Recovery Meeting provided welcoming spaces for those in recovery to find support and camaraderie. The return of the Pondfire drew over 350 people to the Campus Pond, where the warmth of the fire and the joy of s’mores brought the community together under the winter sky.

In one featured event, Stanford psychologist Jamil Zaki extrapolated on themes from his book, “Finding Hope and Connection in Cynical Times,” which underscores the profound impact of social connection and empathy in an increasingly fragmented world.

“The Week of Wellbeing is an invaluable initiative that fosters a supportive and nurturing environment for our students and staff,” said Vice Chancellor Shelly Perdomo-Ahmed. “From our signature events like Pondfire and Chapel Unplugged to incredible offerings from campus partners, these programs provide essential tools for building empathy, resilience and a sense of community. Dr. Jamil Zaki’s talk on ‘Finding Hope and Connection in Cynical Times’ highlighted the transformative power of social connection—we are so fortunate to have a campus community working together to cultivate more meaningful relationships and experiences in today’s world.”

Themes of diversity and inclusion were also central, as the panel “Providing for the Wellbeing of Trans and Nonbinary People Today” examined the evolving landscape of gender-affirming care, reinforcing UMass Amherst’s commitment to fostering an inclusive campus environment.

The arts played an essential role in the week’s programming, offering creative avenues for self- expression and community building. The opening reception for “Unfolding Convention” at Augusta Savage Gallery showcased bold abstract works, while Endea Owens and The Cookout energized audiences with a spirited jazz performance.

Opportunities for quiet reflection and self-care were also woven throughout the schedule. Coloring and Mind Mapping sessions, along with a series of Peer Health Education Meditations, invited participants to slow down and de-stress, while the Yoga and Meditation Retreat with Rolf Gates offered a full-day immersion in mindful practices designed to sustain wellbeing beyond the event.

“In the busyness of day-to-day work life, it is easy to forget that I am part of a bigger UMass community,” one yoga retreat participant shared. “I appreciated that this retreat gave me the opportunity to remember I am part of a bigger picture, together with many others working towards the common good. I am sure the positive impacts of 100 participants will ripple far and wide across our community.”