Lehigh Community Intends to Organize Spring Wellness Event

Lehigh Community Intends to Organize Spring Wellness Event

Lehigh University Embraces Wellness Week Amidst COVID-19

In response to the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Lehigh University is taking innovative steps to support the well-being of its students. This semester, the university is replacing traditional breaks with integrated wellness days, flexible academic accommodations, and mental health programming.

During the week of March 22, known as Wellness Week, a series of events and activities are planned to help students manage stress, promote mental health, and foster a sense of community.

Tong Soon Lee, a professor of music, is organising a hands-on workshop on Korean percussion for students in his MUS013 course. This interactive session is a prime example of the hands-on, wellness-focused programming embedded in coursework.

In addition to this, the university's Art Galleries will present a virtual wellness-themed LUAG@Lunch and exhibit "Well, Well, Well: Picturing Wellness in the LUAG Collection."

Many Lehigh professors have made adjustments to their courses for Wellness Week. Some are incorporating wellness activities or temporarily reducing a course's required workload, while others are using the time to review and elaborate on concepts discussed in previous classes.

Barbara Malt, a professor of psychology, will have her COGS 7 students read an article on meditation and the brain, and has invited Rabbi Steven Nathan to lead a mindfulness meditation during class time.

Sara Heintzelman, an adjunct professor in the teaching, learning and technology (TLT) program, will welcome a guest lecturer to her section of TLT 407 on March 22. David Yadush, a behavioural health education specialist from Lehigh Valley Health Network, will offer strategies for managing mental wellness during the pandemic. This lecture is open to all students in the College of Education's TLT and special education programs.

Faculty members in the department of journalism and communication have planned a two-day virtual program, "Reporting on and Living in Times of Trauma," for all members of the Lehigh community.

Taylor Gym is offering free virtual fitness programming to students, faculty, and staff this semester. The Health and Wellness Center offers routine medical evaluation and treatment, available by appointment Monday-Friday. After hours, students can get non-emergency health advice from a clinician-on-call.

The Office of Student Engagement has planned various events leading up to and during Wellness Week, including a succulent make-and-take, self-care bag making, and the launch of the Sense of Belonging series. Lehigh After Dark will have wellness-related programming during Wellness Week, including Thursday Night Trivia, a Canvas Painting Take and Make, and a Virtual Escape Room.

Nathan Urban, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, sent a message to faculty and instructional staff, encouraging them to consider creative ways to create space in their syllabi to relieve stress during the week of March 22.

Aarsenio Perry, assistant dean and director of the Office of Student Engagement, encourages reflection on habits for promoting positive health during the pandemic and reimagining what one's mind, body, and soul might need.

The BeWell employee wellness program offers various physical- and mental health-related challenges. Lehigh Dining will offer healthy snacks, recipes, and a socially distant chili cookoff during Wellness Week.

All undergraduate and graduate students have free access to the Headspace meditation app. The Office of Counseling and Psychological Services offers a number of services and resources, including a list of COVID-19 coping strategies, and counselors are available 24/7 to provide support and assistance.

Lehigh University removed spring break from the Spring 2021 academic calendar to condense the semester and discourage travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. Matty Behman, a student at Lehigh University, described the challenges of a normal course load combined with fewer in-person opportunities to engage with others and participate in activities.

The College of Education at Lehigh University is organizing a "Be Clutch. Be Well." initiative for Wellness Week, inviting students, faculty, and staff to engage in wellness activities with a cutout of the university mascot.

Heintzelman emphasises the importance of teaching students how to cope with challenges during the pandemic and modeling compassion and connection.

These initiatives reflect a university-wide commitment to supporting student well-being and fostering a resilient community during these challenging times.

1. During Wellness Week at Lehigh University, Tong Soon Lee, a faculty member, is organizing a hands-on workshop on Korean percussion for students to promote mental health.
2. The university's Art Galleries are presenting a virtual wellness-themed LUAG@Lunch and an exhibit named "Well, Well, Well: Picturing Wellness in the LUAG Collection."
3. Barbara Malt, a psychology professor, will have her students read an article on meditation and the brain, and will lead a mindfulness meditation during class time for educational and self-development purposes.
4. Sara Heintzelman, an adjunct professor, is inviting a behavioural health education specialist to discuss strategies for managing mental wellness during the pandemic as part of her course.
5. The department of journalism and communication is planning a two-day virtual program to help the Lehigh community navigate reporting on and living in times of trauma, focusing on education and culture.
6. Taylor Gym is offering free virtual fitness programming to support students' health-and-wellness, while the Health and Wellness Center continues to provide routine medical evaluation and treatment.
7. The Office of Student Engagement is planning various events for Wellness Week, including self-care activities, and the BeWell employee wellness program offers physical- and mental health-related challenges to foster personal growth.

Read also: