At Southern Illinois University (SIU) Carbondale, the well-being of students takes center stage during a special annual event designed to nurture both mind and body before the fall break, bringing together a variety of activities aimed at reducing stress, building life skills, and fostering a sense of community on campus. With a theme that celebrates unity and success, the weeklong program offers a unique opportunity for students to engage in meaningful experiences that prioritize their emotional, physical, and financial health. From interactive sessions to relaxing social events, the carefully curated schedule reflects a deep understanding of the diverse challenges students face in balancing academics and personal growth. This comprehensive approach not only addresses immediate needs but also equips participants with tools for long-term resilience, making it a cornerstone of campus culture.
Fostering Holistic Development Through Themed Days
Kickstarting with Mental and Financial Focus
The week opens with a powerful emphasis on mental health and financial literacy, setting a strong foundation for student wellness. On the first day, dubbed “Mentality Mindset and Money Mindset Monday,” SIU hosts engaging activities at Becker Pavilion from 2:30 to 4 p.m., orchestrated by Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), a key division of Student Health Services. These activities, which include interactive games, aim to promote emotional well-being and provide a space for students to unwind. The focus here is on creating awareness about mental health resources while encouraging participants to prioritize self-care. Simultaneously, a session in the Student Services Building from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., led by Tim Marlo, a clinical associate professor of finance, offers practical advice on managing finances. With pizza on hand to keep the mood light, this event underscores the importance of financial stability as a pillar of overall wellness, blending education with a relaxed environment.
Beyond the initial focus on mental and financial health, the day serves as an entry point to broader themes of personal development. The dual structure of activities ensures that students can address immediate emotional needs while gaining actionable insights into budgeting and financial planning. This combination is particularly relevant for young adults navigating the complexities of independence, where stress often stems from both academic pressures and monetary concerns. By integrating these topics into a single day, SIU demonstrates a nuanced understanding of how interconnected these aspects of life are for students. The approachable nature of the events, from casual games to informal talks over food, lowers barriers to participation, making it easier for individuals to engage with critical support systems. This strategic start to the week lays the groundwork for subsequent days, reinforcing the message that wellness encompasses multiple dimensions of a student’s life.
Energizing Through Physical Activity
The second day, known as “Turnt Tuesday,” shifts the spotlight to physical health, encouraging students to embrace fitness as a vital component of their well-being. Held at the Student Recreation Center from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., this day offers free healthy snacks and access to an array of exercise programs. Options range from high-energy Zumba and cycling to calming yoga sessions, with classes running from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. to accommodate varied schedules. The emphasis here is on making physical activity accessible and enjoyable, helping students integrate movement into their routines despite the demands of academic life. This focus on fitness not only boosts physical health but also serves as a natural stress reliever, aligning with the broader goal of holistic care.
In addition to providing diverse fitness opportunities, this themed day highlights the connection between physical activity and mental clarity. Regular exercise has been shown to improve mood and concentration, which are essential for academic success. By offering a wide range of classes, SIU ensures that students of all fitness levels can find something that suits their interests, whether it’s a competitive boxing session or a restorative yoga practice. The availability of nutritious snacks further reinforces the importance of fueling the body properly, creating a comprehensive approach to health. This day acts as a reminder that taking care of oneself physically is not a luxury but a necessity, especially in the high-pressure environment of university life. Through these efforts, the event fosters a culture of balance, encouraging participants to see fitness as an integral part of their daily lives.
Building Community and Resilience with Engaging Events
Celebrating Unity on a Special Day
Midweek, the campus comes alive with “Salukis Care Day,” a flagship event held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Faner Plaza and the Student Services Building pavilion, with an indoor alternative at the Student Center Ballrooms if weather conditions require it. This day is packed with activities designed to promote relaxation, mental health awareness, and community connection. Students can indulge in free food like pizza, subs, popcorn, snow cones, and ice cream, complemented by refreshing drinks. Interactive features such as a photo booth, a Dream Wall for sharing aspirations, games, a rock climbing wall, coloring stations, inflatables, and hammocks create a festive atmosphere. Unique elements like “Chalk Fest,” where positive affirmations are written on sidewalks, and “Cops with Pops,” fostering casual interactions with campus police over popsicles from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., add to the sense of camaraderie and support.
Further enriching the experience, mental health resources take center stage with the “Saluki Screening” initiative by CAPS, running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This program allows students to complete anonymous behavioral health questionnaires and learn about available support services, ensuring that help is within reach for those who need it. The diversity of activities on this day caters to a wide range of interests, ensuring that every student can find something meaningful to engage with, whether it’s a moment of relaxation or a chance to connect with peers. The university also seeks volunteers to assist with the event, highlighting the communal effort behind creating such an inclusive environment. This central day of the week embodies the spirit of unity and care, reinforcing the idea that a supportive campus culture is key to student success and well-being.
Reflecting on Growth Through Creative Expression
The week wraps up with “Thoughtful Thursday,” offering a reflective and creative conclusion through an activity called “Salukis Uniting through Kintsugi” from 3 to 4 p.m. in the Student Services Building. This session introduces students to the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold lacquer, a practice that symbolizes finding beauty in imperfections and mending rather than discarding. As participants create their own pieces, they are encouraged to think about resilience and personal growth, drawing parallels between the art form and their own life experiences. This unique activity provides a quiet, introspective space amid the week’s more dynamic events, allowing for deeper emotional processing and a focus on self-acceptance.
Complementing the artistic exercise, the day serves as a poignant reminder of the value of embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. The symbolism of Kintsugi resonates strongly with the overarching themes of the week, emphasizing that setbacks can lead to strength and beauty. By engaging in this hands-on activity, students are prompted to consider how they can apply these lessons to their academic and personal journeys, fostering a mindset of perseverance. The intimate setting of the session also encourages meaningful conversations among participants, further strengthening campus connections. This final event caps off a week of diverse programming, leaving students with a powerful message about the importance of healing and resilience as they move forward into the fall break and beyond.
