An Overview of Wellness Resources, Services and Activities

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Over the past couple of years, as we dealt with the COVID pandemic and the stresses of everyday life, Le Moyne has worked in a number of ways to enhance and enrich our efforts to improve support for wellness on campus – mind, body and soul.

Since many initiatives have been developed, I wanted to provide an overview and update of some of the wellness resources and activities that are available for students.

  • The launch in the fall of the My SSP App, which offers 24/7 remote mental health support from licensed counselors, digital content, and customizable fitness programs. Over 100 students have utilized this service.
  • Expansion and diversification of counseling services through the Wellness Center – over the past year, we have added a new counselor and, while the counseling staff is busy, openings are available. To make an appointment call 315-445-4195 or email counselingservices@lemoyne.edu.
  • Recognizing that physical activity contributes to overall mental health, we have expanded the number and variety of fitness classes offered in the Palony Wellness Studio. These classes are free for all students.
  • We are offering more wellness programs and events – for example over 400 students attended the Wellness Fair on March 2 and Diversity Central recently held an LGBTQ and Mental Health Expert Panel.
  • We have increased activities to raise awareness for available resources. We are using the app Campus Groups to promote these programs and resources. Healthy Monday tabling outside the LaCasse Dining Center provides a variety of wellness educational materials and resources each week.
  • A Mental Health Awareness Club has been established by students during this academic year with a goal of reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and supporting those in need. Upcoming events the club is working on with the Psych Club, E-Sports Club and others include the Out of Darkness campus walk. Contact me at kearneae@lemoyne.edu for more information.
  • As part of the Out of the Darkness event, the College will be hosting a speaker in April from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, along with various other education and awareness-raising events.
  • Campus Ministry offers several opportunities for students to reach out and have authentic conversations, including ‘Phins Unplugged, Soul Sisters and Koinonea Companions (a men’s group). Call Campus Ministry at 315-445-4110 or email campusministry@lemoyne.edu to sign up or with any questions.
  • Monthly coffee and conversation gathering take place in the BIPOC lounge in Reilly Hall 101L. Contact London Wright at wrightee@lemoyne.edu for more info.
  • After spring break, I will be facilitating “Wake Up to Wellness” sessions on most Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 8 a.m. in the Palony Wellness Studio. See Campus Groups for more information.
  • Throughout this semester, we have offered chair massages in residence halls, which have been very popular. The schedule for the rest of the semester is March 23 in Foery, March 30 in Dablon, April 6 in Harrison, April 13 in Nelligan, April 20 in St. Mary’s and April 27 in Foery. Contact your RA for more info.

To better inform our work, we have taken several steps to learn how we can better serve the Le Moyne community.

  1. We have formed a student wellbeing working group, with stakeholders from across campus, including several students.
  2. We are reviewing the effectiveness and utilization of our internal services and resources and are doing research on best practices and what other colleges offer.
  3. In April we will hold a series of student focus groups on mental health and wellbeing to really listen and understand what our students need.
  4. Later this year, we will take part in the National College Health Assessment Survey, which is sponsored by the American College Health Association. This survey will yield important data and we are looking for a high level of student participation.

As you can see, we have done a lot of work and made significant progress as we seek to improve our wellness activities, resources and outreach on campus. But if there is only one takeaway from this message it is this – whether you are personally struggling or know of a friend who is, please reach out for help. We are here to help students connect other students with resources. Our staff can advise you on how to handle situations with a friend, roommate, or partner and give you tips and guidance on how to refer someone to counseling. Remember you are not alone.

As we all move closer to the spring break, I wish each of you time to rest, to recreate and to reflect. And as always, please make good and safe choices!

Sincerely,

Anne Kearney, LCSW-R
Dean of Student Wellbeing