The student wellbeing and support cluster within the Division of Student Affairs officially launched a new collaboration recently with the College of Environmental Design focused on student wellness support and mental health.

The new initiative ensures that staff from the Care Center and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) are available to meet with students on-site at the college (Building 7) each week. CAPS clinician Dr. Gently Ang will be available Mondays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Care Center case manager Jennifer Wheeler will be available Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Additionally, regular workshops will be held throughout the semester, allowing students to learn about a variety of topics related to wellness. A final schedule will be shared at a later date.

"What we're embarking upon has the potential to set a new standard for tailored, unique and culturally relevant wellness programming and services that are delivered directly to our students in a manner that is most convenient and accessible to them," said Hallie Lewis, associate vice president for student wellbeing and support.

The idea for the collaboration first originated when student leaders at the college advocated for on-site services due to the strenuous schedules and demands of ENV programs.

Upon hearing these concerns, Mary Anne Akers, the college's dean, connected with Student Affairs leaders to explore possibilities. After several months of brainstorming solutions, meeting with key stakeholders and working through the logistics associated with providing these services, the wellness collaboration was formed.

"ENV students, Dean Akers and Associate Dean Wilcox are phenomenal students advocates, who care deeply about student well-being and success. They have been creative thought partners throughout the planning and implementation phases of this project," said Lewis.

For more information about the collaboration, contact Hallie Lewis at hklewis@cpp.edu.