As the calendar has placed Syracuse squarely into the “dog days of summer,” the Wellness Initiative, a program of the , is doing its part to keep University faculty and staff members hydrated and healthy.

will be set up at more than 20 locations around campus from Monday, July 27, through Friday, Aug. 7, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Each station will include a choice of three infused waters, refillable cups and information on hydration and wellness.

According to the , staying hydrated is essential for the body to function normally. Water helps regulate body temperature, cushions joints, protects sensitive tissues and flushes waste from the body. Dehydration, even mild, can cause fatigue, unclear thinking, mood changes and overheating, all of which can affect focus and productivity at work, especially during the summer heat.

Yet CDC data shows many U.S. adults fall short of the recommended daily water intake. The Wellness Initiative’s hydration stations aim to close that gap by making water more visible, accessible and appealing throughout the workday.

This is the second year that the stations have been set up on campus. “Small changes in daily routines can add up to big benefits for health,” says Molly Morgan, associate director of health and wellness for faculty and staff. “We want hydration to be simple, accessible and something to look forward to.”

“Supporting the well-being of our faculty and staff is central to who we are as an employer,” says Alex Dietrich, interim chief human resources officer. “Hydration stations are a tangible way we’re investing in the health of our people, right where they work.”

High temperatures and humidity couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm of workers from across Central New York, including members of the University community, who gathered at Onondaga Lake Parkway on June 9 for the annual Syracuse WorkForce Run.

Due to the heat, organizers adjusted the format from a 5K run to a 2-mile walk. The event raised funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central New York.

Syracuse University turned out in force with 340 participants—the second-highest total among all competing companies and organizations. Otto the Orange was on hand to rally the Orange team members.

Each June, the in the Office of Human Resources sponsors the University’s participation in the WorkForce Run as part of its mission to empower employees to live balanced, healthy lives.

“We were thrilled to have record numbers of Syracuse University employees celebrating health, teamwork and Orange pride,” says Alex Dietrich, interim chief human resources officer. “The WorkForce Run embodies what we believe at the University—that focusing on well-being is essential to who we are as an institution. When our employees thrive, our entire university community benefits.”

For many, the WorkForce Run is an annual tradition. Jon French, associate teaching professor and undergraduate director of chemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences, has participated since 2018, when the event was known as the JPMorgan Chase Corporate Challenge. He keeps coming back for the sense of community it creates.

“It’s fun to get out with friends and colleagues in a different setting—to see people off campus, outside of a conference room or a Zoom meeting,” he says. “You connect with others who maybe you didn’t realize also had an interest in running. It’s also great that it’s open to all ability levels.”

The event also drew first-timers, including Elisha Glover, a custodian with Facilities Services who had signed up three years in a row but was finally able to participate this year.

“I was determined to get it done this year,” she says. “I found the event because I’m always trying to stay healthy and informed, so I often sign up for things through the Wellness Initiative. My motto: if you fail, keep on trying!”

Ready to recharge? Want to improve your health? Perform better? Prioritize your sleep.

Most college students operate on less than seven hours of sleep and that’s just not enough, says , director of counseling with the .

“We forget how essential sleep is to our functioning, our concentration, our physical well-being and our mental well-being,” Brown says. “It’s easy to forget that sleep is really important.”

For the long-term, the human brain isn’t fully formed until age 25, and sleep is one of the most powerful tools that helps support that development.

How much sleep is considered good? Seven to nine hours, Brown says.

How can you get there? The Barnes Center offers ample resources for students struggling to get a good night’s sleep.

“From access to the and other meditation and mindfulness tools to our and the , we’re committed to helping our students improve their sleep quality and help them sleep more,” Brown says.

Here are four things to know about good sleep habits and what to avoid.

Go to Sleep and Let Your Brain Do Its Job

Sleep is essential for the body to repair itself, and our cells grow and regenerate while we’re asleep.

Sleep is also when, in the brain, the hippocampus consolidates information, turning short-term moments into long-term memories. Give your brain a chance to cement all that studying and classroom knowledge.

“Getting deep, restorative sleep is so important for students because they’re doing a lot of academic work and they need to be sharp and focused,” Brown says. “If you start stacking nights of poor sleep, you’ll see poor health habits start to form.”

It can also lead to decreased concentration and focus and increased stress, hypertension, irritability, anxiety and depression.

Tip: Brown recommends students aim to fall asleep and wake up around the same time each day, to help develop and maintain the circadian rhythm, the body’s internal clock.

Damaging Effects of Screens on Sleep

Whether it’s a cell phone, tablet, laptop or television, the screens we use emit a specific light that disrupts our ability to fall asleep by mimicking daylight and stimulating activity in the brain.

Brown says the blue light suppresses the body’s release of melatonin, which helps naturally prepare the body to fall asleep, and tricks the brain into a state of alertness.

Tip: She recommends getting off your phone or other screens at least 30 minutes and preferably one hour before bedtime, to allow the brain enough time to wind down.

Healthy Alternatives to Screen Time

Instead of scrolling on your phone, Brown suggests keeping a nightly journal, reflecting on the lessons from the day while creating a to-do list for the next day.

“That way, you get everything out of your mind before laying down for bed, and it won’t weigh on you as you fall asleep,” Brown says.

Tip: All University students have premium access to the , which features guided meditation, mindfulness and bedtime exercises and a library of soothing sleep sounds.

What are healthy alternatives to screens?

• Taking a warm bath before bed
• Practicing deep breathing, meditation and mindfulness exercises
• Washing your face with a calming lavender lotion or using pleasing fragrances
• Drinking herbal teas containing chamomile
• Reading a book with dim lighting

“The biggest key is getting yourself ready for sleep,” Brown says. “Having a nighttime routine is great because it helps you stack together good habits that will improve sleep quality.”

How the Barnes Center Can Help

Brown says the ability to sleep is closely intertwined with eating habits, which is why help students understand how diet and meal timing affect sleep quality.

Exercise is also connected. Brown says students who regularly engage in physical activity enjoy better sleep quality and are encouraged to connect with recreation staff and personal trainers.

Among the offered to support better sleep and rest habits:

• appointments with or to discuss care options;
• sessions tailored for students struggling with sleep difficulties;
• self-care activities, tools and resources through the Crowley Family MindSpa; and
• .

“People think you can catch up on sleep, but you really can’t reverse everything that happens to your body from constantly not sleeping well,” Brown says. “There’s no substitute for getting a good night’s sleep.”

College students may experience a range of stressful events and time periods. From feelings of uncertainty to times of personal, family and/or community crisis, both on and off campus, the is ready to help guide and provide assistance.

One of the largest teams of its nature in the nation, Syracuse University SOS boasts seven dedicated individuals who work throughout the year to ensure that in times of need, students, alongside their supporters, faculty and staff, know and experience the strong yet individualized support of the Orange community.

The acronym “SOS” is intentional, it is an internationally recognized distress signal used to request help. “The nickname ‘SOS’ says it all, it embodies the urgency of our response to student support. There is no student issue too big or too small,” says Shelley Crawford, director of Student Outreach and Support. “Whether it’s a student self-seeking support or a member of their faculty, staff or family, always know we encourage members of the Orange community, near or far, to contact our team whenever it is felt that a student needs support of any kind.”

SOS hosts an open and stigma-free space where students are encouraged to express their concerns early and often. “Reaching out doesn’t always mean something is seriously wrong, it simply means you’re taking a proactive step to get guidance, ask questions or explore available resources,” says Sabrina Brown ’26, office assistant.

Partnering With Student Outreach and Support

From academic, adjustment and transition support to emergency aid, navigating an illness, conflicts and more, whether the student’s issue is something the team can directly help with or not, they ensure a campuswide support network is ignited. The team is not just committed to helping students maintain their academics but also is dedicated to supporting their overall social and emotional well-being. To properly navigate whatever they may be struggling with, the SOS team connects students with guidance and additional resources.

“I wish more of the campus community understood just how many students we quietly support through challenges that go far beyond the classroom,” says Crawford. “O�ܰ� work is rooted in seeing and humanizing each student as a whole person and that approach makes a real difference in whether a student stays, perseveres and ultimately graduates. We champion our students, we are connectors and a constant in students’ lives when they need it most.”

Students do not need to be in the midst of a crisis to contact the team. In fact, they do not need to have any life-altering or major issues at all. If feeling unsure, anxious or overwhelmed about anything pertaining to their academic or personal life, they are welcome to contact SOS.

“From crisis to concerns in question, our goal is to help create a positive and supported student experience. Once a student connects with a case manager for the first time, they can reach out to them throughout their time at Syracuse University for support,” says office coordinator Sarah O’Neill.

Breaking Barriers and Strengthening Access to Support

No matter the issue and even if unsure where to begin, students shouldn’t feel alone in the process of seeking support. Student Outreach and Support is a built-in team available to strengthen the student experience and help students not only navigate times of uncertainty but to thrive as a student, graduate and find success throughout a lifetime.

“For students we create a one-on-one relationship rooted in support, advocacy, guidance and resources. Our consultations prioritize privacy and are equally empowering to those who may be unsure of how to best support their student,” says associate director Catherine “Katie” Storey. “No one should feel embarrassed or worried about reaching out.”

The team prioritizes human connection through being present and attentive to each unique situation. Offering personalized and one-on-one support, a team of non-clinical case managers is embedded within SOS. In addition to appointments and prioritizing students needing immediate help, case managers offer drop-in hours.

The team also understands that in a time of uncertainty it can be intimidating to also meet someone new and share what can feel like vulnerable concerns. To make the first step of reaching out for support a little less daunting, putting a face to a name and a heart behind the help, SOS case managers proactively open the door for connection with words of welcome.

“We’re a holistic support team for everyone,” says Sue Sugar, case manager. “Whether you have an urgent concern or something that simply does not feel quite right, we want to hear from you. No issue is too small.”

“A faculty member expressing care, a staff member taking a few extra minutes to listen or a parent encouraging their student to seek help, can all be powerful entry points to support, support that builds or contributes to the foundation of trust that helps grow the access to our work,” says Sandra Valdes-Lopez, case manager.

“While we often engage with students in times of concern or crisis, our role is also preventative, educational and supportive across the student experience,” says Wilfredo “Wil” Perez, case manager.

“Witnessing students’ resilience and growth is what makes this work so meaningful,” says Amber Saint Joy, case manager. “There is something truly special about being on that journey with them, walking alongside a student as they face challenges, find their footing and discover that they don’t have to navigate it all alone.”

Learn more and take action to support a student or receive support by visiting the , calling 315.443.4357 (HELP) or emailing studentsupport@syr.edu.

Story by Mirren Grimason ’29

The Barnes Center at The Arch, a national pioneer of student-focused holistic health and wellness, has been named to the . The Barnes Center is one of only 30 recipients of this prestigious nationwide award.

“O�ܰ� starting catalysts of success began in 2019 with the grand opening of the Barnes Center alongside Syracuse University’s commitment to being a national leader in integrated wellness,” says Cory Wallack, Ph.D., associate vice president of student health and wellness.

“The Princeton Review naming us to the Mental Health Services Honor Roll and more importantly, doing so for our work in student-focused holistic wellness, proactive and preventative skill-building, in addition to cultivating a campus culture fueled to support wellness, is a wonderful recognition of the hard work everyone has contributed to support student wellness.”

The 2026 Mental Health Services Honor Roll is a celebration of undergraduate institutions for their exceptional dedication and commitment to their students’ mental health and well-being. Through intentionally empowering students by placing them into the driver’s seat of their uniquely defined wellness journeys, coast-to-coast the Barnes Center has been established as a student experience success leader.

Uniting Wellness for Individualized Student Success

At the forefront of this honor is the recognition of the Barnes Center’s intentional and trailblazing work to implement an Integrated Wellness Model. This model intentionally weaves together Health Care, Counseling, Health Promotion and Recreation teams, services and programs, yielding countless student support success outcomes it continues to see accomplished.

“As a national leader our Integrated Wellness Model continues to be unique. While other campuses have integrated parts of these systems, Syracuse University is one of the only universities in the United States that has integrated services to the extent that we have,” Wallack says.

The Barnes Center is centrally located on campus and physically hosts the wellness team (Health Care, Counseling, Health Promotion and Recreation) under one sprawling roof. This shared location naturally creates and strengthens integration of student wellness experiences. At the Barnes Center, all are encouraged and empowered to “be well” in their own unique, ever-evolving wellness journey. In addition to integrating teams, this holistic wellness approach also intentionally encompasses mind, body, spirit and community.

The Princeton Review Names Barnes Center on 2026 Mental Health Services Honor Roll

The Princeton Review and partners selected honorees based on data from its 2025 Campus Mental Health Survey and those that have shown a strong commitment to their students’ mental health and well-being. Recipients, such as the Barnes Center, scored highly in campus quality of life, overall well-being, student empowerment and education, offerings (e.g., services, programs and resources) and administrative support (e.g., policies, staffing).

“One of the key strengths of our campus is the intentional way we foster a quality of life that supports students’ overall well-being,” says .

Among the other criteria that supported the Barnes Center’s honor roll placement are:

• Authentic Holistic Wellness Approach: Demonstrated through a broad range of services integrating mental and physical health, emotional resilience, identity development and community connection.
• Proactive and Preventative Skill-Building: A strong emphasis on equipping students to navigate stress, conflict and transitions.
• Campus Culture Prioritizing Holistic Wellness: A united campus in the pursuit of student well-being and a community of care, supported by data-driven presentations and trainings for faculty, staff and students.

Shaping Tomorrow’s Wellness with the Data of Today

“To ensure that the Barnes Center remains responsive to students’ evolving needs, we pursue continuous assessment comprised of collaboration and adaptation. Ultimately, we strive to remain curious and connected to the student experience, adapting our approach as new needs emerge and ensuring that wellness remains welcoming and a shared community-wide responsibility,” Brown says.

For the dedicated Barnes Center health and wellness team, this honor is just one of many milestones to come in the evolving pursuit of defining student wellness on a national level. Fueling a future of success is the ongoing commitment to data-informed decision-making.

“O�ܰ� ongoing commitment to utilizing data to inform integrated health and wellness programs and services is a priority,” says Veronica Whalen Jones, director of health promotion.

“In addition to tracking utilization, we are committed to assessing impact through program assessment and focus groups to ensure we are meeting the needs of the student community now and into the future.”

University faculty and staff seeking practical tools to navigate today’s work and life challenges are invited to join upcoming learning sessions focused on helping participants live their best life by prioritizing well-being, happiness and resilience.

The Thrive! well-being series, facilitated by Jaime Weisberg of Northbound Coaching & Consulting, returns to campus with refreshed content, updated research and new strategies drawn from the field of positive psychology.

The program offers 12 monthly sessions, each held twice—once on North Campus and once on South Campus—to accommodate different schedules. Sessions run for one hour during lunchtime and are designed to stand alone, allowing participants to attend as many or as few as their schedules permit.

“This is the kind of program that people usually don’t know they need until they get here,” says Weisberg, who has facilitated the program for higher education institutions, nonprofits and corporations over the past seven years. “It’s for anyone curious about how to live better, feel better, understand how our minds work and eager to put evidence-based tools into practice.”

What to Expect

The sessions cover topics ranging from the science of happiness and optimism change in habits, mindfulness, goal setting and relationship-building. Each session combines research-backed theory with practical application through activities and group work, equipping participants with immediately usable tools.

“I think we’re sold a narrative on happiness that it’s a destination that we might arrive at someday,” says Weisberg. “When we go into the science of happiness and what really makes us thrive, people are surprised that it’s something you can be creating all along, and that the factors that lead to happiness are actually quite broad and can be different for each person.”

Why Now?

The need for these tools has only intensified over the years. Remote and hybrid work arrangements, cultural upheaval and the lingering effects of the pandemic have contributed to skyrocketing rates of loneliness and mental health challenges.

“Our mental health and well-being have never been more challenged than it is at the moment,” Weisberg says. “People are usually adept at seeking out support when they have illness or trauma. There’s also a lot of people who might not feel unwell, necessarily, but just don’t feel as vibrant as they could be—that’s who this program is for.”

The in-person format offers additional benefits beyond content delivery. Weisberg points to the neurological advantages of gathering with others who share similar goals. “We produce oxytocin, the calm-and-connect hormone, when we’re connecting with other people,” she says. “There is an implication on our nervous systems when we’re all coming together to connect and learn together.”

More information about session dates, topics and registration is available on the . As a reminder, the Syracuse University Wellness Initiative provides opportunities, programs and resources to empower faculty and staff to lead a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

A significant expansion in structure, programming and community outreach  is paving the way for the (CHB) to help position Syracuse University as a national leader in research, education and practice.

An initiative of the (A&S), the and the (IVMF), CHB has a particular focus on the study and promotion of health, well-being and resilience among veterans and military-connected individuals.

Since launching its website and affiliate portal this past summer, have joined CHB—researchers, educators and clinical practitioners from across the University and from area health institutions. have been launched and the student research cohort has been formed.

CHB has hired a dedicated to support affiliate projects. It has also established a for staff who coordinate research initiatives and plans to implement student awards. Additional workshops and research showcases are scheduled for spring.

Building an Ecosystem

CHB is designed to advance translational health behavior research, education and training and provide a collaborative ecosystem for professionals working in the health behavior field, says , A&S professor of psychology, licensed clinical psychologist and CHB director.

Health behavior is a broad, interdisciplinary area that examines the many factors, choices and conditions that influence physical and mental health across the lifespan. The center’s purposeful cross-campus, cross-institutional structure makes it a hub for affiliates to share interests, findings and treatments and engage in academic and professional collaborations. Affiliates conduct basic laboratory studies, field research, clinical trials, digital health intervention work, qualitative studies and implement projects.

Veteran Focus

While CHB operates across a wide range of health behavior fields, a specialized focus on veterans and military-connected individuals complements the University’s commitment to that population, according to Ditre.

“Syracuse University has a national reputation as the best university for veterans and military-connected students. The University has worked with the Syracuse VA for about 30 years, beginning with faculty research collaborations and later expanding to co-mentored training and student placements. Building on that reputation and three decades of partnership, we should also strive to be the best place to learn how to serve veterans,” he says.

Veterans experience higher rates of suicide risk, trauma-related concerns, sleep problems, chronic health conditions and substance use compared to civilian peers. Many also face barriers tied to geography, stigma and complex transitions between military and civilian systems.

“These gaps have real consequences for individuals, families and communities. The University and this center, in collaboration with the IVMF, are uniquely positioned to address them,” Ditre says.

Digital Innovation

Digital innovation is a high priority because technologies like mobile devices, biometric monitoring and virtual reality help researchers collect real-time data from participants and capture their moment-to-moment experiences as well as indicators of health and behavior.

Affiliates have built mobile tools, tested them in trials and worked with community partners to implement check-in platforms and digital interventions that deliver guided exercises or personalized feedback.

“These tools let us reach people who may not engage with traditional services and connect with participants as they go about their daily routines or in settings where traditional care is harder to access. These technologies also help us understand behavior, tailor information to individual needs and deliver support in ways that fit people’s circumstances. For many of the populations we serve, this kind of flexibility is essential,” Ditre says.

Assuring health equity is another key focal point. That means designing studies and programs that are flexible, accessible and attentive to actual conditions and making sure that research benefits and outcomes reach the communities that need them most.

Grant and Award Applications

Application portals for the new pilot grant programs open Jan. 20, 2026, and close Feb. 12, 2026.

The supports cross-departmental and cross-campus projects with external institutional partners. The supports new or expanded Syracuse University and Veterans Affairs collaborations.

The grants range from $500 to $10,000 and the total pool of $50,000 is funded by A&S.

The funds give teams a way to test ideas, build a partnership or generate early data for larger external grant submissions. They also lower the barrier for new investigators who want to connect their work with campus priorities, according to Ditre.

Nominations for the , which cites excellence in research coordination work, are ongoing.

Future Activities

Future plans include more workshops with VA partners and collaboration with University Academic Affairs and the IVMF on a “Voices of Service” showcase where faculty, staff, students and community partners share veteran-focused research, courses and applied programs.

A neuroscience and health behavior research day, new working groups regarding sleep, substance use, trauma and digital health issues, awards for student work and additional community engagement activities are also planned.

Benchmarking the highest academic and student experience standards, Counseling has achieved national accreditation from the through 2035. Driven by the mission to promote advancement, communication and application of psychological science and knowledge to benefit society and improve lives, APA is the nation’s leading scientific and professional psychology organization.

Recognizing the with APA accreditation signifies that the program has successfully completed a rigorous evaluation process. The evaluation process is inclusive of a comprehensive self-study, an extensive professional peer-reviewed site visit and a committee review.

Accreditation also demonstrates the Barnes Center at The Arch’s commitment to academic excellence and ethical practice, alongside evidence-based psychological training.

“The Barnes Center at The Arch’s commitment to high-quality, multidisciplinary supervision, training seminars and clinical experiences are only a few of the highlights that really resonated with the APA throughout the accreditation process,” shares . “This milestone reflects the time, dedication and effort the Barnes Center Counseling team has invested in the Doctoral Internship Program in Health Service Psychology and affirms our commitment to providing high-quality academic and professional development.”

The internship program not only prepares the next generation of mental health professionals but also strengthens daily student counseling care services. Through hands-on experience in delivering research-based, human-focused support, interns contribute to a positive ripple effect and to the Barnes Center’s high-standard of care. This dual impact—developing skilled practitioners while enhancing the student experience through wellbeing—is reflected in the program’s APA accreditation, a mark of excellence and commitment to the highest professional standards.

“We’re working to create well-rounded, culturally responsive and competent psychologists, capable of providing ethical and meaningful support to the people and communities they serve,” Brown says.

As interns strengthen skills, they bring fresh insight and dedication to the counseling services that students rely on. This shared growth strengthens both the learning experience and the quality of care on campus—a commitment recognized through the program’s APA accreditation for its outstanding training and human-centered approach.

Mentorship and experiential learning are also core values of the internship program.

“O�ܰ� training program operates from a Developmental-Mentoring Model, emphasizing experiential learning, cultural competency, identity development and scholarly inquiry,” says . “Interns can expect to receive exposure to diverse professional role models, experience multiple supervisors and a variety of opportunities to work conjointly with staff through integration into mental health work. On a gradual integration and alongside intern’s training goals, offerings including individual and group counseling, on-call response, outreach programs, community building programs and more are offered.”

APA accreditation strengthens licensure eligibility and career opportunities for participants, showcasing to employers, peers and clients that graduates have achieved a level of training recognized nationally for making a meaningful impact on mental health and wellbeing.

Annually, the Barnes Center at The Arch Counseling recruits three doctoral interns. Interns are hosted from Aug. 1-July 31. Those interested in applying are invited to learn more on the .

“The most valuable part for me was supportiveness and flexibility in my clinical interests and career goals. I was able to fully immerse myself in various areas aligned with my interests and felt completely supported along the way,”  and graduate of the Barnes Center’s Doctoral Internship Program in Health Service Psychology, says. “I now have a clearer understanding of who I am as a clinician, greater confidence in working with complex cases and a deepened interest in training/supervision. The experience has truly prepared me for the next steps in my career.”

Flu season spans from October to May each year, which aligns directly with some of the busiest times of the academic calendar. Those who contract the flu can be sidelined for days—missing classes, events and time with friends. A quick flu shot, often covered in-full by insurance, helps those who receive it stay healthy and flu-free.

“Stay healthy, stay connected and make this year one without the flu,” says Dr. Karen Nardella, M.D., Barnes Center at The Arch medical director. “Simple steps like getting your flu shot, practicing good hand hygiene and staying home to rest when you’re sick, go a long way in keeping our campus community healthy and connected.”

Protect Yourself and Your Plans, Schedule Your Flu Shot Today

As the Barnes Center at The Arch monitors the flu season, the health and wellness team is anticipating a rise in  cases this year. Campus flu clinics are available for students to receive the influenza vaccine (flu shot). In addition to flu clinics, appointments are also available through the University Pharmacy. Additional information is available on the .

• When are flu clinics offered? Oct.-Nov. 2025. Additional clinics will be scheduled based on demand.
• Are appointments fast? Yes, usually under 15 minutes.
• Is there a cost? Most flu shots are covered in full by insurance. Students who have a co-pay or medical charge applied will be billed accordingly to their Bursar account. Please know, ability to pay is not a barrier to service.
• Is it easy to schedule an appointment? Yes! Flu clinic appointments can be scheduled on the . If you have questions, don’t hesitate to call the Barnes Center at 315.443.8000 for further support.
• How do I find the flu clinic schedule? The schedule is made available to students within the . More information about the portal is available on the .
• What if the flu clinics don’t work with my schedule? There are always additional flu shot appointments available at the .

For questions please contact the by calling  315.443.8000 or emailing BarnesCenter@syr.edu.

The received the 2025 Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being Award from Insight into Academia magazine, a measure of an institution’s individual programs and initiatives that advance the core values of inclusive excellence and belonging through programs, events and other campus activities.

“The Whitman School is delighted to receive this recognition for our outstanding programming in support of all of our students and their overall well-being,” says Interim Dean Alex McKelvie. “Not only do we teach business here, but we also prepare students with other skills not found in a textbook that ensure they are ready to face the challenges they are likely to encounter in the workforce. Our programming helps to ensure they have the tools, knowledge and support to understand how important attention to mental health and well-being are to their professional and personal success.”

While the University provides an amazing network of support and resources for all students, Whitman’s three-prong initiatives—financial, curricular and co-curricular programming—demonstrate how mental wellness has been successfully embedded into the Whitman School as a whole.

This recognition, highlighted in the September 2025 issue of Insight into Academia, is the result of a multi-faceted, comprehensive and proactive approach. It includes, for example, financial relief from the Whitman Opportunity Fund for unexpected expenses key to student education or to supplement those students unable to participate in experiential activities not covered by tuition, like the annual Whitman on Wall Street visit to major global partners in New York City.

According to Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Programs Lindsay Quilty, the award also recognizes Whitman Wellness Week, held twice each academic year to applaud healthy habits, open dialogue and mindful activities during peak periods of stress, such as mid-term exams.

In addition, the Whitman School welcomes guest speakers and holds seminars that use real-life examples of managing, overcoming and destigmatizing mental health challenges, both in the academic and professional world. And, Whitman also offers its Entrepreneurial Well-Being course to specifically equip future leaders with vital stress management aids.

“This award is a credit to everyone at the Whitman School—faculty, staff, students, alumni—who have worked to ensure that Whitman students not simply survive but, in fact, thrive by preparing them for the rigors of today’s demanding work environment,” says McKelvie. “We are proud to receive this recognition and are especially grateful to those who have helped to make prioritizing mental health possible through financial support, such as the Nass Family Mental Health gift that continues to help fund our growing emphasis on healthy well-being at the Whitman School.

“We know that institutions are not always recognized for their dedication to their mental health and well-being services and support for their students and employees,” says Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of Insight into Academia magazine. “We are proud to honor these colleges and universities as role models for other institutions of higher education.”

For more information about the 2025 Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being Award, visit .

The Barnes Center at The Arch Health Promotion team was awarded the for the fourth straight year. Presented by Vector Solutions, the CPN Seal of Prevention is awarded to colleges and universities that have demonstrated leadership in digital prevention programming focused on student safety, well-being and inclusion. Only 10% of colleges and universities in the country achieved this recognition.

The CPN Seal of Prevention represents the highest standard for online prevention education, with a rigorous set of criteria to ensure colleges and universities are taking action to create a safer, more inclusive campus through comprehensive, evidence-based digital prevention education across critical areas, including sexual assault, alcohol misuse, mental health and discrimination. The CPN Seal of Prevention establishes guidelines for discerning quality online prevention education and implementation practices, and positions prevention as central to key institutional outcomes.

“O�ܰ� for incoming first-year and transfer undergraduate students are directly related to this award,” says Veronica Whalen Jones, director of Barnes Center at The Arch Health Promotion. To fulfill the University’s Community Wellness Requirements, incoming students are required to take three online training modules on alcohol education, sexual assault prevention and diversity, inclusion and belonging prior to arriving on campus for their first semester.

These required education modules help positively impact the campus community and help students thrive. “The programs that make up the Community Wellness Requirements are focused on equipping students with knowledge to create a safer, supportive and inclusive community for students to live and learn,” says Whalen Jones.

Expanding on education for returning sophomores, juniors and seniors, the Barnes Center Health Promotion team helped to implement the last summer. This is an annual sexual and relationship violence prevention training requirement that builds upon the Community Wellness Requirements.

To learn more or with questions, please visit the Barnes Center at The Arch , call Barnes Center at The Arch Health Promotion at 315.443.8000 or email communitywellness@syr.edu.