UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State Health Promotion and Wellness (HPW) is offering a variety of programs this spring on the University Park campus to support students’ health and well-being. These weekly activities provide opportunities for students to enhance mindfulness, foster creativity and build connections while developing stress management skills.
“Health Promotion and Wellness encourages students to explore new opportunities that build resilience and mindfulness,” said Madison Cooper, community health educator.
HPW, a unit in the division of Student Affairs, hosts programs open to students at all stages of their academic journey, including graduate and postdoctoral students, and aims to provide an inclusive and welcoming environment.
Weekly Activities
Yoga and Meditation
Students can explore the mind-body connection through yoga and meditation sessions led by Sima Farage, RYT 200, and Latisha Franklin (RYT 200). Participants are encouraged to bring their own yoga supplies, though a limited number will be available. Classes are offered weekly through April 30, excluding spring break:
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Mondays, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., 232 HUB (Sima)
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Wednesdays, noon to 1 p.m., Palmer Museum of Art (Latisha)
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Wednesdays, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., 122 Pasquerilla (Sima)
Relax Your Brain
Led by Rose Bohn, a trained breathwork guide and writing professor, these sessions introduce guided breathing techniques to help students build resilience and manage stress. Sessions are held Wednesdays from noon to 1 p.m. in 232 HUB through April 30. No registration is required.
Vibe Out/Mindful Making
A collaboration between HPW, Student Engagement, and the Center for Performing Arts, this program offers crafting with music starting after spring break. Stop by weekly on Thursdays from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in 107 HUB-Robeson Center. Activities include sneaker decorating, collage vision board making, bracelet making and more.
Family and Friends Peer-Support Meeting
Students affected by another person’s alcohol or drug use — whether a parent, sibling, partner, or friend — can find support and community in this weekly peer group. Meetings are held every Tuesday from 4 to 5 p.m. in person at 105 Pasquerilla and on Zoom.
Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing)
Students can experience a slow, sensory nature walk in Hartley Wood behind the Arboretum at Penn State, guided by an Association of Nature and Forest Therapy-certified instructor. Sessions begin after spring break and run from March 18 through April 29:
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Tuesdays, 4 to 5:15 p.m.
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Tuesdays, 5:30 to 6:45 p.m.
Advance registration is required.
Well-Being Wednesday
Held at the Intramural Building from 3 to 5 p.m. each Wednesday, these interactive outreach tables promote relaxation, creativity and connection. Students can engage with HealthWorks peer educators and explore resources offered by Campus Recreation, the Center for Fitness and Wellness, and HPW.
Access to Protection
Every Friday from 10 a.m. to noon, students can visit HUB information table #8 to speak with a peer health educator about sexual health and access free safe-sex supplies.
Flourish Fair
On April 15 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., students can visit Heritage Hall in the HUB to engage with Penn State experts on well-being and contemplative practices.
More information
For more information about these programs, visit studentaffairs.psu.edu/health-promotion. To receive weekly updates, email promotinghealth@psu.edu to join the Wellness Listserv.