College is a whirlwind of new experiences, challenges, and personal growth. While being successful in college is of major importance to students, it is equally important to take care of your physical and mental well-being. Le Moyne’s Wellness Center for Health and Counseling, is located on the second floor of Seton Hall, and provides a variety of resources for Le Moyne’s students and can help alleviate many of the pressures that come with college life.

The counseling center is a safe, confidential space for addressing a wide range of student concerns, counselors there say its primary mission being to enhance students’ educational experience by promoting wellness in all of its aspects—including body, mind, and spirit. According to the staff of the center, it provides a variety of services and is a completely free resource that helps students make more informed decisions regarding overall well-being through person-centered care. Whether it’s anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or simply needing someone to talk to, the Counseling Center staff are happy to provide an unbiased listening ear and professional guidance for everyone on campus.

In particular, the counseling staff says that the on-campus counseling services are designed to provide emotional support for students facing various challenges throughout their college journey. According to the staff, being in college marks a distinct transition in life, with students facing a variety of unique pressures and sources of stress. These can include, but are not limited to: adjusting to college life, financial challenges, academic pressures, career concerns, and relationship issues. The Counseling Center can reportedly help students recognize and address these challenges, ensuring students receive the support and tools they need to succeed.

“This is a great opportunity to check out what counseling is all about” explains Michelle Scott, clinical supervisor of the Counseling Center. “This will probably be one of the only times in life where you can receive counseling or health services for free, so why not give it a try!”

The Counseling Center also wants to stress that one does not need to have a significant issue to check out their services and events. “Students have a tendency to minimize their issues,” explains Maria Randazzo, Director of the Counseling Center. “We often hear students say that their problems aren’t that big of a deal, but every student is deserving of support throughout their stay at Le Moyne.”

Having someone else to talk to about what is going on in your life can help you make better decisions and more clearly process your thoughts and feelings, regardless of the types of issues you are facing counselors there say. They are also here for consultation if you are worried about a friend on campus as well.

The center also organizes a variety of weekly events and activities to engage and support students. “Healthy Mondays” is a regular outreach program in front of the cafeteria, offering educational resources for student well-being. 

The center also provides a “Zen Zone” on the 2nd floor of Seton Hall as well, where students can relax and enjoy a variety of de-stressing activities. Students can use this space any time from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and do not need an appointment. “We want students to be able to access resources here, and stress that they don’t necessarily need an appointment,” Randazzo added.

Other resources include a Grief Group and the “Wellness Wagon,” which offers snacks and resources, and facilitates meeting the Counseling Center staff. “COVID-19 has had a massive impact on students’ ability to connect. We have found that it’s really helpful to meet the students where they are at,” Randazzo mentioned.

The Counseling Center has undoubtedly had a significant impact on the campus community, according to the staff. “Data indicates that students who engage with the center’s services experience higher retention rates, emphasizing the importance of holistic well-being in academic success” explains Scott. Engaging in these resources can better equip students for life outside of Le Moyne as well as foster more mindfulness and involvement within our community.

For students looking to become more involved on campus, the advice is simple. “Be open and try new things!” says Scott. “We always encourage students to “create opportunities” to meet other folks whether that is through clubs, study groups, floor programming, attending lectures, or intramural teams. We stress the importance of needing to be an active participant in connecting with others. Try not to overthink it and just show up as you are!”

London Wright, a Staff Therapist and Outreach Coordinator at the Counseling Center, also emphasized the need for student outreach. He spends time weekly in the BIPOC lounge offering support and resources to students, ranging from career development to information about the Counseling Center’s scope of practice. 

“It’s been such a rewarding experience to become involved,” he commented. “I make an effort to be in the lounge if students need me and provide a welcoming and approachable environment for students there.”

Additionally, Le Moyne is continually evolving to better serve its students as a part of its well-being initiatives. The college recently received a $300,000 grant from the Booth Ferris Foundation, supporting initiatives like the new “Dolphins Changing Minds” course (AVS 102).  As a participant in this 1 credit course, students will study and practice evidence-based strategies that will increase their capacity to cope with the various challenges they will encounter in college and beyond. 

After students complete the course, they will have the opportunity to serve as a  “Wellness Ambassador.” The wellness ambassadors will work in a variety of ways to support their peers on campus, and also in the surrounding high schools. These initiatives, developed by Anne Kearney, Dean for Student-Wellbeing, are focused on helping students develop greater resiliency in their physical and mental health, and then in turn, serve as key wellness supporters for their peers. 

Le Moyne Counseling Center is not just a place for addressing mental health concerns; it’s a hub for personal growth and holistic well-being. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the free counseling and health services, even for minor concerns or someone to talk to. It is a valuable resource that is ready to support every student on their journey to overall success—including you!