Check Up From the Neck Up
Supporting college students’ mental health and wellness is critical to their academic
and personal success.
Annually, the University hosts Check Up from the Neck Up (CUFTNU), a week of programming co-hosted by the Wellness Promotion and the Counseling Center every fall in mid-September. This year, it takes place September 15 through September 21.
This week focuses on the importance of mental health, providing opportunities for students to engage in conversations with their peers and explore topics and resources related to mental health. The compete schedule is below but two events are key to this annual awareness initiative:
- Mental health screening day, where students can take a brief mental health screening and then review it with a counselor. This year, it will be on Tuesday, September 16, in Sykes Student Union Ballrooms.
- Mind to Mind Mental Health Fair, where students can visit booths and participate in activities about mental health in an interactive and uplifting way, while learning about support options and enjoying giveaways. It’s on Wednesday, September 17, in the Academic Quad (rain location, Ehinger Gym).
Professor/Psychologist Dr. Rachel Daltry is director and chair of Counseling & Psychological Services at WCU. “We are excited for our sixth Annual Check Up from the Neck Up week to bring awareness and promote conversations around mental health,” she said. “While this is important all year round, this is an opportunity to bring it to the forefront of our attention. We hope folks are able to learn about their own mental health and ways to have conversations about it with others.”
Here is the schedule, also available as a pdf:
Monday, September 15
3:30 to 5 p.m. Student Health Services, Commonwealth Hall. Peaceful Pause: Relax with coloring, massages, snacks and more.
Tuesday, September 16
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sykes Student Union Ballrooms. Student mental health screenings and review by a counselor. Free T-shirt!
3 to 3:45 p.m. Student Health Services, Commonwealth Hall. Group Coaching: Navigating New Beginnings. Meet with a small group of peers for goal setting in the new semester.
Wednesday, September 17
1 to 3 p.m. Academic Quad (rain location, Ehinger Gym). Mind to Mind Mental Health Fair: Information, activities, freebies, and more.
Thursday, September 18
6 to 8 p.m. Sykes Ballroom A. Pop Up with the Peers: Decorate a bag and create your own Calm Kit with de-stress items like fidget toys, tea bags, stickers, and more.
Friday, September 19
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Commons Dining Hall, SECC. Dine and Discuss: A conversation card game, part of the Humanity and Resilience Project mission to increase connection and belonging.
Sunday, September 21
9 a.m. 700 South Church Street. Rams Let’s Walk: A 5K run/walk to support student athletes’ mental health.
In these uncertain times, it is normal to experience increased feelings of stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. Students interested in mental health services should call the Counseling Center (610-436-2301) or come into the Counseling Center to schedule a triage appointment on the same day you want to schedule.
Resources are available at this link.
Anyone experiencing a mental health emergency should contact: National Crisis Lifeline at 988, Public Safety at 610-436-3311 or Valley Creek Crisis Center at 610-280-3270.