Author: Kristin Wurster

Here is a compilation of resources intended to provide support for BIPOC students who have experienced racism and racialized violence and to offer learning/un-learning opportunities for any student interested in engaging in anti-racism work. It is categorized into the areas of learning, coping and healing, acting, and reporting. Each area includes articles, books, podcasts, videos, and more.

Check out mentalhealth.uiowa.edu, a new central location for all of The University of Iowa’s mental health resources! Two highlights include a section linking to all offices that provide mental health services to the campus community and a section specific to the impacts and intersections of COVID19 with a variety of topics. These include: academic issues, trauma, sleep, substance abuse, disordered eating, self-care and managing burnout, the International community, domestic marginalized communities, caregivers, and children and families.

See below for a list of live Zoom opportunities hosted by UCS Therapists. These are opportunities for University of Iowa students regardless of their current location, and are intended to provide support and information on a variety of topics. Visit the UCS website for more information about all of these programs and information on additional services available to students (link). Visit the UCS website for more information about all of these programs and information about additional services available to students (link).

Click here to join our mailing list so you don’t miss any important information! You can also follow us on Instagram (@uiowaucs) and Facebook (@uiowacounseling) for news and updates.

Thursday, May 21st:

• Mindfulness Matters – Weekly 1:30-2:30pm CDT
  • Hosted by Heidi Schmitt, LISW
  • This Week’s Topic: Mindful Breathing
  • Mindfulness is purposefully paying attention, non-judgmentally, to the present moment. The practice of mindfulness can lead to an increased sense of balance, stress management, and overall well-being in your life. Open to students and staff.
  • No pre-registration required. Zoom link: https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/129398591

• Living Through Loss – Weekly 3:30-4:30pm CDT
  • Hosted by Dawn Bates, PhD
  • Loss and grief seem more prevalent now as our lives are changing in response to the Coronavirus and COVID-19. Sometimes it can be helpful to have support and guidance while navigating loss. Living Through Loss, an open support group, offers that support to University of Iowa students.
  • No need to pre-register. Zoom link: https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/442283949

• Success Not Excess – Weekly 4:00-5:00pm CDT
  • Hosted by Heidi Schmitt, LISW
  • This group is designed to provide a safe and supportive space for students who are wanting ot make or are considering changes in alcohol or other drug use. The group emphasizes success in academics, relationships, mental and physical health, and other meaningful goals through abstaining or reducing alcohol and other drug use. The group operates from a “no pressure” approach by encouraging the discussion of shared experiences and achieving success in college by removing the barriers created by substance use.
  • No pre-registration required. Zoom link: https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/596305220

Friday, May 22nd:

• Chronic Health Concerns Support Group – Weekly 11:00-12:00 CDT
  • Hosted by Heidi Schmitt, LISW
  • School, work, and simply managing everyday demands can feel overwhelming. It can be even more challenging when you have a chronic health condition.
  • No pre-registration required. Zoom link: https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/493006424

• Solidarity – Weekly 1:00-2:00pm CDT
  • Hosted by Tianyi Xie, MS and Scott Liu, PhD
  • This is a safe space for Asian-identified International/American students at UIowa to talk about concerns, share experiences, and stay connected with one another. Potential topics including racism and xenophobia, immigration issues, social distancing, and other adjustment difficulties relating to COVID-19
  • No pre-registration required. Zoom link: https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/201283078

• ADHD Support Group – Weekly 1:00-2:00pm CDT
  • Hosted by Kyle Votroubek, LISW
  • Living with ADHD can affect every part of life and, at times, feel isolating. By coming to a support group, you will be able to share coping strategies and meet people with similar lived experience who are dealing with similar issues. Come along to meet new people, learn strategies for success, expand coping skills, and share the challenges you’re facing regarding being a student at the University of Iowa.
  • If interested in joining this group, e-mail Kyle Votroubek (kyle-votroubek@uiowa.edu)

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation in order to participate in any of the programs above please contact UCS at ucs@uiowa.edu

The Tippie Senate has created Refresh for Finals as a resource for all students to take a break from finals and de-stress. On our webpage, you will find a number of resources such as music playlists for while you study, guided mindfulness exercises, easy food recipes, and more!

The University Counseling Service hosted a panel discussion focused on caring for our mental health and the mental health of those around us. It featured representatives from the University Counseling Service (UCS), University of Iowa Student Government (UISG), the Women’s Resource & Action Center (WRAC), the Rape Victim Advocacy Program (RVAP), Student Health, Student Wellness, and Student Care & Assistance.

00:00-09:10 – Barry Schreier, UCS, Moderator
09:10-15:31 – Kelly Clougher, UCS
15:31-22:35 – Noel Mills, UISG
22:35-33:56 – Linda Kroon, WRAC
33:56-44:10 – Adam Robinson, RVAP
44:10-50:34 – Jeneice Nott, Student Health
50:34-54:21 – Karen Grajczyk, Student Wellness
54:21-58:37 – Nikki Hodous, Student Care & Assistance
58:37-71:04 – Q&A with the panelists