Wellbeing and Self-Care for Doctoral Students
- Krista Kennedy
Doctoral work is challenging on many levels. Here in CCR, we encourage your care for your intellectual, mental, and physical health. There are resources on campus and in the community that support many aspects of self-care. If we can help you access specific forms of support, we hope that you will feel comfortable reaching out to a faculty member, the DGS, or the department chair.
Fitness
The Barnes Center offers all sorts of fitness opportunities, including fitness classes, a climbing wall, personal training, aquatics, and more. See the Recreation page for more information. Other opportunities on campus include the Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Center and the Tennity Ice Skating Pavilion.
Physical Health
The Barnes Center offers a variety of physical health services year round and regular vaccination clinics during the fall and winter. See the Health Care page for more information. The Center also hosts a a resident Honwadiyenawa’sek who specializes in Indigenous and alternative medicine.
Mental Health
The Barnes Center offers 24 hour support as well as group counseling, mental health references, eating disorder support, substance abuse support, suicide prevention, and pet therapy. See the Mental Health page for more information on each of these services.
Hendrix Chapel is an ecumenical center that houses a variety of faith communities as well as student religious and spiritual life groups.
Off-Campus Medical and Health Resources
As an SU graduate student, your health insurance (scroll down to "Graduate, Teaching, and Research Assistants and Fellows") provides in-network coverage for regular physicals and health emergencies. You may also opt into comprehensive or preventative Dental and Vision plans.
Caregiving
If you are a caregiver, whether for children, aging parents, or other family members, we hope you'll let the DGS, a faculty member, or the chair know about your needs and how we can support you. If you have children and are looking for local childcare or a school, folks in the department are happy to share recommendations. The Graduate School offers a Child Care Subsidy for students who qualify. You also have access to care.com, which can help you find caregivers, tutors, and other relevant professionals in the area.
Food Security
If at any time you find yourself running short of food, our community will support you. Please speak with the DGS, the Chair, or any faculty member you feel comfortable talking with. There are also resources on campus and in the community that provide food support or regularly scheduled meals:
- The Engaged Humanities Program regularly hosts the Feeding Collaboration Graduate Student Lunch Series. See their page for dates and registration.
- The GSO regularly hosts events that offer food as part of socializing. Keep an eye on their events page and listserv for more information.
- Hendricks Chapel operates two food pantries that are available to all students, undergraduate and graduate. The main pantry is on the lower level of Hendricks Chapel and the South Campus pantry is located at the Carriage House (151 Farm Acre Road). See the Pantry web page for information on operating hours, transportation options, and other food resources in the area, including SNAP benefits.
- The off-campus Food $en$e program is a monthly food buying co-op for anyone who wants to stretch their grocery dollars. It provides a monthly box of 12-15 staple grocery items at a discounted price. For more info, see their page.
- There are a number of food pantries in Central New York, which 211 CNY maintains a list of.
- The Food Bank of Central New York offers assistance with accessing SNAP benefits, among other services.