Building Connection and Resilience
As fall deepens into the season of reflection, this month’s wellness programming explores the science of gratitude, community care and preventive health. From understanding how thankfulness rewires your brain to learning lifesaving CPR techniques, November’s offerings strengthen individual wellbeing and campus culture.
Whether you’re establishing a gratitude practice, learning to support students in crisis or prioritizing physical health with a flu vaccine, these activities provide accessible pathways to enhance resilience and deepen connections. Join us in creating a healthier, more compassionate Syracuse University community—one mindful moment, one act of appreciation and one caring conversation at a time.
Here is what is in store:
- Share Gratitude Kit: Register for a Share Gratitude Kit to thank Syracuse University faculty or staff who make a difference.
- Quiz Yourself: Test your knowledge on the benefits of gratitude.
- Join a Yoga Session: These after-work yoga sessions are the perfect reset and will be led by Sky Yoga instructors.
- Flu Vaccine Clinic: There is one more free flu and COVID vaccine clinic available to all Syracuse University faculty and staff, administered by Wegmans Pharmacy.
Share Gratitude Kit
Help spread gratitude across campus by registering for a Share Gratitude Kit! Each kit includes three tokens of appreciation, note cards and small gift bags.
How It Works:
- Register to receive your Share Gratitude Kit*.
- Think about three Syracuse University faculty or staff members you would like to thank.
- Once you receive your kit, write a message of gratitude on each card.
- Place a token and card in the mini gift bag. Place the faculty or staff member’s campus mail address on the provided tag and send it through campus mail or hand-deliver!
*While supplies last.
Register for your Share Gratitude Kit
Gratitude Journaling and Wellness
Interested in a simple wellness habit that can boost your mood, improve your sleep and help you manage stress? Gratitude journaling could be the perfect fit! Join this two-part virtual webinar series!
Presenter: Tiffany Lord from Love & Asana
Mondays, Nov. 3 and Nov. 10
12:15 p.m.-12:45 p.m.
Nov 3: We’ll discuss the research-backed benefits of gratitude practice for your mental, emotional and physical health. Learn about five facets of gratitude and complete a quick self-inventory to get a baseline for each facet. Plus, pick up tips on creating a daily habit that fits your routine. End with a soothing meditation and journal prompt to observe how this practice resonates with you!
Nov 10: Check in on your daily gratitude journaling progress and self-inventory, share wins and ask for any additional support with integrating this habit into your routine. Enjoy another calming meditation and journal prompt to align with appreciation!
Plus, receive three mini gratitude videos with expert tips from Tiffany Lord (week of Nov. 17).
Register for Gratitude Journaling and Your Wellness
Lunch and Learn with Dr. Campbell
Foods that Energize: Eating your way to a healthy weight and balanced blood sugar levels
Thursday, Nov. 6
noon-1 p.m.
304ABC Schine Student Center
Within the context of different dietary options, Dr. Campbell will discuss his research showing how to achieve rapid and powerful health improvements with a plant-based approach. Attendees will hear about research results showing that by choosing different foods, people can achieve rapid and large improvements in blood sugar control, move towards a healthier weight, and significantly reduce blood cholesterol levels, protecting health and wellbeing as much as possible for years to come.
Learn more about Thomas M. Campbell II, MD.
Register for Foods that Energize*!
*Limited space remains
Suicide Prevention Training
This suicide prevention training workshop is led by Barnes Center at the Arch.
Thursday, Nov. 13
3-4:30 p.m.
309 Barnes Center
Data shows that approximately 21% of Syracuse University students report experiencing suicidal ideation.
Effective suicide prevention relies on the entire campus community playing a role in fostering a culture of care and connection. One of the most powerful interventions we have is the simple act of checking in on those around us.
Campus Connect is an interactive training specifically developed for college and university communities. It aims to enhance participants’ knowledge, awareness and skills in supporting students who may be in crisis. While it provides education about suicidal ideation and crisis response, it places strong emphasis on:
- Empathic listening
- Direct and compassionate communication
- Understanding one’s own emotional responses
- Strengthening referral and support pathways
This training prepares participants to respond to students experiencing a range of emotional crises but also equips them with the tools and knowledge to play a key role in our campus-wide mental wellness and suicide prevention efforts.
Presenters: Melissa Parker, Counseling Clinical Director and Jess Dennison, Assistant Director in Health Promotion
Register for Suicide Prevention Training
Wind Down Yoga Sessions
Unroll your mat and melt away the day!
Wednesdays, Nov. 12 and 19
5:15-6 p.m.
201ABC Goldstien Student Center (South Campus)
These after-work Wind Down Yoga sessions are the perfect reset and will be led by Sky Yoga instructors. Featuring gentle stretches, calming breathwork and soothing vibes to release tension and restore balance. This class will help you transition from hustle to harmony. Please bring your own mat*. Beginners are welcome.
Sign up for Wind Down Yoga
*Need a mat? Please contact us at wellness@syr.edu for a mat to borrow.
Hands-Only CPR Training
Hands-only CPR has been shown to be as effective in the first few minutes as conventional CPR for cardiac arrest at home, at work or in public. Join one of two upcoming classes led by the American Heart Association.
Wednesday, Nov. 19
10:30-11:30 a.m. or noon-1 p.m.
500 Hall of Languages
Class size is limited to 20 participants per session.
Update (11/7/2025) – These sessions are now full; you can register via the link below to be added to the wait list.
Register today for Hands-Only CPR Training!
Quiz: The Gratitude Effect
Did you know that gratitude isn’t just a nice feeling—it’s a powerful wellness tool? Recent research reveals fascinating connections between grateful living and physical health, longevity and emotional well-being.
Complete by Wednesday, Nov. 26, to be entered for a chance to a Gratitude Table Topics box.
Take The Gratitude Effect Quiz today!
Flu Vaccine Clinics and Blood Pressure Screening
One more on campus flu vaccine clinic is available to all Syracuse University faculty and staff, administered by Wegmans Pharmacy staff.
Flu vaccine details: The vaccine being offered is the trivalent flu vaccine*, protective against three strains of the influenza virus. The trivalent flu vaccine is preservative free; there will also be limited doses of the egg-free vaccine and senior (65+) vaccine.
*Additional information on the trivalent flu vaccine can be found on the CDC’s website.
New! In addition to flu vaccines, complimentary blood pressure screening is also being offered to registered participants and will be administered by Wegmans Pharmacy staff.
Vaccine Clinic: Thursday, Nov. 13, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., 500 Hall of Languages
Scheduling
- Appointments are recommended and walk-ins will be accommodated as available*. All scheduling of flu vaccine appointments is done via the Wegmans scheduling tool. Follow the steps in the scheduling tool and when prompted to find locations nearest to you, use the zip code 13244.
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If have questions about the campus vaccine clinics or if you need accommodations to schedule your appointment, please contact the Wellness Initiative.
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If you have questions about your scheduled appointment, contact Wegmans Pharmacy at 315.698.6730.
*Appointments will become available in the Wegmans scheduling tool 30 days prior to the scheduled flu vaccine clinic date.
Winter Wellness Celebration
This winter wellness event features ice skating, creative activities, warm beverages and a special guest, Otto.
Saturday, Dec. 13
1-4 p.m.
Tennity Ice Skating Pavillion and Inn Complete (South Campus)
Ice Skating Session Tennity Ice Skating Pavillion provides an open skate for all, from beginners to experienced skaters. Skate rentals are available (at no charge). For children: Helmets and warm layers are recommended for your comfort and safety.
Cocoa and Crafts Inn Complete will feature Right Mind Syracuse who will be leading hands-on winter craft activities. Participants can create crafts to take home while enjoying a cup of hot cocoa. Our special guest, Otto, will be available from approximately 2-3 p.m.
This flexible format will allow participants to enjoy a mix of activities!
Please register by Dec. 4.
Workshop and Webinar Lineup
Join us for workshops and webinars from experts at Carebridge, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield and more! Plus, check out the “In Case You Missed It!” section below for on-demand webinars from the archive.
Presenter: Dr. Stacey Elliott, D.O., Behavioral Health Medical Director, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield
Wednesday, Nov. 5
noon-12:30 p.m.
Do you spend too much time trying to get things just right? Perfectionism can quietly derail productivity and increase stress. In this engaging 30-minute webinar, Dr. Stacey Elliott explores how perfectionist habits affect time management—and shares practical strategies to work smarter, not harder. Learn tips you can apply to better manage your time and wellbeing.
Presenter: Carebridge Expert
Tuesday, Nov.18
noon
Unwrap the gift of 5 tips that will reduce the pressure of the holiday season so you can relax and enjoy.
Presented by: Dr. Stacey Elliott, D.O., Behavioral Health Medical Director, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield
Discover how gratitude can positively impact your mindset, relationships, and overall well-being. This interactive 30-minute webinar includes guided reflection, practical exercises, and group discussion to help you build a gratitude mindset—both in daily life and at work.
Thursday, Nov. 20
12:30-1 p.m.
Presenter: Amanda Cheehan, M.S., RDN, CDN, CDCES, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Registered Dietitian
Tuesday, Nov. 25
noon-12:45 p.m.
Whether you’re living with diabetes, supporting a loved one, or simply want to learn more, this webinar will explore: What diabetes is and how it affects the body, types of diabetes, risk factors and how to know if you’re at risk, complications to watch for –and how to prevent them, managing diabetes through nutrition, exercise and medication.
Empathy on Empty (Source: Carebridge)
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield YouTube Page (Source: Excellus)
How to Keep Your Relationship Thriving (Source: Carebridge)
How to Support a Loved One with Mental Illness (Source: Carebridge)
Let’s Chat Immunizations (Source: Excellus)
Maximize Hours in Your Day (Source: Carebridge)
Navigating Menopause: Empowering Women Through Change (Source: Excellus)
Support for Mental Health and Substance Abuse (Source: Excellus)
Supporting a Loved One in Recovery (Source: Carebridge)
The Miracle of Movement (Source: Excellus)
The Value of Social Connections & Belonging (Source: Carebridge)
What is Self-Compassion and How Can We Practice It? (Source: Carebridge)