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about the Center for Student Wellness
mission
The Center for Student Wellness works to promote health and enhance learning by addressing health-related barriers to academic success.
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objectives
The Center for Student Wellness (CSW) was founded on the belief that even the most successful and dedicated student occasionally can use guidance and support.
Designed as “one-stop shopping” for support, CUMC students may seek out assistance at the CSW for virtually any concern, big or small. Based on the nature of the concern, the CSW staff will assist the student in the development of an individualized action plan to address the concern.
- reduce stress: reduce perceived and actual stress among students
- develop skills: increase coping skills and strategies available to students
- provide support: advocate for positive social support systems on campus
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philosophy
The Center for Student Wellness (CSW) at Columbia University Medical Center is:
OPEN: The CSW is open to all students attending any school at the medical center regardless of race, color, sex, gender, pregnancy, religion, creed, marital status, partnership status, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, military status, or any other legally protected status.
SAFE: The CSW is a safe space where students should feel free to discuss personal matters without fear of judgment or retribution. Accordingly, the CSW acts in partnership with a number of Columbia University and community resources to ensure that all students receive appropriate assistance.
CONFIDENTIAL: The CSW assures confidentiality. The CSW will not report the names of visitors to the office and will not act without permission, except in cases of imminent serious risk to individual safety, or if required by law.
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Jane Bogart, MA, CHES - Director for Student Wellness
Deborah P. Levi, MA, LMSW - Assistant Director for Health Promotion
Heather Moon, LMHC -- Director of the AI:MS Program
Katie McHugh, BS - Social Work Intern
Colleen Durham, pilates instructor
Jeffrey Duval, yoga instructor
Charles Lam, yoga instructor
Vidya (Mardi) Sykes, yoga instructor
Carl Erik Fisher, meditation group leader & instructor
Tina Franco, yoga instructor
Ai Kubo, yoga, Thai massage, & shiatsu instructor
Molly Poerstel, yoga instructor
Amy Scott-Runnels, yoga instructor
Beth Sherman, MA, CHES - Assistant Director for Health Promotion
Matt Stern, yoga & meditation instructor
Ellen Theus, yoga instructor
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history
The Center for Student Wellness (CSW) at Columbia University Medical Center was founded within the College of Physicians and Surgeons during the summer of 2002. The Center evolved out of a proposal by the P&S Student Wellness Committee to recruit and hire a Director for Student Wellness. That proposal, which included a summary of current available student resources at CUMC, as well as a thorough review of programs at other medical schools, proposed the following:
- The Creation of the Office and Director for Student Wellness
- Development of an Integrated Communication Strategy for Student Wellness
- Establishment of Stress Reduction and Academic Support Classes
- Institution of Regular Social Gatherings
- Development of Peer Counseling Resources and
- Expansion of Alumni Networking Opportunities.
The proposal was readily accepted by the CUMC Faculty and Administration, and the search for a founding Director began in the Spring of 2002. In July of that same year, the Center for Student Wellness opened its doors in Bard Hall, where it is still located today.
In 2004, the Center for Student Wellness entered into a partnership with the newly reorganized Student Health Service (SHS). Together, the CSW and SHS created the proactive and comprehensive outreach program Wellness Works!
Through Wellness Works!, outreach activities are coordinated to address student health and wellness concerns primarily in the areas of stress reduction, mental health, nutrition, fitness, and study skills. Major Wellness Works! initiatives include a comprehensive workshop series, yoga classes, and stress reduction mini-courses.
In addition to the creation of Wellness Works!, this historic partnership made all of the services and programs of the Center for Student Wellness available to all CUMC students (previously, the Center for Student Wellness operated solely through the College of Physicians and Surgeons.)
Today, the CSW staff advocate for student well-being in support of the learning mission of Columbia University at both the individual and institutional levels.
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Center for Student Wellness - 107 Bard Hall - 212.304.5564 - studentwellness@columbia.edu
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