Important reminder: Thursday, Feb. 16, is a wellness day

NC State students, faculty and staff:

We hope your semester is going well so far. This is a reminder that next Thursday, Feb. 16, is designated as a wellness day at NC State. No classes will be held, and instructors should avoid scheduling any tests or deadlines on Thursday, Feb. 16, and Friday, Feb. 17. 

We encourage students to use this day to rest and recharge, and everyone in our community to reflect on your mental health and well-being. Do what you can to take care of yourself. There are many wellness resources and events available to you on campus. In particular, NC State Wellness and Recreation is hosting a relaxation station event for students from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to help you unwind and destress. For more information on all of the day’s planned events, please visit the wellness day calendar listing. 

Wellness Resources for You 

As we shared in December, students have access to up to 12 free counseling sessions with AcademicLiveCare, a teletherapy provider. This service provides an alternative to our on-campus counseling services for students who cannot or choose not to access the Counseling Center. Appointments are typically available within 24-48 hours. For more information about how to access AcademicLiveCare, please visit this page. 

Students can also make appointments with and receive support from the Counseling Center. Students with acute needs are seen first, and the center’s triage process helps connect students with licensed counselors as quickly as possible. To learn more about the Counseling Center and its offerings, please visit the center’s website. 

Faculty and staff can access confidential counseling through the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program. State Health Plan members also have access to mental health coverage and can find a provider through the Behavioral Health Resource Center. 

Looking Ahead

The Student Mental Health Task Force has completed its initial work. The task force is finalizing its report, which will then be reviewed by university leadership. We offer our sincere thanks to everyone who shared comments and feedback with the task force, either via the online form or in feedback sessions. Your experiences and ideas are invaluable as we move forward together as a community. 

More information about the report, including recommendations and next steps, will be shared in the weeks ahead. Our goal in this work is to ensure that we support our community through comprehensive resources, policies and actions that help us all succeed and be well. We recognize that there are no easy solutions for addressing mental health, but we are committed to doing all we can to support you and continuing to improve. 

Thank you for all you do to make NC State welcoming and supportive. Each of you — with your unique abilities and experiences — belong here in our community. We’re grateful for all you bring to our Pack. 

Take care,

Randy Woodson
Chancellor

Doneka R. Scott
Vice Chancellor and Dean, Division of Academic and Student Affairs