Better Together-NEW!

Better Together Social Wellness Programs

Better Together is an initiative created to encourage students to strengthen their social and emotional well-being. 

Social well-being involves creating and maintaining healthy relationships and establishing supportive social networks. This area of our lives is crucial because we are social beings, and a sense of belonging, inclusion, and connection, is unarguably vital. The lack of those things can lead to several issues in the long term, including both mental and physiological diseases.

In a highly stressful academic environment, social wellness can further refer to our ability to budget time for leisure and recreation with other people. Social connections can also serve as a source of encouragement and reinforcement for practicing healthy behaviors, creating even more positive impacts.

Nourish and Connect Dinner Series ▾

Nourish & Connect is a student dinner series that supports students holistically and fosters community support. Students are invited to share a meal and connect with fellow UMB students from other schools and programs for thoughtful discussions centered around themes of personal growth, cultural wellness, healthy relationships, and finding joy. Nourish and connect dinners will take place in the Intercultural Center in the SMC Campus Center and are co-facilitated by peer health and wellness educators from URecFit and Wellness and student affairs staff members. Nourish and Connect Dinners take place in Intercutlural Center SMC Campus Center, Room 311

Self-Care September, 9/24 5-6:30 p.m. Did you know that September is Self-Care Awareness Month?  This event will explore what self-care is, its importance in our lives, and ways to cultivate self-care habits.  Join fellow students for a Nourish and Connect dinner and dialogue hosted by URecFit and Wellness. Register here.

Building Golden Habits, 10/16, 5-6:30 p.m. We will discuss strategies to help you build the habits you desire and value. Progress towards your goals, one habit at a time! Register here.

Cope Out, 11/21, 4:30-6 p.m. What works for you when you are stressed? Students are invited to chat with peers about the various coping strategies they may use. Come prepared to discuss what’s in your selfcare toolbox! Register here.

 

 

Coffee Connect  ▾

Coffee Connect is an opportunity to make interprofessional connections and meet up with a fellow student from any of the UMB schools for a coffee hangout.  We will randomly match you with a different student each month. You can opt out of coffee connect at any time.

Sign up here to be matched with a new student to meet each month.

**An email will be sent monthly to connect you with your coffee connect match.  

Coffee with a Colleague (for staff and faculty) ▾

Coffee with a Colleague (for staff and faculty)--NEW!! Now introducing, Coffee with a Colleague! Coffee with a Colleague is an opportunity through URecFit and Wellness for UMB faculty and staff to connect over coffee. Sign up here to be matched with a new faculty or staff member to meet with each month. Meet virtually or in-person. Make a new connection, it's good for your health! The first 3 faculty and staff members to sign-up will receive a free UMB coffee mug!

Out and About Together ▾

Out and About Together is a student-led group who gather weekly to explore Baltimore City and beyond. The group visits local parks, museums, restaurants, historical sites, and more. The purpose of this group is to encourage student social and emotional well-being by unplugging, getting out into nature, and taking meaningful breaks. Register for Out and About Together here. 

Seeking group leaders: This is a new group and we are looking for students intersted in organizing the outings and communicating with the group. Please email abreon@umaryland.edu if you are interested. 

*Check back for Fall 2024 updates to this program.

Gym Buddies ▾

Gym Buddies is a program designed to assist students in meeting their physical health and well-being goals and to improve social and emotional well-being. Sign up each semester with a friend or be paired with another UMB student to meet up for workouts. You and your gym buddy can join our Monthly 5K, Weightlifting 101, Group Exercise, or Intramural Sports. Working out with a friend can be more fun, and can help us stay accountable to our goals. Sign up here!

Group Fitness ▾

URecFit and Wellness Group Exercise classes are another way to connect with others.

 

Intramural Sports ▾

URecFit and Wellness Intramural Sports are another way to make connections while having fun and staying active.