July 18th, 2025

In this edition of the Wellness Digest, we are excited to introduce our Basic Needs colleagues and highlight expanding roles for our team ahead of the 2025-2026 Academic Year!

As published in the Student Affairs blog earlier this month, "the Basic Needs Collective (BNC) has officially transitioned to be managed by the Center for Campus Wellness (CCW), marking a new chapter in student-centered support at the U."

BNC programming will continue under the leadership of Martha Hernandez, who will now report to the Associate Director for Advocacy Services, Char Leary. 

“By joining forces, we’re strengthening our ability to meet students where they are—supporting their safety, healing, and overall success,” said Brittany Badger, Director of the CCW.

The new alignment also allows for services and programs within the BNC to expand to include the redevelopment of the social work practicum internships and integration of peer wellbeing navigation within BNC services.

“Bringing our teams together means we’re committed to growing our collective impact while honoring the expertise and trust the BNC has built with students and campus partners alike,” added Sherrá Watkins, Associate Vice President for Student Health & Wellness.

Read the full article to learn more about the University's goal of providing comprehensive wellness hubs at the Student Affairs blog.

This month, we have the privilege of adding a fantastic leader to our team in Martha Hernandez.

Joining us as the Basic Needs Collective Manager, she brings extensive knowledge about resource accessibility on campus and supporting students seeking their basic needs.

As the BNC transitions into operational management with the CCW, Martha will continue to champion the services of the Collective and is tasked with envisioning a fortified social work practicum internship program and oversight of peer wellbeing navigation services.

We are so excited to have her join our team!

We are excited to announce that Keaton Schrank is joining our team as a program coordinator for the Basic Needs Collective.

With nearly a decade of experience working in Higher Education, Keaton is a tireless advocate for student success. 

Her specialized knowledge in resource navigation, basic needs, and sustainability innovates the campus landscape to ensure students can access immediate needs while paving the way for long-term stability and success.

Learn more about Keaton and what drives their work in wellness at our team page.

We are pleased to announce Katie Atkinson has accepted the role of Student Wellness Initiatives Manager as our team and the demand for student wellness services grow to new heights.

In this new position, Katie will take the reins of programming and organize our student staff initiatives, mentor undergraduate and graduate CCW employees, and envision ways to expand our services to the students we serve across campus.  

Katie brings a wealth of knowledge of our office, partnerships, health education, and promotion strategy to the task.

We're excited to see how she shapes this new role!

Several of our staff are newly trained as Wellness Coaches, and to be eligible for our certification exam this fall, we need to each complete 50 practice sessions (20 min each)

As our team works toward their board certification requirements by September 1st, we are offering free wellness coaching sessions to our colleagues in Student Affairs.

Schedule one session or several, depending on your needs!

Please note that these do not qualify for WellU credit.

Until August 1st, many of our programs have shifted online or are experiencing schedule changes as our staff works remotely until the completion of renovations in the Student Services Building.

Type of Change | Service stoppage

During the Spring & Fall semesters, students can drop-in for free HIV & STI testing services on select dates.

This program will not be available during the summer, so we encourage students to review this guide to other on-campus and local providers offering low and no-cost testing services until our program resumes in the Fall.

Type of Change | Reduced availability, time change, date change, shifting virtual during renovations, appointment-only*

College life can be overwhelming—but you don't have to figure it all out on your own! At drop-in sessions with our Peer Well-being Navigators, you can connect with fellow students who are here to help you answer questions, get support, learn about resources, or just chat!

Type of Change | Shift to drop-in basis, service stoppage during renovations

The Pleasure Pack Delivery Service (PPDS) offers safer sex supplies and education including condoms, oral dams, pregnancy tests, and emergency contraception to support students in maintaining healthy and safe sexual practices

Type of Change | Appointment-only, shifting virtual during renovations

Wellness coaches can help with any area of wellbeing. If there is something related to health or wellbeing that is affecting your ability to live your life as you want, a wellness coach can help you to work through obstacles and help in the goal setting process. 

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID CERTIFICATION COURSE

JUL 29 + 30 | TUE WEDS | 9:00am - 1:30pm | Virtual

 Participants must complete both the 2 hour pre-work module (online) and attend both instructor-led sessions in its entirety to become certified with MHFA.  

STI & HIV SERVICES PAUSE FOR SUMMER

This program will not be available during the summer, so we encourage students to review this guide to other on-campus and local providers offering low and no-cost testing services until our program resumes in the Fall.

WELL-BEING NAVIGATION DROP IN SESSIONS

MONDAYS 10:00 am - 12:00pm

College life can be overwhelming—but you don’t have to figure it all out on your own! Drop by our office to connect with fellow students who are here to help you answer questions, get support, learn about resources, or just chat!

201 South 1460 East Suite 350

The Center for Campus Wellness supports student well-being and success through holistic programs that center wellness, safety, and healing.