Schedule of Events
Morning (9:00-12:00): The first half of the day student surveys, which are required for all students. Students will be assigned to a classroom location and time slot where they will take two of three surveys based on their classification (the Healthy Minds Study, the National Survey of Student Engagement, and the USG Core IMPACTS Survey). These assessments provide essential data for program evaluation and evidence-based decision making at GCSU. Faculty and staff will also take the Healthy Minds Faculty and Staff Survey during this time.
Afternoon (11:00-2:00): Students, faculty, and staff are invited to participate in a highly interactive wellness event on Front Campus focused on mental health, personal growth, and belonging. Using the nationally recognized Fresh Check Day model, each booth has learning objectives and engaging activities that reinforce GCSU's commitment to holistic wellbeing.
FAQs for Faculty
How does a day without classes affect the academic semester?
Classes have not been cancelled for this day and for Research Day on April 15, they have been redirected. As such, no instructional time is lost. Rather than the semester ending on a Thursday (with Commencement on Friday and Saturday), the semester ends on the following Tuesday (with Commencement on Wednesday and Thursday). There are still 75 instructional days as in years past.
Do I have to cancel my classes for the day?
Classes will be redirected for Wellness Day so students can participate in both morning assessments and afternoon activities. While faculty may offer participation credit, they should not assign work that replaces the content or instruction that would have occurred during the scheduled class time.
What about other campus services and operations that day?
All administrative offices and university services will remain open on March 3. Staff are being encouraged to take shifts to participate in Wellness Day without disrupting regular operations.
How can I encourage my students to take their assessments?
Students will be expected to report to their assigned classroom at the appointed time. Students who do not check in will be sent an e-mail after March 3 to make up their assessments. You can help us by communicating the expectation to participate and the importance we place on collecting and utilizing student feedback to improve their experience.
How can I encourage my students to attend the afternoon event?
We hope you will highlight the value of attending by reminding students that incorporating wellness practices and learning about resources are productive for their mental health. This day is not “a day off.” We hope students will spend one hour of their day engaging with us and use the rest of the afternoon to tend to their wellness however they choose. You can go the extra mile by offering participation credit or extra credit to your students for attending.
If I want to incentivize my students, how can I verify their attendance at Wellness Day?
Students will check in at their assessment location and at Fresh Check Day. An attendance list can be shared with you after the event. Students will also be given a “passport” for Fresh Check Day, so you can require that as further proof of attendance and participation.
May I participate, too?
Absolutely! Faculty are encouraged to engage with the booths and enjoy the festivities alongside students. GCSU will also administer the Healthy Minds Faculty and Staff Study on this day in alignment with the Empower pillar of the strategic plan. All faculty and staff are encouraged to take their survey while proctoring is underway.
What about graduate students?
Graduate students will also be assigned to a testing cohort. Those who meet on campus for classes will be assigned to a classroom. Remote students will be able to access the surveys in their email from home. Graduate faculty should also withhold assignments and class meetings that day and instead encourage students to complete their surveys. All students are welcome at the afternoon wellness activities.
What about students with clinicals, field assignments, internships, and other off-campus curricular obligations?
These activities are at the discretion of the instructor. Students who cannot miss or reschedule these experiences are excused from Wellness Day but will be encouraged to still complete their surveys from home.
If I normally teach on Tuesdays, what should I do?
If you usually teach in the morning, you will be assigned to proctor a classroom for the assessment morning. This day requires "all hands on deck", so faculty with afternoon classes will also be asked to proctor. Additionally, we will need volunteers in the afternoon. A call for volunteers will be made in the weeks before the event.
If I do not teach on Tuesdays, what should I do?
Most faculty will be assigned a proctoring role or other helping task on that day. Look out for an e-mail with your particular assignment, as well as a call for volunteers for the afternoon.