Dear community,
Can you believe we’re almost at the end of October? Together, we’ve made it more than half-way through the semester. Congratulations on getting to this point. We now invite you to take a moment to reflect:
What emotions are you holding as we start the second half of the semester?
What is one positive memory that you’re grateful to have made?
What words stand out as you look back on the first half of the semester?
What is one thing you’re looking forward to as we continue?
Halloween weekend and Family Weekend 2023 are also right around the corner! For those of you with loved ones visiting, we hope it’s a restorative and fruitful time. We’ve also included some additional tips below for having a safe and spooky Halloween weekend!
Check out the events and resources highlighted below to support student health and well-being.
In community,
The Skorton Center for Health Initiatives at Cornell Health
part of Student and Campus Life at Cornell University
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Cornell University is located on the traditional homelands of the Gayogo_hó:no' (the Cayuga Nation). The Gayogo_hó:no' are members of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, an alliance of six sovereign nations with a historic and contemporary presence on this land. The confederacy precedes the establishment of Cornell University, New York state and the United States of America. We acknowledge the painful history of Gayogo_hó:no' dispossession, and honor the ongoing connection of Gayogo_hó:no' people, past and present, to these lands and waters.
- When: Thursday, October 26, from 7:30pm to 8:30pm
- What: Join Cornell Botanic Gardens for its Class of 1945 Lecture featuring ‘Black in the Garden’ podcaster and TEDxJAX speaker Colah B. Tawkin. Ms. Tawkin will explore how and which plants have been integral to black cultural celebrations, both historically and in the present around the world. As part of her lecture, she will curate an engaging and culturally relevant conversation with community members about the importance of plants in Black cultural celebrations across the diaspora.
- Where: Cornell University’s Africana Studies and Research Center located at 310 Triphammer Road, Ithaca, NY
- Registration required as space is limited. Click here to register.
Land Justice: Engaging Indigenous Knowledge For Land Care
- When: Wednesday, November 1, from 12:20pm to 1:10pm
- What: Partners across Cornell University are thrilled to welcome Robin Wall Kimmerer to campus on November 1. Robin is a mother, scientist, decorated professor, and enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. She is also the author of Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants, which has earned Kimmerer wide acclaim.
Seminar abstract
What might Land Justice look like? Dr. Kimmerer will explore Indigenous perspectives on land conservation, from biocultural restoration to Land Back. This discussion invites listeners to consider how engaging Traditional Ecological Knowledge contributes to justice for land and people.
- Where: Warren Hall, 401
- When: Friday, October 27, from 7:30pm to 9:30pm
- What: The Department of Performing and Media Arts and the Toni Morrison Collective are thrilled to present Toni Morrison’s 2011 work DESDEMONA to honor the 30th anniversary of her Nobel Prize. PMA's production of DESDEMONA, facilitated by Associate Professor Beth Milles, features student performers onstage interwoven by music and song composed specifically for this show and performed by internationally-acclaimed Malian singer Rokia Traoré, in a dynamic event that captures the words, music, and transformative power of love.
This event is part of “Freedom of Expression”
Content warning: Sexual abuse, violence, racism
- Where: Schwartz Center for Performing Arts, Kiplinger Theatre
- Click here to reserve your tickets!
Asha Cornell Presents — Penn Masala LIVE
- When: Saturday, October 28, from 7:00pm to 10:00pm
- What: This October 28th, Asha Cornell is hosting the world’s first and premier South Asian a cappella group, Penn Masala, for a benefit concert, nearly 10 years after their first Cornell performance (also hosted by Asha!). Hailing from the University of Pennsylvania, and known for its viral fusions of Western music and classic Bollywood hits, the group has gained nearly 125,000 Instagram followers, 146,000 Facebook followers, and 30 million YouTube views since its founding in 1996. In 2009, Penn Masala performed for President Barack Obama as part of the White House Diwali Celebration. In 2015, Masala performed as the only collegiate a cappella group in the award-winning movie—and soundtrack—Pitch Perfect Two. After returning from their India-wide tour earlier this year, they also performed for President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In addition to our main group, we will also feature guest performances from Cornell student organizations! Join us for an evening of music, dance, and fun!
- Where: Alice Statler Auditorium, Statler 185
- Fee: General admission, $15. Group admission (10 or more), $13. Click here to get your tickets!
Speaking of Rest... Refresh: Cornell's Sleep Program
Are you tired? Having trouble getting enough sleep? Nearly 25% of Cornell students report that lack of sleep impedes their academic performance. Refresh: Cornell's Sleep Program is here to help! Refresh is an 8-week, evidence-based self-help program proven to help improve college students' sleep. From learning about the physiology of sleep to practicing relaxation strategies, this program delivers valuable skills and strategies in just 10-20 minutes of content per week. Registration for the Fall 2023 Refresh program is open now until the end of the semester!
CAPS Workshops
Workshops are designed to provide skills to assist with coping. Workshops do not provide mental health treatment. If you would like to speak with a counselor, please call us (24/7) at 607-255-5155.
Drink Limits, Understanding BAC -Wednesday, 11/1 from 4:00-5:00 pm (plus additional dates)
Register for the Drink Limits, Understanding BAC workshopFacilitator: Linda Stout, MSEd, CASAC
There's a real science around blood alcohol concentration. How many standard alcoholic drinks you can have and enjoy feeling buzzed without getting a hangover, rebound depression or anxiety, vomiting, sleep disturbance, blackout or poisoning, really depends on your weight and pacing. Any of us might enjoy a big piece of chocolate cake and not worry about the size of it, but the right "dose" matters with alcohol. A petite person, say under 115 pounds, will be intoxicated from only 2 standard drinks in a rapid pre-game, but a bigger person might merely feel slightly buzzed. In this confidential workshop, you can ask questions, listeners' videos will be off, and you do not need to include your full name. This workshop will be offered once a month.
Practical Strategies: Navigating Anxiety at Cornell University - Wednesday, 11/1 from 3:30-4:30 pm (plus additional dates)
Register for the Practical Strategies for Navigating Anxiety at Cornell workshop
Facilitator: Lex Enrico Santí, LCSW
Discover practical strategies and support services available at Cornell University to navigate anxiety and unlock your full potential. This workshop provides a safe, bias-free environment where students can explore neurobiology insights and concentrate on real-world interventions. Join us for engaging discussions, interactive exercises, and collaborative activities that delve into anxiety's roots. From mindfulness techniques to evidence-based interventions, you'll develop concrete skills to manage anxiety's impact effectively.
Let's Meditate
Let’s Meditate is a free, guided, mindfulness meditation series sponsored by Cornell Health, in collaboration with numerous campus partners.
- Everyone is welcome! Let’s Meditate is open to all members of the Cornell community, including students, faculty, and staff of all ages, genders, sizes, shapes, and abilities.
- Participation is FREE. You are welcome to come to as many sessions as you wish.
- Sessions are offered Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays
Fall 2023 Flu Vaccine Clinic
LGBTQ+ History Month Keynote: A Conversation on Two Spirit Identity
What: A conversational-style lesson highlighting the speaker's experience of being a Two Spirit person living in North America. The talk will focus on the history of the term, why the term was created, what issues Two Spirit people face today, and how to be an ally for Two Spirit people everywhere.
The event includes making traditional corn husk dolls as well as a meal of four sisters' stew, berry drink (raspberry/blueberry), meat pies (chicken), and cornbread for those attending (labeled for allergies).
Where: Mann Library, 102
Graduate Students - Autumn Landscape Painting at the Big Red Barn
When: Thursday, November 2, from 6:00pm to 9:00pm
What: Monthly art event at the Big Red Barn, where graduate/professional students who have a desire to do art can go to do art and socialize. For all skill/ability levels and materials will be provided to attendees,
Where: Big Red Barn
Graduate Students - Women in Science Now: How to Use Science to Overcome the Remaining Hurdles to Equity Public Book Talk
When: Monday, November 6, from 3:30pm to 5pm
What: Join us for a book talk with Cornell alumna Lisa M.P. Munoz, science writer and author of “Women in Science Now: Stories and Strategies for Achieving Equity.” During this talk, Lisa will pair stories of scientists with data to explore the obstacles facing women in science at virtually every step along their career paths. She will offer an examination of this persistent gender gap, and offer new perspectives on how to make science more equitable and inclusive for all.
Where: Alice Statler Auditorium, Statler Hall
