Wellness Spot Workshops & Events
The Wellness Spot hosts open office hours, weekly programs, and special events. The best way to know what's happening in the office? Drop by 106 LeFrak Center, the Mental Well-Being Suite, during open office hours and follow us on Instagram @barnardwellnessspot
Office Hours:
- Confidential Advising is available to all current Barnard students with the Associate Director of Mental Well-Being (make an appointment here).
- Open Office Hours with the Associate Director of Mental Well-Being are also available Tuesday-Thursday from 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Peer Health Educators host evening office hours Monday-Thursday, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., and Sunday, 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Peer Health Educators are trained to support students; however, they are not confidential resources. They are considered private resources of the College and are required to report disclosures of discrimination, sexual violence, and other safety concerns.
Workshops
Craft & Connect: Community Through Craft and Self-Care | The 4th Monday of Each Month
Create & Care is a series of drop-in programs that invite students to explore wellness through creativity and connection. Whether it’s learning a new craft like crochet, watercolor painting, or knitting—or making DIY lip scrubs and exploring the calming effects of essential oils—these sessions offer a space to slow down, breathe deeply, and build community.
Students are encouraged to experiment with different self-care practices that support emotional regulation, nervous system balance, and stress reduction. Through hands-on activities and mindful moments, Create & Care helps students discover what wellness can look and feel like for them, no prior experience needed. If you have an idea for a craft you'd like to see, please let us know!
Shame Less: Destigmatizing Sexual Health and Well-Being With Residential Life
In collaboration with Resident Assistants, Wellness Spot Peer Educators facilitate workshops on often-stigmatized topics related to sexual health and/or gender identity (e.g., sex toys, menstruation, contraception, STIs, chest binding). These workshops take place within residential halls, co-led with an RA from that hall. The goal of this initiative is to increase engagement by meeting students where they are—both physically and in terms of comfort level.
Aligned with the Communities of Care strategic plan, the Shame Less series encourages students to think critically about their well-being and challenges the stigma surrounding sexual health and gender identity through inclusive, open dialogue.
Therapy Dogs
In partnership with New York Therapy Animals, the Wellness Spot welcomes therapy dogs to campus twice each semester. These visits offer students a calming, non-judgmental space to pause, connect, and recharge while navigating their time at Barnard. Interacting with therapy dogs can support mental well-being by promoting relaxation and comfort. Petting and playing with dogs has been shown to release oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone.” Increased oxytocin levels are associated with reduced stress, lower blood pressure, and a stronger sense of connection and belonging.
Well Said: Peer-led Conversations That Matter | The 1st Wednesday of Each Month
Well-Saids is a long-standing series of casual, peer-led discussions on the topics that matter most to students. For years, Peer Educators have facilitated open conversations that create space for reflection, support, and connection.
Each session focuses on a different theme—ranging from time management and burnout to campus climate, relationships, and processing current events like political elections. Grounded in a belief that wellness includes our thoughts, emotions, and sense of belonging, Well-Saids encourages students to speak honestly, listen actively, and walk away feeling a little more grounded.
Contraceptive Counseling at Barnard is offered through Primary Care Health Service.
To learn more about contraceptive options at Barnard, visit Primary Care Health Service here.
Annual Traditions
Pumpkin Decorating
Founded in 2011 as an act of activism and solidarity with Barnard students who were experiencing harmful online comments, the first pumpkin was carved using stencils of a uterus. What began as a statement of support has since grown into a beloved seasonal tradition, offering students a creative outlet and a chance to pause, connect, and take a break during midterms.
Milk Tasting
One of the largest events of the spring semester, Milk Tasting is a signature Wellness Spot tradition. Featuring more than 25 dairy and non-dairy milk varieties, this event invites the campus community to explore and compare different options in a fun and interactive setting. Cookies and snacks are, of course, included.