Colgate community members gathered in Chapel House for a meditation session
Balancing academic pressure with personal well-being is a challenge for many college students, but at Colgate, wellness is built into campus life. Whether it’s unwinding with therapy dogs, finding focus through meditation, or tapping into creativity with art sessions, students have access to a variety of ways to manage ups and downs.
“These events remind students to prioritize their wellness and find ways to integrate balance into their daily lives,” explains Dawn LaFrance, PsyD, assistant vice president for wellness and director of counseling and psychological services. “Students are most successful when they allow themselves time to take breaks and recharge.”
While traditional talk and group therapy remain valuable resources, Colgate recognizes that different students benefit from different forms of healing. “Meditation and other mindfulness strategies help students regulate their emotions and cope with stress,” LaFrance adds. “Artistic activities, such as painting, provide an alternative form of expression that many students find therapeutic.”
Beyond individual and group counseling, Colgate offers a variety of proactive wellness initiatives through the Shaw Wellness Institute. Students can engage in therapy dog sessions multiple times a week, participate in wellness fairs, and attend study breaks that incorporate mindfulness activities.
Shaw Wellness also provides free health and safety supplies through an anonymous ordering system, ensuring students have access to essential self-care resources. Additionally, Colgate offers a unique physical education course covering CPR, trauma-informed responding, bystander intervention, and health literacy.
“Recognizing that students’ brains affect their bodies and vice versa, it’s key to use strategies that are holistic,” LaFrance says. “We want to teach students about the many dimensions of wellness that contribute to their development, and we hope they carry these strategies with them beyond Colgate.”
Tucked away in the woods at the top of Colgate’s campus, Chapel House offers students an intentional space for peace, mindfulness, and self-reflection. The house is divided into three key areas: a meditation space, a dining and living area, and a library filled with religious and philosophical texts. In Colgate’s fast-paced, academically rigorous environment, this retreat center provides a much-needed opportunity for community members to slow down and prioritize well-being.
Among the standout offerings at Chapel House is the weekly Chili with Lily, when students gather for a communal meal of vegan chili while spending time with Lily, the resident therapy dog. For those seeking a quiet study break, the Sunday Reading Café offers a cozy space for students and faculty to immerse themselves in books, accompanied by tea, cider, and homemade cookies.
Beyond its regular programming, Chapel House has recently expanded its offerings to include gentle yoga sessions, guided morning meditation, and collaborations with student groups and academic departments. Most recently, it partnered with the Colgate Hiking Club for an extremely popular mindfulness night hike.
Looking ahead to fall 2025, Colgate is set to introduce a new mindfulness and meditation housing option on Broad Street, spearheaded by Aastha Ghimire ’27 and University Studies lecturer Ferdinand von Muench. The goal is to create a dedicated space for upper-level students to practice meditation and yoga, fostering a close-knit community centered around intentional living.
While the efforts of wellness-centered organizations on campus are vital, LaFrance underscores the importance of a collective campus commitment to well-being. “The entire community plays a role in fostering a culture of wellness,” she says. “From ensuring access to healthy living spaces and nutritional options to encouraging physical activity, creative outlets, and good sleep hygiene, we all contribute to a thriving student body.”