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Wildcat Check-in Week is a campus-wide mental health and suicide prevention initiative led by Student Well-Being and coordinated by Prevention, Outreach, and Wellness Education Resources (POWER), in partnership with UK HR Health and Wellness and the UK HealthCare Healthy Kentucky Initiative.

The initiative is designed for all students and employees and aims to promote person-to-person connection, help-seeking, and a shared culture of care across the University of Kentucky community. Programming throughout the week will focus on mental health awareness, suicide prevention, mental health stigma reduction, and positive coping strategies, with alignment to the Emotional Dimension of Wellness.

Questions?

Want learn more about the event? Reach out to POWER at power@uky.edu.

 

JOIN US AT THESE FEATURED EVENTS

Mental Health Check-in Outreach Monday, April 6

11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
The 90 Entranceway & Chandler Hospital North Lobby 

Staff from the UK Counseling Center, TRACS and Employee Wellness will be available at two campus locations to support a Mental Health Check-in outreach. This initiative encourages students and employees to take a moment to check in on their well-being by completing a confidential Mental Health America screening tool. Staff will also be available to connect participants with campus resources and provide guidance on available support services. TRACS will be available for walk-ins for students and staff during this time. 

Mindfulness Moments Walk Tuesday, April 7

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.


Enjoy a self-guided mindfulness walk across campus featuring five thoughtfully designed “moments” along the route. Each stop offers a brief, simple activity focused on breathing, reflection, connecting with nature or creativity, along with optional resources to support mental health and overall well-being. A map will be provided.

Chalk the Walk Tuesday, April 7

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Barker Plaza

Chalk the Walk is an outdoor awareness event hosted by the UK HealthCare. The goal of the event is to promote mental health awareness and suicide prevention while increasing visibility of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Participants will use sidewalk chalk to write positive messages, affirmations and supportive statements promoting mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

Fresh Check Day Wednesday, April 8

11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Alumni Commons

Join various units from across campus for an uplifting and engaging mental health promotion event for the campus community. The event features interactive booths and activities focused on mental health and suicide prevention, bringing together a wide range of campus partners.

Participants will have the opportunity to explore topics related to mental health, recovery, healthy relationships, financial wellness and overall well-being through engaging, hands-on experiences that promote connection, awareness and support. . Enjoy free food and the first 500 participants who complete their event passport will receive a free t-shirt.

Yoga on the Lawn Thursday, April 9

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Main Building Front Lawn

Join UK Campus Recreation for Yoga on the Lawn on the Main Building Front Lawn for a fun, all-levels event designed to help you relax and rejuvenate at the end of your day. Bring a yoga mat or beach towel and some friends - we’ll see you there! The first 100 participants will receive a free yoga mat.

Movie: Inside Out 2 Friday, April 10

6 p.m.
Worsham Cinema

This heartfelt film highlights the importance of understanding our emotions, managing stress and supporting our mental health—especially during times of transition. Come relax, reflect and connect with fellow Wildcats.

Bring your family, kids welcome! Snacks provided! 

Remembrance Ceremony - Honoring Lives Lost to Suicide Friday, April 10

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. *Ceremony begins at 12 p.m.
Alumni Commons - Library Walkway; Rain location: Multipurpose Room (B-108C): William T. Young Library

As part of Wildcat Check-in week, the campus community, students, faculty and staff are invited to take part in a Remembrance Ceremony honoring lives lost to suicide. This gathering offers a quiet space for reflection through inclusive readings, gentle movement around a shared heart display of memorial flags and simple acts of remembrance.

The ceremony will include welcoming remarks, reflective readings and spiritual support facilitated by UK Religious and Spiritual Life and UKHC Pastoral Care.

On Wednesday, April 8, students, faculty and staff may create a memorial flag during Fresh Check Day. These flags will serve as the focal point of the ceremony on Friday, April 10 and remain on display throughout the week. Opportunities to create a flag will also be available prior to the ceremony. 

*For those who are unable to create a flag on Wednesday or Friday, members of our team would be honored to write a name on a flag on your behalf. Please submit a name here if you would like to participate in this way.

Color Kentucky Healthy Residence Life Coloring Competition All Week

 

 

Hosted in collaboration with the UK HealthCare Healthy Kentucky Initiative, POWER and UK Residence Life, the Color Kentucky Healthy Coloring Competition invites students to engage in a creative and relaxing activity throughout Wildcat Check-In Week, with final judging taking place on Friday, April 10. Coloring is a simple yet effective way to support mental health and well-being by reducing stress, promoting mindfulness and encouraging focus. Students and residence hall floors are encouraged to participate, with the winning poster receiving a pizza party sponsored by Residence Life.

THE FULL WEEK'S SCHEDULE

Monday, April 6

Student Events

Time Event Location
 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. 
Navigating Parenting and Advocacy for Children with High Support Needs

This webinar addresses how parents/caregivers of children with high support needs often take on multiple roles in their child's life in addition to their own.

Register Here

Virtual
10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
ScreenU Cannabis

An anonymous, 1-2 minute online self-assessment regarding student's personal cannabis usage.

Jacobs Science Building
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Mental Health Check-in Outreach

Staff from the UK Counseling Center, TRACS and Employee Wellness will host Mental Health Check-In outreach at two campus locations, offering confidential Mental Health America screenings and connecting students and employees with campus resources and support. TRACS will have walk-in support available during this time.

The 90  & Chandler Hospital North Lobby
1 - 3 p.m.
Let's Talk

Drop in for a brief, confidential, 1:1 conversation with a Counseling Center clinician

McVey Hall (Rm. 130)
3 p.m.
Let's Argue (Respectfully)

Students will learn about conflict styles, how to have productive conflict, and communication skills.
Register Here

Virtual
5 - 7 p.m.
ScreenU Cannabis

An anonymous, 1-2 minute online self-assessment regarding student's personal cannabis usage.

The 90 Patio
5 - 7 p.m.
VIP Center + UKPD SVU

Attend a Green Dot Bystander Workshop to Find Your Green Dot while building your own terrarium to take home.

Register Here

Holmes Hall Classroom

Faculty and Staff Events

Time Event Location
10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Navigating Parenting and Advocacy for Children with High Support Needs

This webinar addresses how parents/caregivers of children with high support needs often take on multiple roles in their child's life in addition to their own.

Register Here

Virtual
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Mental Health Check-in Outreach  

Staff from the UK Counseling Center, TRACS and Employee Wellness will host Mental Health Check-In outreach at two campus locations, offering confidential Mental Health America screenings and connecting students and employees with campus resources and support. TRACS will have walk-in support available during this time.

The 90 & 

Chandler Hospital North Lobby

12:15 -12:45 p.m.
Caregivers' Walk & Talk

Join us for an on-campus 30-minute well-being break and connect with other parents/guardians and elder care caregivers. This movement break can rejuvenate you physically and emotionally as you take a stress-free walk, share stories, advice, and encouragement with other caregivers. Open to all.

Register Here

Meet in front of the Jacobs Science Building 

Tuesday, April 7

Student Events

Time Event Location
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Chalk the Walk

Participants will use sidewalk chalk to write positive messages to promote mental health awareness.

View Details

Barker Plaza
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Certified Peer Educator Well Hut Pop Up

Students will use art to express their current mood and contribute to a collective display, while Certified Peer Educators share mental health resources and Wildcat Check-in Week info.

Alumni Commons
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Mindful Moments Walk (self-guided)

A self-guided walk, map will be provided, with 5 mindful moment check-ins

View Details

Various locations - map 
1 - 2 p.m.
Find Your Joy - Visit Hudson, UKPD Community Canine

Relieve stress with dog therapy featuring Hudson, UKPD Community Canine.

View Details

Gatton Student Center East Wing (Rm. C355)
1 - 3 p.m.
Let's Talk

Drop in for a brief, confidential, 1:1 conversation with a Counseling Center clinician.

LGBTQ+ Resource Center (Gatton Student Center)
2 - 4 p.m.
Let's Talk

Drop in for a brief, confidential, 1:1 conversation with a Counseling Center clinician.

Multidisciplinary Science Building (Rm. 402)
3 p.m.
Let's Connect (For Real)

Students will learn how to make connections in college and foster effective communication. 

Register Here

Virtual
4:30 - 6 p.m.
ScreenU Cannabis

An anonymous, 1-2 minute online self-assessment regarding student's personal cannabis usage.

Holmes Hall
5 p.m.
Recovery Ally Training

Participants will train to learn signs of addiction, pathways to recovery, supportive language, and on/off campus resources.

Register Here

Virtual
7 p.m.
Collegiate Recovery Program Social & Meeting

Students who are struggling with addiction or actively working on their recovery will meet in an AA-style fellowship meeting.

View Details

Hilary J. Boone Center (Rm. 134)

Faculty and Staff Events

Time Event Location
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Chalk the Walk

Participants will use sidewalk chalk to write positive messages to promote mental health awareness.

View Details

Barker Plaza
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Mindful Moments Walk (self-guided)

A self-guided walk, map will be provided, with 5 mindful moment check-ins.

View Details

Various locations - map 
12 p.m.
QPR

Join UK HR mental health therapists for a virtual training to learn the three steps of QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer.

Register Here

Virtual
1 - 2 p.m.
Find Your Joy - Visit Hudson, UKPD Community Canine

Relieve stress with dog therapy featuring Hudson, UKPD Community Canine.

View Details

Gatton Student Center East Wing (Rm. C355)
2:30 - 3 p.m.
Fueling Resilience: Nutrition Strategies for Mental Well-Being 

Discover how simple, evidence-based nutrition choices can help you manage daily stress, sustain focus during demanding workdays, and support overall mental well-being.  

Register Here

Virtual
5 p.m.
Recovery Ally Training

Participants will train to learn signs of addiction, pathways to recovery, supportive language, and on/off campus resources.

Register Here

Virtual

Wednesday, April 8

Student Events

Time Event Location
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Fresh Check Day

Join various units from across campus for an uplifting and engaging mental health promotion event for the campus community. The event features interactive booths and activities focused on mental health and suicide prevention, bringing together a wide range of campus partners.

View Details

Alumni Commons
1 - 2 p.m.
Find Your Joy - Legos

Relieve stress by playing with legos.

View Details

Gatton Student Center East Wing (Rm. C355)
1 - 3 p.m.
Let's Talk

Drop in for a brief, confidential, 1:1 conversation with a Counseling Center clinician.

MLK Center (Gatton Student Center)
3 - 4 p.m.
ADHD Support Group
Gatton Student Center (3rd floor)
4:30 - 6 p.m.
ScreenU Cannabis

An anonymous, 1-2 minute online self-assessment regarding student's personal cannabis usage.

Jewell Hall
4:30 - 6 p.m.
We're Done (But I'm Not): The Breakup Glow-Up Workshop

Learn how to end relationships without burning everything down, and define what healthy love actually looks like.

Register Here

Zoom

Faculty and Staff Events

Time Event Location
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Fresh Check Day

Join various units from across campus for an uplifting and engaging mental health promotion event for the campus community. The event features interactive booths and activities focused on mental health and suicide prevention, bringing together a wide range of campus partners.

View Details

Alumni Commons
12 - 1 p.m.
Elder Care Workshop - Getting Affairs in Order 

Register Here

Live Virtual

Thursday, April 9

Student Events

Time Event Location
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Certified Peer Educator Well Hut Pop-Up

Students will participate in a “throw away and reflect” activity, identifying personal stressors and offering peer support, while Certified Peer Educators share mental health resources.

Alumni Commons
12 p.m.
QPR

Students will learn how to question, persuade, and refer someone they think might be thinking about suicide.

Register Here

Virtual
12 p.m.
Recovery Ally Training

Participants will train to learn signs of addiction, pathways to recovery, supportive language, and on/off campus resources.

Register Here

Virtual
12 - 2 p.m.
Let's Talk

Drop in for a brief, confidential, 1:1 conversation with a Counseling Center clinician.

Rosenberg College of Law (Rm. 286)
1 - 2 p.m.
Find Your Joy - Arts and Crafts

Relieve stress through learning the art of paper quilting.

View Details

Gatton Student Center East Wing (Rm. C355)
2 - 4 p.m.
Let's Talk

Drop in for a brief, confidential, 1:1 conversation with a Counseling Center clinician.

Lewis Honors College (Rm. U113)
3 - 4 p.m.
Mindful Movement: Taekwondo Basics

Participants will learn basic Taekwondo techniques as a way to move mindfully.

Library Front Lawn
4 p.m.
Compassion Cultivators

Students will learn about environmental wellness and its role in healthy relationships.

Register Here

Gatton Student Center (Rm. 231)
3:30 - 5:00 p.m. 
ScreenU Cannabis

Students will self-select to complete an anonymous 1-2 minute online self-assessment regarding cannabis use as there is a strong link between cannabis and mental health.

Chelgren Hall
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Yoga on the Lawn

Join us for an outdoor event (weather dependent) to promote relaxation, movement, and stress reduction. The first 100 participants will receive a free yoga mat. 

View Details

Main Building Front Lawn

Faculty and Staff Events

Time Event Location
11:30 a.m.
QPR

Join UK HR mental health therapists for a virtual training to learn the three steps of QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer.

Register Here

Live Virtual
12 p.m.
Recovery Ally Training

Participants will train to learn signs of addiction, pathways to recovery, supportive language, and on/off campus resources.

Register Here

Virtual
3 - 4 p.m.
Mindful Movement: Taekwondo Basics

Participants will learn basic Taekwondo techniques as a way to move mindfully.

Library Front Lawn
12 - 1:00 p.m.
Creative Writing Workshop 

Join UK Health and Wellness mental health therapists Eric Wilkinson and Rhonda Henry for an online creative writing workshop! Words will set you free! 

 Register Here

Live Virtual
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Yoga on the Lawn

Join us for an outdoor event (weather dependent) to promote relaxation, movement, and stress reduction. The first 100 participants will receive a free yoga mat. 

View Details

Main Building Front Lawn

Friday, April 10

Student Events

Time Event Location
9 - 10 a.m.
Supporting Partners and Adult Children with Mental Health Needs

This webinar addresses how parents/caregivers of children with high support needs often take on multiple roles in their child's life in addition to their own.
Register Here

Virtual
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Remembrance Ceremony

Memorial to begin at Noon;  Flags can still be made and placed from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Library Walkway (between the Library and Alumni Commons)
1 - 2 p.m.
Find Your Joy - Music Therapy

Relieve stress with music featuring the Music Therapy department.

Gatton Student Center East Wing (Rm. C355)
6 p.m.
Movie: Inside Out 2

Join fellow Wildcats for a free screening of Inside Out 2 highlighting themes of emotions, mental health and self-awareness. Free popcorn and information on mental health resources will be available. 

Worsham Cinema

Faculty and Staff Events

Time Event Location
9 - 10 a.m.
Supporting Partners and Adult Children with Mental Health Needs

This webinar will discuss how to support meaningful relationships with loved ones when they struggle with mental health challenges. 
Register Here

Virtual
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Remembrance Ceremony

Memorial to begin at Noon;  Flags can still be made and placed from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Library Walkway (between the Library and Alumni Commons)
1 - 2 p.m.
Find Your Joy - Music Therapy

Relieve stress with music featuring the Music Therapy department.

Gatton Student Center East Wing (Rm. C355)
6 p.m.
Movie: Inside Out 2

Join fellow Wildcats for a free screening of Inside Out 2 highlighting themes of emotions, mental health and self-awareness. Free popcorn and information on mental health resources will be available. 

Worsham Cinema