CHARLEY HECTHL/THE CREIGHTONIAN
Creighton students are invited to attend WellFest, where they can learn more about their own wellbeing, learn how to become more involved on campus and even recieve their yearly flu shot.
With nearly 9,000 students on campus this fall, all navigating different academic, personal and financial needs, Creighton University is dedicated to supporting Bluejays each step of the way in their academic journeys — offering personalized guidance and a wide variety of resources, including academic advising and tutoring, counseling services and student community organizations.
Many of these resources were highlighted this past Tuesday, when Creighton Recreation and Wellness hosted its signature health and wellness fair, WellFest. Bringing together campus departments and local vendors, students, faculty members and staff alike discovered the array of wellness resources and services available throughout the Creighton community and the larger Omaha area.
Freshman Meliyah Herrera, a College of Nursing student, attended WellFest for her flu shot. But after running into some friends, she stayed to walk around, exploring the booths and picking up some fun freebies along the way!
“It’s so helpful, and there are so many things that I probably would have no idea even existed, or resources that I could have if they didn’t have all these events where I could go and see what’s out there,” Herrera said.
While events like WellFest provide a way for students to learn more about services and resources supporting individuals’ physical, mental and spiritual well-being, on-campus departments continue to offer guidance throughout the academic year.
For those seeking mental health support, Creighton Student Counseling Services, located in Markoe Hall, compassionately addresses concerns including self-esteem issues, relationships, stress and loneliness, providing students with access to counseling and other resources.
Danielle Garrison, MS, LIMHP, Director of Clinical Operations and Training for Student Counseling Services, recognizes that students may need additional support as they navigate the challenges of adulthood and college.
College often brings difficult hardships that many students may not know how to handle on their own — test anxiety, academic pressure, homesickness or the loss of a family member.
“We [students] don’t necessarily know how to deal with them, and we need maybe a little bit of extra empowerment or a little extra support during those times because being in college is difficult,” Garrison said.
The support at Creighton extends far beyond mental health and well-being.
The Fritz Family Office of Cura Personalis Services is another resource that puts effort into alleviating stress associated with college students.
“The Cura Service Office helps students that might have some struggles … hard conversations or just adjusting to college –– along with maybe some managing of their own financials,” said Stephanie Madison, the Student Care Coordinator for Cura Services.
“Our case managers … [meet] with students one-on-one to help them navigate those struggles and find the solutions,” Madison said. “Our health coach is available also for students that want to set some healthy goals in their lives and to guide them … The pantry is a nice resource also because students that might have a food insecurity or don’t have the resources [can] get the nutrition that they need.”
The Student Leadership and Involvement Center also helps students get connected and discover ways to become involved on campus. Students can explore their passions and interests, find their community, develop leadership potential and participate in community service.
For anyone looking for academic assistance, mental health support, career guidance or a sense of belonging, there are a multitude of offices and resources that Creighton University offers, and that are here to ensure that every Bluejay is supported throughout their college experience.