SLU Wellness Days
Saint Louis University (SLU) is an educational community that supports the flourishing of all students (from the Provost’s Task Force on Student Well-Being, 2022). Wellness Day supports this vision by offering a break in the academic semester for SLU students to prioritize self-care and foster a sense of belonging.
What is Wellness?
Wellness can be defined as a dynamic and multidimensional concept that refers to the active pursuit of activities, choices, and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health, according to the National Wellness Institute. It goes beyond the absence of illness to encompass a proactive and positive approach to living. All of us can foster wellness in areas of physical, mental, social, environmental, intellectual, spiritual, financial, and occupational wellness.
Wellness Days support the following key Ignatian values for our community:
- Cura Personalis (Latin meaning “care for the [individual] person”) - A hallmark of Ignatian spirituality (where in one-on-one spiritual guidance, the guide adapts the Spiritual Exercises to the unique individual making them) and, therefore, of Jesuit education (where the instructor establishes a personal relationship with students, listens to them in the process of teaching, and draws them toward personal initiative and responsibility for learning).
- Cura Propria (Latin meaning “care of oneself’) - The coining and use of the term originated at the 2021 “Commitment to Justice Conference” at which Debra Mooney, Ph.D., offered it as “A New Ignatian Virtue Necessary for the Promotion of Justice and the Universal Apostolic Preferences.” Significant reserves of spiritual, psychological and physical energy and wellness are so important in being effective educators, students, and ‘people for and with others’ that self-care is an honorable and essential Ignatian value.
- Becoming Contemplatives in Action - This Ignatian principle is based on the necessity of being grounded in our beliefs, purpose, and vision while we work toward promoting the good of ourselves and others. When we allow ourselves to enter deeply into reflection we can pursue our daily activities with greater depth and meaning.
Wellness days are intended as an opportunity for our community to rest, reflect, and renew their spirits in ways that support their overall wellness. Ultimately, this makes us stronger and healthier individually but also communally, making our Catholic, Jesuit mission more vibrant and meaningful.
September 25, 2024, Wellness Day Events
Donuts and Dogs!
9 a.m. - 11 a.m., Morrissey Hall Atrium
The Medical Family Therapy Program will have fresh donuts and coffee available. Bring your dog over to say hello. Mental health and wellness brochures will be available for students, along with information provided by Purina for any dog owners!
Free STI Testing
9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Student Health Center (Marchetti Towers)
The SHC will provide free STI testing in partnership with the St. Louis City Health Department. Appointments can be made by calling the SHC at 314-977-2323. Limited walk-ins are also available.
SLU Votes 2024 with Community Experts
11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Clock Tower
Speak to community partners that work on voting such as the League of Women Voters, Missouri Voter Protection Coalition, and more. You can register to vote, too!
BPFA Celebrates Health and Wellness Day
11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Busch Student Center, second-floor north breezeway outside the KSLU/US Bank entrance
The Billiken Parent and Family Association supports SLU in celebrating Health and Wellness Day. Billikens can stop by for a special gift and treat from our families.
Guided Meditation
1 p.m. - 1:30 p.m., Simon Recreation Center, lower level Mind/Body Room
This 30-minute guided meditation session is designed to help you relax and recharge. It will begin with a brief introduction to the benefits of guided meditation, followed by a peaceful 12-minute meditation to help you find calm amidst the day. Whether you're new to meditation or have experience, this session is perfect for anyone looking to slow down, breathe deeply, and leave feeling refreshed and grounded.
Homecoming Week Inflatables
1 p.m. - 3 p.m., the Quad
Join the Student Homecoming Committee and 'bounce' in excitement for homecoming week. Learn about other events happening during the week.
Duo Touch Therapy Dogs
1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., Pius XII Library main lobby
Stop by and hang out with Duo's Touch Therapy Dogs!
SLU Dance Marathon Flag Football for a Cause
1 p.m. - 3 p.m., Vanderventer/Laclede Soccer Field
This is a flag football tournament hosted by SLU Dance Marathon. It is $5 per person to enter, and the money gets donated to the local Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.
Campus Ministry Community Night Yoga with Karla Scott
6 p.m. - 7 p.m., Wuller Hall Campus Ministry
As we round out Wellness Day, join Campus Ministry for Community Night with yoga, reflection, and light refreshments with Karla Scott, Ph.D., SLU professor of communication and certified yoga instructor. Please bring a yoga mat, towel or blanket to participate.