University of San Diego Magazine - Fall 2025

and student employees from these offices. I spoke with several students who were telling me how they were eager to bring their friends to the upcoming events and resources they were able to learn about through the fair. Hosting the fair was especially meaningful because it not only promoted the building’s resources, but also showed that we’re really a hub for all kinds of wellness on campus. It highlighted how our space can support different offices and groups while giving students a chance to discover and connect with resources that fit their own wellness journey.” For individuals looking to reinforce their own sense of community, Clark says openness and consistency are the key. “Even just showing up in shared spaces, like studying in a shared space versus your own dorm room, or attending a group fitness class versus working out on your own, creates more opportunities for those chance encounters that often turn into real connections. On top of that, staying consistent in working through the discomfort that can often come when approaching someone new or extending invitations to others to join, is so important. Most people are looking for connection just as much as you are, so putting yourself out there, even in small ways, can make a big difference over time.”

Palomar Health Student Wellness Center Month-At-A-Glance September 2025 29,567 CHECK-INS 1,560 TOURS 258 HOSTED EVENTS

LEARNING The wellness center is a living classroom for holistic well-being. Through diverse programs, routines and experiential learning, students gain both practical skills and self-awareness, connecting their wellness practices to personal growth, academic success and meaningful social interactions. “Students’ learning in the traditional classroom is so important, and their well-being is an important part of that, and we want our community to learn that connection,” said McIver. “The center offers so many ways to learn about how those are tied together. One example is our Group Fitness program, which can teach our community teamwork and engagement, giving and receiving feedback, commitment and overcoming challenges.” The whole wellness team at USD is committed to educating and offering support for the campus community. “A really beautiful part of this center is that we can use this space to host and/or partner with the full wellness team to offer those opportunities. We want to be intentional about the opportunities we offer and make sure that there is something for everybody to participate in,” McIver said. “One of my student employees, Kendall, actually said something that stuck with me. She said, ‘I’m learning that relaxation is productive’ and I think that is an incredible concept for people to understand. Learning to take time for yourself, practice self-care, take a break … those are all necessary to thrive and succeed in the classroom and in your daily life.”

CONNECTION AND COMMUNITY

The center really focuses on creating opportunities for shared experiences, said Associate Director of Health Promotion Anne Clark. “Whether it’s through a group fitness class, a meditation or self-love workshop, or something more creative like a crafting session, the events held in the center are designed to make wellness accessible and social,” Clark said. Even beyond the programming, the physical space itself is intentionally set up to bring people together and make it easy for students to connect with one another. “There’s a lot of open space and lounge-style seating both inside and outside of the building — giving students space to study, eat and socialize in the same areas where they can also engage in more structured wellness activities.” The university’s Be Well Fair in September was the perfect example of this pillar. “The event brought together a wide range of wellness resources, and students got to connect directly with staff

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