Dyson Wellness Center

You may be wondering how to best support your student as they transition back to school. We’re happy to share a few tips that we hope you’ll find useful…

Staying healthy

Academic, work and life success and satisfaction are greatly impacted by our health. The Dyson Wellness Center is an integrated health center that provides CONFIDENTIAL medical, counseling and interpersonal violence support services and health education to the campus community.  The Dyson staff believe in sharing important health information to help students make informed choices. Remind your student that they can visit the DWC Hub page to see a detailed description of services , eligibility and to meet our team.  Your student can request an appointment online on the website, call or stop by to schedule in-person or telehealth appointments. The Center is open Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. 

TimelyCare virtual medical and counseling appointments are available 24/7. TimelyCare is a wonderful resource for students who are seeking support outside of the Dyson Wellness Center’s open hours or for those who want to choose a therapist based on the student’s preferences such as religion, race/ethnicity, gender and more. These health services are available to all registered, full-time students. 

Prevent illness

Of course, we educate students to frequently wash their hands, refrain from sharing utensils, towels and bedding and to wipe frequently touched surfaces. We remind them to stay hydrated, eat quality foods and move their bodies. You can help remind them of these important preventative measures, too. 

Your student can also come take advantage of on-campus events geared toward supporting their well-being. Just a few of the Dyson sponsored upcoming free events include yoga classes every Tuesday and Thursday from 4:00-5:00 pm on the third floor of Res Rec; a mental health screening on Wednesday, September 10th from 9:00 am to noon on the sidewalk outside of the White Activity Center; flu and other vaccine clinics on Friday, September 26th from 10:00-2:00 pm in Stevenson Hall in the Wentz Science Center; Dyson Dog Days (therapy dogs) on Thursday, October 9th from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm in Jefferson Lounge; Our Voices, Our Minds: Immigration Through the Eyes of BIPOC Youth on Wednesday, October 22nd from 5:00-8:00 pm in Stevenson Hall in the Wentz Science Center and much more. 

Create a communication plan

If you haven’t already, talk with your student and agree upon a way to stay in contact if they live on campus or away from home. For some, it might be a weekly Facetime call or texting daily or monthly calls to catch up. Everyone is different, and the communication changes based upon your student’s schedule, need and desire. 

Listen, validate and ask questions

When your student feels heard, acknowledged and cared for, stress hormones such as cortisol decrease, resulting in your student being able to access the part of the brain that uses logic, organizes information and makes informed decisions. When in a more balanced state, your student will be better equipped to deal with all kinds of challenges.

Encourage

New students typically take time to adjust to being in a new environment, new classes, new professors and classmates. Those who live on campus may feel both excitement and also some home sickness. Remind your student that it is natural to feel uncomfortable while adjusting and that they will be OK and will find their people and their rhythm which can take some time. Remind them to be patient and compassionate with themselves. 

Did you know that research shows that students who are making effort and engaging, attending events and taking risks to talk with others and get to know fellow students, professors and staff are more likely to succeed academically?  Encourage your student to do what’s best for them and their unique circumstances. Some may do well to lean in to the discomfort in order to experience the benefits of initiating and developing relationships. Some need to pace themselves with social activities. There are so many clubs and activities that your student can enjoy that will enhance their time at North Central, whenever they are ready to do so.

Students can find upcoming events in a weekly newsletter from the Office of Student Engagement and Belonging (OSEB@noctrl.edu) in their NC email. Those digital newsletters highlight upcoming events and share a link where students can see all that’s happening on campus. Here’s the web address of that link: https://noctrl.presence.io/events/cal

Questions for the Dyson Wellness Center, contact dysonwellness@noctrl.edu or 630-637-5550.