How can spiritual wellness help us navigate the difficulties we encounter in grad school?

Explore this question and more with Christine Modey, Director of the Michigan Community Scholars Program, and Kelly Dunlop, Michigan's Spiritual, Secular, Religious, and Interfaith Engagement Lead. Listen in and learn why our spiritual life looks different now than when we were in undergrad; how to build spiritual wellness from the small things we do everyday; and the resources throughout campus that can support your journey to greater spiritual well-being.

Spiritual Well-Being Resources

• Religious, Secular and Spiritual Life at Michigan
• Association of Religious Counselors
• Nature Rx
• Spiritual Resources
• Interfaith Resource Page
• CAPS - Spirituality-Focused Counselors
• Religious Holiday Calendars & Fact Sheets
• Program in Creativity & Consciousness Studies
• Michigan Medicine Spiritual Care Resources
• Law Library Spiritual Wellness Resources
• Gratitude Email Generator
• Weekly Virtual Meditation Program
• Weekly Mindful Meditation Sits
• INSPIRES - Campus Climate Index
• Fetzer Institute - Study of Spirituality in the US
• The Awakened Brain
• Online Courses
  • Finding Purpose & Meaning in Life
  • Mindfulness, Dignity, & the Art of Human Connection
  • Purpose at Work

Something small to do right now for your spiritual well-being: Give yourself some well-deserved space for prayer, meditation, or reflection while you're on campus and stop by a reflection room

Visit the GradWell website for more

Email us with any questions: [email protected]

Stay in touch by joining Gradwell's MCommunity group!

Guests' Bios

Christine Modey

Prior to becoming the director of the Michigan Community Scholars Program in June of 2020, Christine was the faculty director of the Sweetland Peer Writing Consultant Program, where she taught courses in peer writing consultation theory and practice and supported an outstanding staff of undergrad peer writing consultants. She is the co-editor, with David Schoem and Ed St. John, of Teaching The Whole Student: Engaged Learning With Heart, Mind, and Spirit. For more than twenty years, she has been a member of an Episcopal church sharing a building with a Reform Jewish synagogue. She currently chairs the board of the Interfaith Round Table of Washtenaw County.

Kelly Dunlop

With a focus on fostering inclusive communities and promoting programs, dialogue and training across diverse belief systems, Kelly continues her tenure on campus from her previous role as Associate Director for the Center for Campus Involvement in Student Life, in which she served since 2016. Prior to her work in Student Life, Kelly leveraged her passion for building bridges and nurturing understanding among individuals of diverse worldviews as a campus minister and community organizer. Kelly knows well what it takes to meet people where they are in the best and worst of times, to listen deeply and to create meaningful collaborations for systemic change.

Why doesn’t money have that much to do with financial well-being?

In this episode, Dr. Gautam Kaul, Professor of Finance at Ross, explains the answer to this question and discusses how to think differently about debt, money, and our time in graduate school. Listen in and learn how to see finance as a framework that can give you the agency that's necessary to actualize your well-being.

Financial Well-Being Resources

• Financial Well-Being Resources
• Financial Empowerment Series (CEW+)
• Financial Wellness Resources (Michigan Law)
• Resources for Financial Needs and Medical Assistance
• Resource Coach
• Financial Wellness Program (University of Michigan Credit Union)
• Modern Financial Literacy Tools (University of Michigan Credit Union)
• Financial Wellness Resources (University of Michigan Credit Union)
• Online Courses
  • Finance Courses on Michigan Online
  • Finance Courses on edX
  • Financial Literacy Courses on edX
  • Cash Course (free for students!)
  • Finance Courses on Coursera (free for students!)

Something small to do right now for your financial well-being: Check out Dr. Kaul’s Finance for Everyone course on Michigan Online 

Visit the GradWell website for more

Email us with any questions: [email protected]

Stay in touch by joining Gradwell's MCommunity group!

 

Guest Bio

Gautam Kaul, Ph.D., is a professor of finance at the Ross School of Business who has published extensively in top journals in finance on topics covering a wide spectrum of the field. He has devoted more than a decade to developing a new model of education that is multidisciplinary, research-based, and problem-driven, embracing anytime/anywhere education. He is the founding managing director of three programs, which he created in partnership with graduate students, that reflect this new model of education: the Social Venture Fund, the International Investment Fund, and the Michigan Climate Venture. All three programs depart from the top-down, sage-on-stage model and follow a Ph.D.-like collaborative model wherein everything is co-managed with teams of elected graduate students, with the explicit goal of providing them with ownership and responsibility for their own learning.

 

How can we incorporate movement and physical activity into our lives in ways that will actually stick?

In this two-part episode, Michigan’s chief health officer, Dr. Robert Ernst explores the relationships that are important for our physical well-being. Then, Ellen Taylor, senior assistant director of fitness & wellness from the Rec Department, explains how physical activity can function as a balance to the competitive, results-driven focus of our graduate careers. Listen in and learn about all the fitness classes, skills workshops, outdoor programs, ropes courses, equipment rentals, and more that are available here at Michigan to help you best achieve your movement goals. 

Physical Well-Being Resources

• University Health Service
• Wolverine Wellness
• Wellness Coaching 
• No Sweat by Michelle Segar
• Walking, Running, Rolling Maps
• Mindfulness Videos (CAPS)
• Sustainable Food Locations on Campus
• M Healthy’s Active U
• A Breath of Fresh Air Guided Nature Experiences
• Nature Rx Resources
• Nature Rx App
• Nutrition Counseling Center
• Michigan Medicine Podcast Network
• Kinesiology Community Programs
• Michigan Recreation Offerings
  • Indoor Pool
  • Intramural Sports Building
  • North Campus Recreational Center
  • Hadley Center, Central Campus (soon to come!)
  • The Bubble, Palmer Field (temporary facility until Hadley opens)
  • Outdoor Equipment Rentals
  • Michigan Outdoor Leadership Education Series
  • Outdoor Adventure Trips
  • Wilderness First Responder Training
  • Outdoor Skills for Groups
  • Intramural Sports
  • Club Sports
  • Esports
  • Fitness Classes
  • Personal Training
  • Group Training
  • High Ropes Course
  • Red Cross and First Aid Certification
  • Empowerment Self Defense Workshop
• Movement Resources
  • Stretching & Flexibility Document
  • Desk Exercises 
  • Stretching at Work
  • Lower Back Movements
  • Shoulder Movements
  • Neck & Upper Torso Movements
  • Knee Movements
  • Hip Movements
  • Hand & Foot Movements
  • Core Movements
• Women's Health Resources
  • Women's Health Resources
  • Women's Health Classes & Support
  • Breast Feeding Resources
• Sleep Resources
  • Sleep Well, Be Well Newsletter Sign up
  • Sleep Resources (Michigan HR)
  • Sleep Resources (Michigan Health)
  • Sleep Clinic
  • Sleep Tips
  • Online Sleep Course

Something small to do right now for your physical well-being: Check out MHealthy’s Physical Activity Videos for quick movement breaks you can incorporate throughout your day

Visit the GradWell website for more

Email us with any questions: [email protected]

Stay in touch by joining Gradwell's MCommunity group!

 

Guests' Bios

Dr. Robert Ernst

Dr. Robert Ernst serves as the Chief Health Officer for the University of Michigan and Associate Vice President for Health and Wellness in the university’s Division of Student Life. As chief health officer, he is a key advisor to the university’s president on the promotion of health and wellness, disease management, public health preparedness, and other topics related to community well-being. His vision is to embed well-being into all aspects of campus culture and to inform the institution in its aspirational goal to become a health-promoting university.

Ellen Taylor

Ellen Taylor is a professional with over 20 years of experience in fostering wellness and fitness within the collegiate environment. As the Senior Assistant Director of Fitness & Wellness at the University of Michigan Department of Recreation Sports, she specializes in developing comprehensive programs that emphasize holistic wellbeing. Ellen holds a BS in Dietetics from the University of Wisconsin and is an ACE certified personal trainer and health coach. Her expertise lies in crafting initiatives that promote student development and broader understanding of physical activity, highlighting the myriad benefits of movement beyond just physical improvement. 

How can designing with neurodiversity in mind positively impact all students’ academic success?

In this episode, John Muckler, Director of IT Facilities and Operations in the College of Engineering, discusses how the built environment can affect our thoughts and feelings and why the spaces “in-between” matter just as much as the classroom when it comes to our academic success. Explore how thinking differently about sound, lighting, open space, and furniture can positively shape your academic performance and how an expert like John is a key resource at Michigan to help you take your environmental well-being to the next level.

Environmental Well-Being Resources

• John Muckler, himself
• The Well-Being Collective
• HR Well-Being Resources
• College of Engineering Inclusive Space Website
• Beyster Neurodiverse-Friendly, Quiet Study Space - Developed by John Muckler
• GG Brown Neurodiverse-Friendly, Quiet Study Space - Developed by John Muckler
• Study Spots Across North and Central Campus 
•  More Study Spots on (Central) Campus
• Study, Socializing, and Reflection Spaces in the Unions
• Rackham Study Spaces
• Sustainability Tips - Office of Campus Sustainability
• Sustainability Opportunities - Planet Blue
• Planet Blue Resource Toolkit
• Where to Throw Away Different Types of Waste - Office of Campus Sustainability
• Compost Locations on Campus
• Weekly Farm Stand
• Sustainable Food Program 
• Bike Resources
• Botanical Gardens and Arboretum
•  Student Accessibility and Accommodation Services
•  Knox Center for Students Connected with Services for Students with Disabilities

Something small to do right now for your environmental well-being: Check out the Nature Rx app for over 100 spots of nature and beauty on and around campus. Find your new favorite spot today!

Visit the GradWell website for more

Email us with any questions: [email protected]

Stay in touch by joining Gradwell's MCommunity group!

 

Guest Bio

John Muckler plays a vital role in coordinating and managing the facilities and operations for Michigan Engineering IT, overseeing the production and planning of computer labs, classrooms, and other learning spaces across campus. He provides leadership in project management and planning for the College and other campus units, including new construction and renovations, and offers consultation on furniture recommendations and specifications. As a key resource for assistive and adaptive technology, John guides students, faculty, and staff to the appropriate experts and resources on campus, and often directly assists with necessary furniture accommodations. Additionally, he serves as the Director of Facilities for the Duderstadt Center.

How big do our morning or evening routines need to be to count towards our well-being?

In this episode, Taylor Pahl and Erin Gaines of Campus Mind Works discuss the benefits of treating wellness like a muscle and the imperfect well-being we should strive for. Listen in and learn all the ways Campus Mind Works can help provide you with strategies, literacy, and opportunities to improve your mental health and emotional well-being.

Emotional Well-Being Resources

• Campus Mind Works
  • Monthly Wellness Groups
  • Wellness Group Asynchronous Presentations
  • Wellness Resources
  • Information on Mental Illnesses
  •  Well-Being Management Checklists
  • Identity-Specific Resources and Videos
• Depression Center Toolkit
• MiTalk Self-Help Resources
• CAPS
• Wolverine Support Network
• Stressbusters app
• Calm app

Something small to do right now for your emotional well-being: Treat yourself to some calm in a wellness zone in Michigan Union (4th floor), Pierpont Commons (lower level), or Munger Residence Hall (lower level)

Visit the GradWell website for more

Email us with any questions: [email protected]

Stay in touch by joining Gradwell's MCommunity group!

 

Guests' Bios

Erin Gaines, M.S.W., LLMSW

Erin Gaines, M.S.W., LLMSW, is the outreach and education program coordinator at the Eisenberg Family Depression Center. After relocating to the University of Michigan to earn her Master of Social Work, she graduated in 2022 with a focus on integrated health, mental health, and substance abuse. Erin holds a limited master’s license and is working toward full licensure as a part-time outpatient therapist. With a passion for both macro- and micro-level social work, she has gained valuable experience in health education, community mental health, substance use harm reduction, and various diversity, equity, and inclusion research projects. In her current role, Erin is dedicated to expanding mental health awareness, reducing stigma, and enhancing access to mental health services for youth and college students through educational programming and community-building initiatives.

Taylor Pahl, M.S.W., LMSW-C

Taylor Pahl, M.S.W., LMSW-C, specialist for outreach and education programs with the Eisenberg Family Depression Center, received her Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan and holds her license in clinical social work in the State of Michigan. Taylor has worked in the mental health field in various capacities and is committed to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and increasing help-seeking among the general population. At the Depression Center, Taylor is responsible for facilitating the Campus Mind Works wellness groups that provide psychoeducation and support for college student mental health, assisting with the Peer-to-Peer Depression Awareness Program that is a peer-based mental health program for middle and high school students, helping to plan the national Mental Health on College Campuses Conference, and providing mental health education trainings as requested. In addition to her role at the Depression Center, Taylor provides therapy for adolescents and young adults through a private practice.

How will throwing away the standard image of well-being help our wellness journey?

In this episode, Joe Zichi, the lead of the Well-Being Collective, explains how the beauty of failure, micro-dosing “discovery,” and the Well-Being Collective can all support your journey to greater intellectual well-being here at Michigan.

Intellectual Well-Being Resources

• Well-Being Collective
• Well-Being Toolkit
• Wellness Coaching
• Union and Pierpont Commons Wellness Zones
• Graduate Student Mental Health and Well-Being (Rackham)
• Calm App (Free for Michigan students!)
• Imposter Syndrome Resources (CAPS)

Something small to do right now for your intellectual well-being -- Check out Michigan Online

Visit the GradWell website for more

Email us with any questions: [email protected]

Stay in touch by joining Gradwell's MCommunity group!

 

Guest Bio

Joe Zichi (he/him) is a higher education professional specializing in conflict resolution, student conduct, restorative justice, and organizational systems transformation. Presently, Zichi serves as the Well-Being Collective lead at the University of Michigan, where he provides backbone support for the university’s adoption of the Okanagan Charter. Previously, Zichi served as the associate director of the Office of Student Conflict Resolution, where he was responsible for providing programmatic oversight, formal and adaptable resolution processes, and supervision of the office. Zichi is experienced in Title IX resolution processes and was responsible for deciding sanctions and interventions under the Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct Policy at the University of Michigan. Zichi provides consultation and training in adaptable conflict resolution, informal resolution for Title IX, and restorative justice for colleges and universities. Zichi contributed to Applying Restorative Justice to Campus Sexual Misconduct: A Guide to Emerging Practices (Williamsen & Wessel, 2023). He also served on faculty and as a track coordinator for the Donald D. Gehring Academy with the Association of Student Conduct Administration. Zichi earned a Master of Arts in Student Affairs Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy, both from Michigan State University.

What do non-U-M people have to do with our social well-being?

Dive into the necessity of having community outside of graduate school with Assistant Director for Community Partnerships, Amanda Healy. Learn all the ways the Ginsberg Center can help you connect to, engage with, and build community independent of your role as an academic and, in doing so, achieve greater social well-being as a graduate student here at Michigan.

Social Well-Being Resources 

• Ginsberg Center
• Ginsberg Graduate Consultant Program
• Connect2Community Portal
• MichiganX: Community Engagement—Collaborating for Change
• Campus Compact: Pathways of Public Service and Civic Engagement
• Community-Engaged Course Design Workshop (Ginsberg Center)
• Graduate Student Opportunities (Ginsberg Center)

Something small to do right now for your social well-being -- Sign up for a bi-weekly community transcription session with Justice InDeed

Check out the GradWell website for more

Email us with any questions: [email protected]

Stay in touch by joining Gradwell's MCommunity group!

 

Guest Bio

Amanda Healy, Ph.D., assistant director for community partnerships at the Edward Ginsberg Center, received her Ph.D. in English and women’s studies here at the University of Michigan. Amanda is committed to addressing issues of inequality and power and she believes that education is a powerful motor for social change. This has led to her work in public engagement. While getting her Ph.D., Amanda received a fellowship with Rackham where she supported the development of Rackham’s Program in Public Scholarship. She also worked on a massive online open course entitled Community Engagement: Collaborating for Change. Amanda now works at the Ginsberg Center as their assistant director for community partnerships. In this role, she stewards and facilitates partnerships between the university, its students, and the community.

How could nurturing all aspects of your well-being be the thing that helps you land that dream job?

In this episode, Assistant Director of Graduate Student Career Advancement Kirsten Elling explores all things professional wellness—including how to make networking easier, how to enhance your relationship with your advisor, and the perspective necessary for a sustainable work/life balance.

Learn how the University Career Center can be a confidential space for you to figure things out on a professional level and a guide toward not only greater professional well-being but also that ideal job you didn’t even know existed.

Professional Well-Being Resources

• University Career Center
• One-on-One Coaching at the Career Center
• Ph.D. Connections Conference
• University Career Center & Rackham Resources

Resources for Advisor Relationships

• The Advising Relationship for Graduate Students
• Guide for Graduate Student Mentees
• Graduate Student Mentoring Guide
• Mentoring Others Results in Excellence
• Graduate Student and Program Consultation Services
• Rackham Doctoral Intern Fellowship Program

Something small to do right now for your professional well-being -- Make an account on Rackham Connect

Check out the GradWell website for more

Email us with any questions: [email protected]

Stay in touch by joining Gradwell's MCommunity group!

 

Guest Bio 

Kirsten Elling, Ph.D., assistant director of graduate student career advancement, supports the career development of U-M Ph.D. students through one-on-one career counseling, program development, and delivery. She also consults and collaborates with U-M faculty in support of graduate student career development. As a psychologist, Kirsten brings a holistic approach to the important work of helping students navigate their career development within the context of work/life balance and other important factors. She finds much joy in helping graduate students explore all of their career options, leverage their networks, and navigate the search for both internships and jobs.