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The Graduate School

Wellness Program

Wellness for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars

Well-being is a vital aspect of one’s health and maintaining one’s effectiveness. Given this, the University offers a plethora of support and opportunities for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. A peer community of support (“Togetherall”), individual counseling, and wellness activities through Wellness and Recreation are just a few of the resources NC State offers. Our graduate students and postdocs are encouraged to scroll down the page and explore the resources below. In addition, The Graduate School offers a 6-week program on resilience; see the paragraph below to learn more about the Penn Resilience Program that is offered each fall and spring.

Penn Resilience and Well-Being Program

As a part of the Graduate School’s “Wellness” series, Dr. Rhonda Sutton, Assistant Dean for Professional Development, offers a 6-week training on resilience that is focused on providing tools to strengthen and enhance one’s resiliency.  Dr. Sutton is one of a few faculty/staff at North Carolina State University who has gone through a training developed by faculty at the University of Pennsylvania who focus on integrating positive psychology into one’s coping skills.  The 6-week Penn Resilience and Well-Being Program is a cohort-based and  will teach participants ways to:

  • Remain resilient and optimistic,
  • Engage in positive thinking, 
  • Cope with difficult situations; and
  • Incorporate ways to maintain one’s psychological health

Registration is currently closed for the 2026 SPRING cohort. The next cohort will be offered during the 2026 Fall semester.

  • Dates: Fridays on January 30; February 6, 13, 20 & 27; and March 6
  • Time: 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.
  • Location: Those accepted into the cohort will get a calendar invite for the location where the sessions will be held (which will be on Centennial Campus near the Textiles Complex).

Well-being is a vital part of success in life. 

Given this, the Graduate School’s Professional Development team has incorporated “Effectiveness and Well-Being” as one of the competencies graduate students and postdoctoral scholars should develop and strengthen during their time at NC State University.  We encourage you to take part in the face-to-face Penn Resilience and Well-Being Program at the Graduate School.  You will learn skills and receive guidance that will help you now and in the future.  The Penn Resilience and Well-Being Program is cohort-based and requires an application. The application period for the 2026 Spring semester is currently open; see information above for the application form.

wellness days
Students, faculty and staff enjoy a spring day by participating in a Pause for Tiny Hooves event at the Corner on Centennial campus. Therapy miniature horses from Stampede of Love, as well as therapy dogs, provide a wellness break from the end of semester rush. Photo by Becky Kirkland.

Additional Wellness Resources at NC State University