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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 open for the 2026 SPRING cohort. To apply to be in the cohort, please fill out this form. The cohort is limited to 16 participants, and those participating need to attend each of the six sessions as one of the goals for the Penn Resilience Program is to engage with, suppot and encourage each other through the six sessions while learning reslience and well-being skills. Sessions will focus on resilience, optimism, relaxation, mindfulness and positive thinking strategies. These are skills graduate students can use now AND iin the future to help them cope effectively with life’s challenges. Registration is first come, first served and will close once the capacity is filled.

  • 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