Shaw Wellness Institute, the Office of the Chaplains and Colgate University’s Student Government Association (SGA) collaborated to launch a new initiative, MindSpa, which seeks to create a space for students to find calm moments of reflection and relaxation. Students can reserve a dedicated space in 30-minute increments with various wellness resources and activities available for use during the session. The program launched Wednesday, March 26 at Chapel House.
Rachel Evans, the director of wellness promotion, explained the intended purpose of the MindSpa.
“The MindSpa is currently set up as a self-serve wellness space, which means it is pretty simple to use,” Evans said. “Students schedule an appointment using the online form, show up at their appointment time, use the space for the half hour, clean up any items that were used and then can be on their way to the next part of their day.”
Senior Carly Myers, SGA’s director of health and wellness, emphasized the importance of the initiative and what she sees as its future.
“My hope is that the MindSpa will be a space where students can truly slow down, whether that be decompressing after an exam, unwinding during or after a long day of studying or simply taking intentional time to check in with their own health and well-being” Myers said.
The initiative is based out of the Chapel Library at Chapel House.
“We deliberately picked a spot on upper campus to provide a convenient and accessible resource for students during the hustle and bustle of the school week,” Myers said.
Students do not need to check in with a staff member for their appointment. Evans noted that the MindSpa creates an accessible option for students to engage with Shaw Wellness.
“While we hope for students to come to Shaw Wellness Institute for workshops and resources, it’s also important for us to meet students halfway, including having an accessible wellness space on upper campus like this,” Evans said.
University Chaplain and Protestant Campus Minister Corey MacPherson similarly shared his positive take on the location.
“The warm and inviting atmosphere of the Chapel Library, combined with the opportunity to enjoy tea in the chapel basement, creates a welcoming environment where students can pause, recharge and restore their sense of well-being,” MacPherson said.
MacPherson similarly emphasized that the space is meant for students of any background.
“Our hope is that all students feel genuinely welcomed and cared for when they enter the chapel and the chapel basement,” MacPherson said. “This space is meant to be inviting and accessible to everyone, regardless of their religious background. From the moment they walk in, we want students to feel a sense of calm and relief. And when they leave, I hope they feel refreshed, lighter and more at peace — better equipped to handle the challenges of their day.”
Myers did note that there is more work to be done to assist students, but MindSpa is an important step forward.
“The MindSpa is a promising and encouraging step in the right direction — one that I think reflects Colgate’s thoughtful approach to wellness,” Myers said. “Colgate prides itself on its rigorous academics, but from my experience, it seems that both the administration and student body understand and generally prioritize a sustainable work-life balance.”
Myers envisions the MindSpa to be a lasting initiative on campus that will reinforce a culture of wellness and self-care.
“Our hope is that spaces like the MindSpa become permanent fixtures on campus, and I absolutely see a future in which that is the case. I hope the MindSpa can serve as a resource for students to prioritize their mental health and empower them to take agency over their well-being,” Myers said. “By making wellness an integral part of campus culture, students will feel both supported and equipped to seek help when they need it, practice self-care and create habits that support their overall physical, emotional and mental health.”
Looking into the future, Myers has high hopes for the program.
“I hope the MindSpa will encourage students to develop a healthy approach to balancing academics, athletics, extracurriculars, etc.,” Myers said. “I believe the addition of spaces like the MindSpa will shift the campus culture to one that prioritizes care for both ourselves and each other, as well as strengthen the overall sense of community here at Colgate.
