Events and Programming
The CVM Well-being Committee is pleased to bring you events throughout the academic year, in collaboration with the CVM Staff Council and the Offices of Student Services and Human Resources. Check out our various recordings of previous events. Have an idea for an event? Reach out to us at CVMWellbeing@cornell.edu.
Upcoming and recurring events
Happening this spring!
Fitness Classes 2023
We are pleased to offer barre, yoga and STRONG Nation® classes to faculty, staff and students in partnership with Cornell Fitness.
Fitness class dates and membership information
CVM Fitness Membership
Fitness classes at CVM are membership-based.
Make fitness a regular part of your week by purchasing the CVM Class Pass. For a one-time cost of $50, you can attend as many sessions as you’d like for the entire spring 2023 semester, on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit this payment page to purchase a CVM Class Pass.
Membership cards are available to pick up now. Simply stop by Kate Buckley’s office (S2-016) or the Student Services Office (S2-008) to show proof of purchase (receipt or screenshot/photo) and sign a waiver.
You’ll be asked to show your CVM Class Pass to the class instructor at the outset of every class you choose to attend (options listed below), but that’s it! If you need to make other arrangements to make sure you get your membership card, simply email Kate Buckley at kab63@cornell.edu.
Yoga classes
In partnership with Cornell Fitness, 40-minute yoga classes will be offered on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons at the following times, starting the week of Jan. 30.
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Tuesdays
- 11:20 a.m.-noon
- 12:10-12:50 p.m.
- 5:15-6:15 p.m.
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Wednesdays
- 12:10-12:50 p.m.
- 1-1:40 p.m.
All classes take place in the CVM Community Well-being Room, S1-017.
Vinyasa-style yoga focuses on using the breath as a guide to cultivate equanimity, flexibility and strength as participants flow from one posture to the next. These vibrant classes create a balance between learning several postures in more detail and moving fluidly from one pose to another. Classes are designed to welcome all ability levels. Attendees will be encouraged to participate and/or challenge themselves at their own pace.
Participants should arrive dressed in comfortable, flexible clothing and should feel free to bring their own yoga mat (though ample mats are available in the multipurpose room cabinets for use during class as well).
Barre classes
In partnership with Cornell Fitness, a one-hour barre class will be offered each week on Thursdays, beginning the week of Jan. 30.
- Thursdays: 7-7:50 a.m.
All classes take place in the CVM Community Well-being Room, S1-017.
Barre is an upbeat, fast-paced class that uses small, controlled movements, isometric holds and high repetition to help build strength through a series of low-impact exercises. It is inspired by pilates, yoga, dance technique and traditional weight training. No dance experience necessary; all are welcome to participate.
STRONG Nation® classes
In partnership with Cornell Fitness, our STRONG Nation® class will be offered weekly on Wednesdays, beginning the week of Jan. 30.
- Wednesdays: 5:15-6:15 p.m.
All classes take place in the CVM Community Well-being Room, S1-017.
STRONG Nation® combines body weight, muscle conditioning, cardio and plyometric training moves synced to original music that has been specifically designed to match every single move. Every squat, every lunge, every burpee is driven by the music, helping you make it to that last rep, and maybe even five more.
Additional information
For additional information on the multipurpose room area, please see the general room guidelines and waiver and release of liability. Questions? Email us at CVMWellbeing@cornell.edu
Wellness Paw Walk
Need a little stress relief? Love puppies? Who doesn't!
Join us for the Wellness Paw Walk the first Thursday of every month at 2 p.m. Our furry wellness ambassadors, the Block 7 teaching dogs, will be making their way around the college. The route may vary, but they usually will be making at least one round through the atrium. Keep and eye out and come say hi!
This series is sponsored by the Center for Animal Resources and Education and the Well-being Program at CVM.
Previous 2023 events
A Peace of My Mind
This community-building experience, offered in partnership with the Office of Inclusion and Academic Excellence as part of the Many Voices, Once College series, featured a photo exhibit, photobooth sessions and a capstone talk. It ran Sunday, Feb. 26-Friday, March 2, 2023. Read through the full details here!
Archive of 2022 well-being programming
Seven Weeks of Well-being (May-June)
Welcome to the Seven Weeks of Well-being at the College of Veterinary Medicine! Beginning May 1, we will explore the many dimensions of well-being through virtual and in-person activities meant to broaden our understanding of each week’s theme and learn new ways to enrich our daily lives. Join a friend, a colleague or participate individually now through June — and earn prizes along the way!
See how others are getting involved by checking out the CVM Well-being Kudoboard or CVM Staff Council Facebook page.
Mental Health Week (May 1-7)
Mental health focuses on managing emotions and mental stress through regular self-care practices and mindful decision-making. Learning to work through challenges is necessary and offers a powerful opportunity for enhancing positive growth and wellbeing. Cultivating resilience will help our ability to positively cope with stress and adversity. Self-awareness, self-compassion and self-reflection all contribute to our mental well-being.
What to keep in mind this week…
- Be aware that doing your best does not mean working yourself to the point of a mental breakdown. Rest, recovery and reflection are essential parts of personal progress and growth.
- Professional or academic ‘failures’ do not factor into your personal self-worth. You are always a valuable person.
- Schedule self-care practices into your routine. For some, it may be seeing a counselor and/or balancing your mental health needs with medication.
- Be attuned to and mindful of your thoughts and feelings. Try to focus on responding instead of reacting to stressful situations.
- Cultivate a growth mindset that acknowledges that you can learn from challenges, and that these experiences can increase your intellect and abilities.
This week’s activities…
- Pick a mindful meditation class to attend this week. These sessions offered through Cornell Health have options for each day of the week.
- If none of those sessions fit in your schedule, consider an app like Calm, Insight Timer or even a YouTube channel like this one so you can customize your participation.
- Watch this 20-minute TED talk by Dr. Kristin Neff entitled “The Space Between Self-Esteem and Self-Compassion.” Watch alone or with a friend or colleague, and share your thoughts.
- Choose a NatureRx at Cornell option this week — invite someone to join you, or pick a new path to try on your own.
- Read about healing sound frequencies and choose one to listen to this week.
- Send us a picture of a place you went this week that made you happy.
Let us know what you tried this week and how it made you feel! Visit the CVM Staff Council on Facebook to share your thoughts. Every contribution to the Kudoboard is eligible for a raffle prize!
Relationship Well-being Week (May 8-14)
Relationships include family, friends, animals, co-workers and our community. Develop and foster healthy relationships based on care and mutual respect. Find a balance between work, academics and your personal life. Address interpersonal conflict quickly and with empathy. Practice self-awareness, boundary-setting and personal accountability while seeking and establishing healthy relationships.
What to keep in mind this week…
- Clearly communicate and respect boundaries and needs in any type of relationship.
- Know the difference between love and attachment.
- Strive for diverse and inclusive relationships. Welcome people into your circles.
- Find a balance between relationships that are restorative and non-restorative.
- Develop and foster relationships that help bring a greater sense of peace and happiness into your life.
This week’s activities…
- Choose someone in your life and send them a hand-written note this week. This can be an old friend you’ve fallen out of contact with or someone special you see every day.
- Set aside one evening this week to play a board or card game with your loved ones. What game did you choose and why?
- Strike up at least one conversation with a colleague or neighbor you don’t know well.
- Share an uninterrupted meal (no screens!) with someone you love and let them know why they mean so much to you. Whom did you dine with? What did you have to eat?
Let us know what you tried this week and how it made you feel! Visit the CVM Staff Council on Facebook to share your thoughts. Every contribution to the Kudoboard is eligible for a raffle prize!
Physical Well-being Week (May 15-21)
Physical well-being strives to maintain good physical health through regular medical check-ups, mindful nutrition, regular body movement and healthy sleep habits. Nourishing and caring for our bodies can help us feel agile, energized and more able to accomplish our short- and long-term physical goals throughout our entire lives.
What to keep in mind this week…
- Set realistic goals that are achievable.
- Consider lifestyle changes to help address chronic physical concerns.
- Strive for a positive relationship with food and cultivating a caring relationship with your body.
- Prioritize and stay current on health screening appointments.
- Strive to better understand the connection between nutrition, metabolism and physical and mental health.
- Navigate barriers to mindful eating practices such as time management, stress and anxiety, negative emotions or self-talk and complicated food environments.
This week’s activities…
- Choose a good weather day this week and head outside for a 10-15-minute walk alone or with a friend (human or otherwise). Take a photo and share it with us!
- Choose at least one demo from the Cornell Wellness Program website to try: Cooking, exercise and so many other topics/options.
- Set aside one evening this week to review your health screening history. Are you up to date on your exams and tests? Make a plan to call your provider and schedule any annual or follow-up exams, if necessary.
- Pick one of these nutritional changes for the week: Eat one additional fruit or vegetable serving; swap one sugary or caffeinated beverage for water or seltzer; try not to eat two hours before bedtime; embrace a new, healthy breakfast.
Let us know what you tried this week and how it made you feel! Visit the CVM Staff Council on Facebook to share your thoughts. Every contribution to the Kudoboard is eligible for a raffle prize!
Cultural Well-being Week (May 22-28)
A culturally well person strives to develop an awareness of their own cultural background and identity, how it has shaped and informed their lives and sense of self, as well as a curiosity and openness to the diversity and richness present in other cultural backgrounds and identities. This may also involve a spiritual connection or a deep commitment to something larger than yourself. Cultural well-being implies an understanding, awareness and intrinsic respect for diversity and inclusion.
What to keep in mind this week…
- You can develop values and beliefs that sustain and strengthen you during difficult times.
- If you contemplate your cultural past, your present and your desires for the future, you may find what connects you to yourself and to others.
- Explore your sense of purpose and pursue meaning in life. Identify what gives you hope and peace.
- You can make the world a more inclusive place for those around you and for those who will come after you.
- CVM-sponsored events like the monthly Many Voices, One College diversity and inclusion dialogue series are great ways to learn about and celebrate the people around us.
This week’s activities…
- Listen to this 55-minute Hidden Brain interview with Professor Anthony Burrow about how he defines “purpose” and how it can serve a vital function in our well-being. Discuss with a friend or colleague.
- Swap favorite a favorite family recipe with a friend or colleague and discuss why they’re meaningful to you. Post or share links to your recipes so others can try them, too!
- Familiarize yourself with the Cornell Diversity and Inclusion website and register for one of their upcoming events.
- Review the many Cornell Colleague Network Groups. Join one that speaks to you if you aren’t already a member.
Let us know what you tried this week and how it made you feel! Visit the CVM Staff Council on Facebook to share your thoughts. Every contribution to the Kudoboard is eligible for a raffle prize!
Environmental Well-being Week (May 29-June 4)
Environmental well-being is connected to the quality of our home, work environments, our community and to nature. Strive to create personal environments that promote cleanliness, restoration and stress reduction. Engaging respectfully and frequently with nature is essential to building a positive relationship with our natural surroundings.
What to keep in mind this week…
- Strive for environmentally sustainable solutions when you can. When given options, try to choose the most sustainable option that you can comfortably afford.
- Remember to do you part to reduce, reuse and recycle appropriately, and be aware of recycling contamination.
- Spending time in nature when possible can be restorative.
- Eliminating excess clutter from home and work environments can clear your mental space as well.
- Daily habits can reduce your impact on natural systems and resources. Become a more conscientious consumer.
This week’s activities…
- Read about Cornell’s Sustainability and Climate Change Committees, and register to attend at least one upcoming event.
- Learn what it means to live a low-impact lifestyle via Cornell’s Beyond Waste Campaign. As an individual, register for one of their events to learn more. As a group (with colleagues, friends or fellow students) discuss opportunities provided by the Beyond Waste Campaign to lower your group or department’s impact.
- Pick a good weather day and choose a few minutes between classes or meetings or on your lunch to go for a walk in the Cornell Botanic Gardens.
- Prefer to stay inside? The Botanic Gardens also has video tours and lectures that will help you appreciate the environment you live in.
- Commit to disposing of your household hazardous waste appropriately (paints, fluorescent lights, etc.). Mark your calendar for the next Tompkins County drop-off event.
Let us know what you tried this week and how it made you feel! Visit the CVM Staff Council on Facebook to share your thoughts. Every contribution to the Kudoboard is eligible for a raffle prize!
Occupational Well-being Week (June 5-11)
Occupational well-being involves preparing and making use of our skills and talents in order to gain purpose, happiness and enrichment in our lives. Intellectual stimulation and career fulfillment allow us to maintain a positive attitude and experience satisfaction and pleasure in our employment. Expand your knowledge and seek opportunities for growth. Be creative, think critically and embrace new challenges.
What to keep in mind this week…
- Connect with professionals who are working in roles that you find potentially interesting and fulfilling to find out more about their career path.
- Seek out and contribute to a safe, comfortable working environment.
- Join professional organizations to connect with others in your field.
- Strategize for both short- and long-term career goals.
- It is possible to pursue a career that is interesting to you, satisfying, meaningful and that contributes to the larger society.
This week’s activities…
- Pick at least one training opportunity provided through Cornell and make a plan to attend a session. Discuss with your supervisor or colleagues.
- Create or update your LinkedIn profile this week.
- Invite someone you admire professionally to have a conversation. Schedule a Zoom session or coffee date with them. Discuss why you admire them and ask about the steps they took along their career path.
- Explore 80,000 Hours to learn more about why your career is your biggest opportunity to make a difference and how you can use it best. Did anything you read about inspire you to take action?
Let us know what you tried this week and how it made you feel! Visit the CVM Staff Council on Facebook to share your thoughts. Every contribution to the Kudoboard is eligible for a raffle prize!
Financial Well-being Week (June 12-18)
Financial health involves managing short- and long-term goals for our personal finances to reduce stress and build toward financial security and stability. Create budgets and be actively engaged in managing your loans, investments, taxes and expenses. Seek financial knowledge and resources that will help you accomplish your goals over your entire lifetime.
What to keep in mind this week…
- Be mindful of what emotions or situations trigger your negative spending habits.
- Don’t ignore a problem until it is too late! Identify potential problems before they start and use your resources to make a plan.
- Create a monthly budget to help you live within your means. Reassess as your situation changes.
- Manage your finances for both the short- and long-term. Develop a plan to manage emergency expenses.
- Keep organized records that you can refer back to when identifying spending patterns throughout the year.
This week’s activities…
- Listen to this 18-minute interview with Tiffany Aliche, author of Get Good with Money, on NPR’s Life Kit series, entitled “Emotions, Money and What it Means to be ‘Financially Whole’”
- Pick at least one resource from Cornell’s “Navigating Personal Finances and Debt” webpage to tap into. This page covers day-to-day expenses, retirement, parenting, debt, transportation and much more.
- Explore apps like Mint that can help you track your expenses, accounts and progress toward financial goals.
- Pick one small change to make to your finances this week. Swap this tactic with a friend or colleague.
Let us know what you tried this week and how it made you feel! Visit the CVM Staff Council on Facebook to share your thoughts. Every contribution to the Kudoboard is eligible for a raffle prize!
National Suicide Prevention Month Activities (September)
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, which we recognize to raise our collective consciousness surrounding suicide; to learn how to prevent it; support our personal and collective mental health; and take actions to promote healing and hope.
Please consider participating in at least one of the programs below.
- Sept. 10 at 10:30 a.m. at Meyers Park in Lansing: The Out of the Darkness Greater Ithaca Walk invites everyone to take part in a journey of remembrance, hope and support. The event aims to unite our local communities and provide an opportunity to acknowledge the ways in which suicide and mental health conditions have affected our lives and the lives of those we care about. If you would like to take part in the walk, please consider joining “Team Yiannis” in support of Yiannis Stathopoulos’ family and those closest to him.
- Sept. 13 at 7:30 p.m.: Rural suicide awareness and prevention webinar. Presented by Rural Minds and the National Grange, this free online event will feature discussion and information about suicide in rural communities, as well as provide resources and guidance centering around rural mental health. Learn more and register here.
- Specifically for the CVM community! Sept. 16 at 12:10 p.m. in Lecture Halls 4 and 5: The American Federation for Suicide Prevention’s “Talk Saves Lives” in-person training. This is a free, standardized, 45-minute education program that provides participants with the most up-to-date research and tools for prevention, presented to our community by Tiffany Bloss, executive director of the Suicide Prevention & Crisis Service of Tompkins County. All are welcome, no registration is necessary, BYOL (Bring Your Own Lunch), dessert provided!
- Sept. 21 and Oct. 5 at 1 p.m.: The AVMA is offering a two-part online series exploring the latest research and perspectives on suicide prevention. Learn more at: Part 1, "How We Communicate Matters" and Part 2, "Lives Built on Hope."
- The AVMA-endorsed QPR, or gatekeeper training, teaches people without professional mental health backgrounds to recognize the signs that someone may be considering suicide, to establish a dialogue and guide the person to seek professional help. It is not a substitute for professional assistance, but it can be a critical tool to save lives. The free, online training takes roughly 60 minutes to complete.
- Cornell Notice and Respond trainings for staff/faculty or for graduate and professional students help Cornellians recognize and respond to students who may be experiencing distress. Both are self-directed, online Canvas courses that take approximately 35 minutes to complete.
Gratitude Celebration (November)
We're celebrating a month of gratitude all month long at the Flower-Sprecher Veterinary Library in Schurman Hall. Here are ways you can join in!
- Nov. 17: "Grateful Expectations" podcast discussion circle in the Centennial Room from 3-4 p.m. We'll have cider, donuts and conversation! Simply listen beforehand to Dr. Laurie DeSantos' free, 30-minute Happiness Lab episode entitled "Grateful Expectations."
- Gratitude Grams: Write a thank-you note to Cornell faculty/staff. We'll send it through the campus delivery service for you!
- Grand Wall of Gratitude: See our traveling wall of sticky notes at the Flower-Sprecher Veterinary Library!
- Color It Forward: Grab 'n' go or stay-and-color pages to keep or give.