Main ContentAugust 27, 2026
This message is shared on behalf of the Health and Wellbeing team
The Health and Wellbeing team is excited to welcome you back to the Forest for another year of opportunities to thrive. Here are a few ways to care for yourself and support the wellbeing of our community this semester
Thrive Collective Impact
Thrive is Wake Forest’s approach to supporting health and wellbeing across eight dimensions: emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational, physical, social and spiritual
Join us on Manchester Plaza on Wednesday, Sept. 9, for Arrive and Thrive, a campus-wide festival featuring activities, interactive stations and prizes centered around the eight dimensions of wellbeing. Later that evening, WFU students are invited to a freeWellbeing Concert from 6-7 p.m. in the Hanes Gallery at Scales Fine Arts Center, followed by a reception with the artists
Want to get more involved? Explore ourPeer Education programs
We Are Wake: Elevating a Culture of Care
We Are Wake is our campus-wide mental health initiative and a reminder that everyone has a role to play in supporting one another. The new CARE Concierge, available atwe.wfu.edu, connects members of our community with support and re
Through CARE 101, students, faculty and staff learn to recognize signs of distress, connect with re completeCARE 101 on demand through Workday Learning. Students can request an in-person session for their organization through the Office of Wellbeing
Accommodations
If a temporary or permanent disability or condition affects your academic or campus experience, Wake Forest has re
For academic accommodations, theCenter for Learning, Access and Student Success (CLASS) works with students with documented disabilities to ensure equitable access to academic experiences. Students are encouraged to connect with CLASS early to allow time for review and any required documentation. Visit Reynolda Hall 118, call 336-758-5929 or email
For nonacademic accommodations, including housing, dining and parking, J.D. Jackson in the Office of Institutional Equity works with students to review requests and determine reasonable accommodations. As the University’s ADA/504 administrator, J.D. encourages students to connect early to allow time for review and any required documentation. Contact him at
Student Tailgates and the Collegiate Recovery Community
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), substance use, including alcohol use, is declining among younger people as interest in health and wellbeing grows. At Wake Forest, 1 in 4 students report choosing not to drink alcohol, and 1 in 3 report never having consumed alcohol before coming to college
Wake Forest supports students who choose not to use substances for any reason, including through substance-free activities at each home football tailgate. Learn more about harm reduction and recovery support at aod.wellbeing.wfu.edu
Staying Well This Fall
Beyond these signature efforts, there are everyday ways to care for yourself and help keep our community well
Deacon Health is the primary health clinic for students, providing health care, education and support for your physical health needs. Executive Director Cathy Higginbotham also shares awelcome-back message with helpful information for the semester ahead
Respiratory illnesses typically increase during the fall and winter months. Help reduce the spread by washing your hands regularly, using hand sanitizer, avoiding close contact with people who are sick and considering a mask as an additional layer of protection
Stay up to date on recommended vaccines, including the flu vaccine. Free flu vaccine clinics will be available on campus this fall forstudents,faculty and staff
For more health and wellbeing rebeing and follow@wfucampuslife on Instagram for updates
