Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW)
Join the UMD Mental Health Coalition on September 29–October 3, 2025 for a week of fun, engaging programming to improve your mental health!
We are committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation in our programs. To request accommodation, contact Leslie Krafft in advance of the event at lkrafft@umd.edu.
MHAW 2025 Schedule of Events
Monday, September 29
Mental Health Screenings
STAMP Southeast Entrance (Rain location: SORC) | Noon–3:00 p.m.
Meet your campus mental health providers while taking a brief mental health assessment. After the screening, talk privately with a counselor about your results and the mental health resources available to you on campus.
Weaving New Worlds: Banner Making Workshop
LGBTQ+ Equity Center | 4:00–7:00 p.m.
In this workshop, students will be invited to discuss dreams and visions for a world without sexual violence, rooted in queer histories, wisdom, and brilliance. We will make collaborative banners to be included in the upcoming exhibition at Stamp Gallery: We Will Not Be Silent: Art Transforming Rape Culture, October 30-December 15, 2025. This event is open to everyone.
Tag the Testudos
Eppley Recreation Center, Front Plaza | 5:00–7:00 p.m.
Join RecWell on a campus-wide scavenger hunt to find all the Testudo statues. Looking for a chance to spend time with friends, be active, AND spend time outdoors? This event checks all the boxes - plus the first 100 students to finish will earn an awesome RecWell t-shirt. Details and registration.
Tuesday, September 30
The Caring Campus Symposium for Faculty/Staff
The Stamp, Benjamin Banneker | 10:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
UMD faculty and staff are invited to a day of learning and community, with hourly sessions focused on supporting students as well as our own mental health. Session topics are available on the registration form.
Planting Healthy Roots
McKeldin Steps | 3:00–5:00 p.m.
Did you know growing plants is good for your mental health? Join us to begin growing your indoor garden by planting your own seeds or decorating a mini succulent. Learn how to take care of your plant and yourself.
Wednesday, October 1
Self-Care Fair
McKeldin Mall | Noon–3:00 p.m.
Join us at the Self-Care Fair to celebrate good mental health! We’ll have carnival games, therapy dogs, free food, self-care activities, prizes, mental health resources, and more!
Thursday, October 2
An Evening with Giancarlo Esposito
The Stamp, Grand Ballroom | 8:00 p.m.
Join SEE for our annual Back to School Lecture featuring actor and director Giancarlo Esposito! The evening will include both a moderated Q&A and audience Q&A, offering a chance to hear directly from one of the most respectable performers in film and television today. Known for his role as Gustavo “Gus” Fring in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, Esposito has built a remarkable career spanning Broadway, film, television, and even video games. His work includes iconic appearances in The Mandalorian, The Boys, Do the Right Thing, The Usual Suspects, and more. Doors open at 7:00 PM and close at 8:15 PM. Tickets are required and will be available starting September 11th at 12:00 PM. Special thanks to our sponsors: ODK, Mental Health Coalition, and Terps After Dark!
Friday, October 3
Crafternoon
University Health Center, Ground Floor | 1:30–3:30 p.m.
Close out the week with creativity and connection to boost your mood. Come on your own or with friends to craft something new alongside your fellow Terps. We’ll provide all the supplies you need!
Other Mental Health Events to Check Out
CARE Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) Kickoff Tabling
Monday, September 29
Hornbake Plaza
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Stop by to visit CARE and learn about upcoming events for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Grab some swag and learn more about healthy relationships and how to create a safer campus community.
Labyrinth Meditation
Monday, September 29
Garden of Reflection and Remembrance, Memorial Chapel
Noon–1:00 p.m.
Meet at the Garden of Reflection and Remembrance at the Memorial Chapel for a guided meditation, mindful labyrinth journey, and a free lunch on a first come first serve basis. In the event of rain the program will be moved inside to the Garden Chapel. Undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, and staff are all welcome! RSVP is encouraged, but not required.
Freedom From Perfectionism
Tuesday, September 30
Zoom Registration
4:00–5:00 p.m.
This Wellness Series skills session will explore how perfectionism impacts students and provide strategies to help you embrace imperfection in yourself and others.
Overdose Response Training
Wednesday, October 1
University Health Center, Room 1150
1:00–2:00 p.m.
Overdose Response Trainings cover the signs of an overdose, what to do in an emergency situation, information about laws and policies which protect you and the person you are assisting, and resources to support yourself in the aftermath. All participants will leave with free naloxone, Fentanyl Test Strips, and Xylazine Test Strips.
Pay Attention! Tips to Improve Focus
Wednesday, October 1
Zoom Registration
4:00–5:00 p.m.
In a world full of distractions, it’s easy to lose focus. This Wellness Series skills session will provide helpful strategies to improve concentration and let go of distractions.
The Clothesline Project
Thursday, October 2
McKeldin Mall, West
11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
The Clothesline Project is a visual representation of the impacts of sexual and relationship violence on the campus community. This event from the CARE Office provides community members with an opportunity to confront the issue of power-based violence by creating and displaying their own messages on a shirt during DVAM.
Mental Health First Aid
Friday, October 3
Virtual (Registration)
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders. This 8-hour training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to the appropriate care.
Recovery Brunch
Friday, October 3
University Health Center, Room 1150
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Join the University Health Center and Terps for Recovery for free brunch, crafts, and the best way to start the day - recovery community! Recovery Brunches are held in the University Health Center from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. No registration required, just drop on by!
Guided Meditation with the University Health Center
Friday, October 3
Virtual
Noon–12:30 p.m.
Explore mindfulness and grounding practices with staff from the University Health Center during this secular meditation offering. Meditation creates space for perspective and steady presence amid a complex and demanding world. These are free drop-in sessions, and you may attend as frequently as you like.
Mindfulness In Practice
Sunday, October 5
The Stamp, Margaret Brent Room 2112
Noon–4:00 p.m.
Mindfulness in Practice is a silent, immersive experience for students new to mindfulness or continuing their journey. Through guided meditation and mindfulness exercises, students will have a chance to discover simple yet effective ways to settle the mind, improve focus, and increase awareness of their thoughts and feelings. RSVP Required. Lunch will be provided.