The Residential College Society awarded the national program of the year award to 'Stargazing for Mental Health'.
The Residential College Society awarded the Nature Rx program “Stargazing for Mental Health” with the national program of the year award at their annual conference, hosted at Vanderbilt University. The RCS seeks to integrate co-curricular and curricular experiences within a residential environment and works to promote programming that helps students connect all facets of their university experience.
“Stargazing for Mental Health” is an event held each semester as part of Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s NatureRx program, and is a collaboration between Counseling Services, the Office of Sustainability, and the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education. NatureRx focuses on the mental, emotional and social benefits that can be gained through a more mindful and intentional connection with the natural world. Since its inception at Â鶹ÊÓƵ, NatureRx has engaged thousands of students, staff, and faculty through monthly events, workshops, class lectures, and other forms of programming.
The ‘Stargazing’ program partners with Danieley Neighborhood, Historic Neighborhood, the Physics Department, and the Astronomy Club to introduce students to a different way to engage with the outdoors. Over 100 students attend the event each semester and are able to learn about light pollution, engage in mindfulness activities, and explore the night sky.
This award highlights the RCS annual conference theme: “Radical Collaboration: The Role of Residential Colleges in 21st Century Higher Education.” This collaborative program engages students from across campus and helps them build skills for their wellness journeys.