U&I Care Week 2026

Your college years are a key time to invest in yourself holistically, and this includes picking up smart money habits.  Financial choices made today could affect one's life for decades. Let's begin the journey together in this informal and safe workshop.  Some discussion points based on the  book 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey and how to apply them as you utilize and maximize UIC resources.

Before the chaos, there were face masks, affirmation boards, and vibey lighting. “Vibes & Vibrations: A 2016 Sensory Reset” is a 2016-inspired wellness event designed to help you regulate, reset, and root yourself in the present moment using your five senses.

Through immersive sensory stations, you’ll explore:
• 🎧 Throwback playlists + mindful listening
• 🌸 Aromatherapy
• 🎨 Kinetic sand, fidget toys, and more
• 🍓 Intentional tasting experiences with tea and various snacks
• 💡 Visual affirmations and guided “5-4-3-2-1” grounding practice

Because self-care isn’t a trend — it’s a practice. 💫

College students navigating food insecurity, housing instability, transportation barriers, or financial crisis often struggle in silence—and their challenges may show up as absenteeism, disengagement, changes in academic performance, or behavior changes. This training equips UIC faculty and staff with the awareness, tools, and response strategies needed to better identify and support students experiencing unmet basic needs.
Participants will explore how basic needs insecurity impacts mental health, academic outcomes, identity-based inequities, and help-seeking behaviors. The training emphasizes trauma-informed, culturally responsive approaches and outlines campus and community resources, referral pathways, and communication strategies that reduce stigma and increase trust. Whether you teach, advise, supervise, or support students in another role, this session helps you respond with empathy and effectiveness.

Learning Objectives:
By the end of the training, participants will be able to:
Recognize Indicators and Understand their Impact

Identify common signs of food insecurity, housing instability, transportation barriers, and financial distress as they appear in academic, behavioral, or interpersonal contexts. Briefly explore the history of marginalized communities with access to basic needs and learn how to respond with empathy and trauma-informed language. Explain how unmet basic needs affect student mental health, learning capacity, attendance, persistence, and sense of belonging—especially among first-generation, low-income, and system-impacted students.


Use Trauma-Informed Language

Engage students using respectful, non-shaming, and choice-centered language that considers cultural and socioeconomic contexts.


Know the Resources and Make Effective Referrals

Confidently connect students to on-campus and community resources (e.g., food pantries, emergency funds, housing support, legal services, counseling, case management).


Collaborate Without Overstepping

Clarify the appropriate role of faculty/staff in supporting students’ basic needs without acting as case managers or requiring personal disclosure. Understand the importance of choice-centered language.


Reduce Stigma and Foster a Trusting and Supportive Environment

Use strategies that create inclusive classroom and office environments where students feel safe asking for support.

Take a break to enjoy a variety of relaxation-focused activities, gentle movement, and wellness experiences to help you reset and recharge.

ALL ATTENDEES WILL GET A SELF CARE GOODY BAG!

Stop by our Student Assistance Pop-Up to connect directly with a member of the Student Assistance Team and learn more about the wide range of resources available to support your success and well-being. Whether you need guidance on navigating campus support services, help completing a U&I Care Emergency Fund or Meal Fund application, or simply want a quick 1:1 check-in, our team is here to help!

This is a great opportunity to ask questions, access immediate assistance, and get connected with the tools and support you need to thrive. No appointment needed—just drop in and let us support you!

Highlights:

Learn about Student Assistance resources and services

Get help applying for the U&I Care Emergency or Meal Fund

Receive individualized support during quick 1:1 sessions

Ask questions and get connected to campus partners

Students will be invited to stop by, select a seed, create their own starter planting kit, and leave with a wellness affirmation.

The concept is simple yet meaningful: growth requires intention, nourishment, and support. Just like a seed, students need the right conditions to thrive. This initiative allows us to thoughtfully connect gardening, food access, and overall wellness in a way that feels engaging and uplifting rather than heavy.