Caring Communities

What Is a Caring Community Space?

Our Caring Communities help foster a sense of connection, provide informal support and consultation, and connect students to campus resources when needed. The casual nature of these spaces paired with guidance from Counseling and Wellness Center staff and peer support contribute to an environment that promotes emotional and mental well-being. 

The Counseling and Wellness Center is eager to expand our Caring Communities offerings.  If you would like to see the Counseling and Wellness Center offer a particular community check-in, either as a single session or an ongoing series, please email cwc@wwu.edu. 

While an extension of Counseling and Wellness Center services, Caring Communities are not a form of treatment. Attending a Caring Communities check-in does not mean you are a client of the Counseling and Wellness Center.

A tilted lime-green mug spills tea. Steam rising above spells out the words NASU Chill & Spill. The tag of the teabag hangs from the rim with a blue heart on it.

NASU Chill & Spill

Drop in Fridays for a safe place for Indigenous students to share and discuss life’s many challenges and joys. Our talking circle is facilitated by Kelley Crane, Native American and Indigenous Student Support Specialist with the Counseling and Wellness Center. Hosted by the Native American Student Union. Snacks provided! 

Fridays, 4-5 PM 
Miller Hall 158 (CEED Social Space)

Rainbow heart above the title QTPOC Community Gatherings

QTPOC Community Gatherings

A drop-in space for queer and trans students of color to find support through social connection, co-hosted by LGBTQ+ Western and the Counseling and Wellness Center.

Thursdays, 3-4 PM
VU 740 (LGBTQ+ Lounge)

American flag behind the title Coffee with a Counselor framed by yellow bars

Coffee with a Counselor

A drop-in space for veteran and veteran-dependent students to find support through social connection and consultation, co-hosted by the Veteran Services Office and the Counseling and Wellness Center.

Fridays, 2-3:30 PM
Viking Commons 525  (Veteran Services Office)

The phrase Graduate Student Support Space superimposed over an aerial view of the WWU campus

Graduate Student Support Space

A drop-in space for graduate students to find support through social connection and consultation with a counselor from the Counseling and Wellness Center centering students’ mental health and wellbeing. Common topics include, but are not limited to the following: stress management, impostor syndrome, adjustment/transitions. 

Mondays 4-5

Haggard Hall 216 (Grad Student Hub)

Dark blue title text reads "Community Care Spaces" against grey clouds

Community Care Spaces

Pop-up spaces hosted by the Counseling and Wellness Center to process feelings and be in community with others. 

Community care spaces provide a space to discuss the impact of local and national events on identity-based communities, a space to connect with others with shared identities, and a way to bring together campus partners and resources in a single, supportive space. 

Interested in a care space with the Counseling and Wellness Center? Please email cwc@wwu.edu.