News from SUNY Cortland

For more information contact: Jean Palmer, 607-753-2232

SUNY Cortland Offers Fall 'Wellness' Series for Campus, Community

CORTLAND, NY (08/27/2008; 1526)(readMedia)-- SUNY Cortland will host the Fall 2008 "Wellness Wednesday Series" featuring speakers, exhibits, self-help workshops and other programs intended to help students adjust to college life.

Sponsored by the Health Education Office and the Student Development Center, the series will take place at 7 p.m. in Corey Union Exhibition Lounge, unless otherwise noted. The events are free and open to the public.

On Sept. 3, John Burger, T'ai Chi instructor, will demonstrate the ancient art of T'ai Chi, which uses gentle, flowing movements to reduce stress and improve health. The program takes place in the aerobic studio from noon-1 p.m. and 7-8 p.m. in the Tomik Fitness Facility, Van Hoesen Hall.

On Sept. 10, participants can "Walk the Walk of Student Services" at an open house from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in Van Hoesen Hall and Corey Union. Visitors will be able to meet the student services staff and view the facilities of the university police, student health service, counseling, student disability services, health promotion, substance abuse prevention, career services, residential services, Academic Support and Achievement Program (ASAP), Emergency Squad, Tomik Fitness Facility and recreational sports, as well as Auxiliary Services Corporation and nutritional services. Campus activities staff will meet students in the Corey Union lobby and multicultural life staff will be on hand in the Corey Union Voice Office. Refreshments will be served and prizes raffled.

On Sept. 17, syndicated advice columnist and best-selling author Harlan Cohen will present a program titled "Tapping the Keg of Truth: The ‘Why' Behind College Drinking" at 8 p.m. in the Corey Union Function Room. Cohen is the author of The Secret Truth, a book about dating, relationships and the way people look at finding a date while sober.

The "Take Back the Night" March, sponsored by Cortland Against Another Rape (C.A.A.R.), will take place on Sept. 24 at 8 p.m. on the steps of Corey Union. Participants will walk with candles throughout campus and the community to raise awareness about sexual assault.

The Southern Tier AIDS Program will offer a presentation titled "Living With HIV" on Oct. 1. An individual who has HIV will offer a personal story on living daily with this disease.

On Oct. 8, Louise Whittleton, a registered dietician for Auxiliary Services Corporation (ASC), and health promotion interns will present "Portion Distortion" at various tables set up on the first floor of Corey Union from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Mary Dykeman, public health educator at the Jacobus Center for Reproductive Health, will give a talk on "Hooking Up" on Oct. 8. There will be an open discussion on what it is and why it happens.

Earl Shorris, a pioneering educator, activist and author, will speak at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 15, in Old Main Brown Auditorium. His talk, part of the College's "Inequality" lecture series, is sponsored by the Cultural and Intellectual Climate Committee. Shorris has earned praise for his work teaching the humanities to the world's poor and disenfranchised people. In his book, Riches for the Poor, Shorris describes his Clemente courses, which are based on the premise that the insights and skills offered by study of the traditional humanities disciplines can provide people with tools for gaining control over their lives. He has inspired communities across the globe, including one in Darfur, to use these courses to transform lives.

SUNY Cortland Assistant Professor of Health Jena Curtis will present "Race and Relationships" on Oct. 22. The talk will include a discussion of students' perspectives and experiences with issues surrounding race, ethnicity and sexuality.

On Oct. 29, the campus community is invited to give blood during the Red Cross Blood Drive from noon to 5 p.m. in the Corey Union Exhibition Lounge.

Billie Jean Goff, senior counselor in the SUNY Cortland Counseling Center, will deal with the topic of "It Hurts So Good" on Nov.5. She will explore the phenomenon of self-injury and why people purposely hurt themselves to feel better.

On Nov. 12, the SUNY Cortland Dance Company will host a "Dance Party!" in the Aerobic Studio in the Tomik Fitness Facility, Van Hoesen Hall. Participants of all dance levels are invited to enjoy a lesson in dance.

On Nov. 19, Cathy Smith, a health educator in the Health Promotion Office, and health promotion interns will present "Relaxation Station." They will demonstrate stress reduction exercises along with a dose of humor. All are welcome to enjoy free snacks and learn how to relax.

For more information, contact Smith in Van Hoesen Hall, Room B-1, or at (607) 753-2066 or cathy.smith@cortland.edu.

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