Spring into Wellness
February 5 – April 26, 2024
The Office of Student Affairs (OSA) has launched Spring into Wellness, a series of events along with self-guided resources to support students on their journey towards emotional, physical, and professional well-being.
Events will take place in February, March, and April, including Wellness Wednesday every week.
We will also be hosting our pre-exam Wellness Week, a perennial favorite, during the week of April 29 through May 3.
We will provide you with skills and social support to remind you that sustaining healthy behaviors is beneficial throughout the semester, your legal education, and your career.
At UB School of Law, we are committed to fostering a vibrant and healthy law school community. Check out the programs and events taking place throughout the fall semester to promote wellness and support your success.
(Click on the red circles below to reveal the activities for that week.)
The Office of Student Affairs kicks off Spring into Wellness with a Moe's Welcome Back Luncheon on Wednesday, February 7th from 12-1PM in the Law Library on the 6th Floor.
Creating Community through Painting with Your Community
Tuesday, February 27th
Drop in any time between 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., 1st Floor Student Lounge
Join the Program Director for Externships, Public Interest Offerings, and Access to Justice Initiatives, Lisa Patterson, the Office of Student Affairs, and members of our law community in creating art expressions of our self-care and wellness wishes for others.
This event is free. Supplies will be provided. All we need is you!
Career Well-Being Dinner & Discussion
Join us for our Spring into Wellness Career Well-Being Panel discussion with the Bar Foundation of Erie County
Wednesday, March 6th
6 p.m. – 8 p.m. | 509 O'Brian Hall, Cellino & Barnes Conference Center
Dinner and Dessert at 7 p.m.
Roundtable Discussions & Small Breakout Groups
Limited Seating RSVP by February 1 to law-studentlife@buffalo.edu
Come to Network and Discuss:
- Developing Wellbeing in Legal Practice
- Navigating your Journey as a Lawyer
- Fostering Satisfaction in your Profession
- Building Community and Finding Support
Our Featured Guests: TBA!
Sponsored by AccessLex, learn how to maintain financial wellness while being a law student. This week we have two informative webinars to help you achieve your goals, tabling, and private one-on-one appointments:
Session 1: Credit and Debt Management for Bar Admission
Wednesday, March 6th
12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. | 107 O'Brian Hall
Bar examiners may review how you’ve handled financial obligations when evaluating your Character and Fitness to practice law. During this event, an Accredited Financial Counselor® from AccessLex Institute® will walk you through a credit and debt checklist that includes when and how to review credit scores and reports, how to dispute errors and build your credit profile over time, and how to check Character and Fitness requirements for your jurisdiction. Attendees will receive an entry into the annual MAX by AccessLex® scholarship drawings.
- Download March 6th and 7th flyer
Lunch will be provided.
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Session 2: Student Loan Repayment Strategies for Legal Careers
Thursday, March 7th
12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. | Letro Courtroom
Student loan repayment can feel overwhelming, but you can chart a path to a debt-free future based on your specific income and career trajectory. During this event, an Accredited Financial Counselor® from AccessLex Institute® will cover common repayment strategies for different legal careers and essential details regarding repayment plan options, consolidation, and loan forgiveness programs. Attendees will receive an entry into the annual MAX by AccessLex® scholarship drawings.
- Download March 6th and 7th flyer
Lunch will be provided.
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Tabling & Chair Massages
Wednesday, March 6th & Thursday, March 7th
8 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | O'Brian Hall First Floor Lobby & First Floor Student Lounge
AccessLex will be tabling and discussing financial planning information for law school students. They will also have give-a-ways! A licensed massage therapist will also be in the first floor student lounge offering 10 minute chair massages courtesy of AccessLex!
- Sign up for 10 minute chair massage appointments
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Private One-on-One Sessions
Thursday, March 7th
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | 505 O'Brian Hall
Meet with Mary Bechler, AFC from AccessLex to discuss any financial planning questions or goals that you have for borrowing, spending, earning, protecting, and savings. These sessions will be a half hour in length, and you are able to sign up through the provided calendly link below or the flyer QR code.
https://calendly.com/max-coaches/buffalo
UB School of Law First Annual Trivia Night
Tuesday, March 12th at 5 p.m.
Join us for the first School of Law Trivia Night! More details to come!
Poetry Slam & Book Exchange - Wellness Through Literature
Words carry meaning and can raise us up when we are feeling our lowest. Literature can transport us into deeper thought and inflection.
Refresh your book collection by participating in the Law Library's Little Libraries Book Exchange.
Read more about how and why poetry is good for our overall health.
The Law Library and Office of Student Affairs will be hosting a Poetry Slam & Book Exchange. Come relax at our poetry slam, exchange books, listen to poetry, or read your favorite poem / original work!
Tuesday, March 26th
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | 533 O'Brian Hall, Inside of the Law Library
Food will be provided.
Eclipse Party!
Monday, April 8th at 2 p.m.
Join the Office of Student Affairs & the Law Library on the back patio of the Law Library! More details to come!
Check out the programs and events taking place on Wednesdays throughout the spring semester to promote health and wellness.
(Click on the red circles below to reveal the activities for that week.)
Coffee Hour with OSA Team
Drop in on Wednesdays between 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. in 312 O'Brian to have coffee or tea, de-stress, spend time with members of the OSA team, and chat about any questions!
Yoga with Ashley Abbott
In collaboration with the Office of Student Affairs' Wellness Initiatives, Student Life Coordinator, Ashley Abbott will host biweekly yoga classes.
Benefits of Yoga:
- Reduced Stress
- Increased Relaxation
- Increased Flexibility
- Increased Strength Training
- Reduced Anxiety
- Increased Balance
- Increased Cardio Health
- Increased Energy
Join Us!
On the following Wednesdays from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Wellness Room (6th Floor Law Library)
- Feb. 14, Feb. 28, Mar. 13, Mar. 27, Apr. 24, and May 1
An Accredited Financial Counselor® from AccessLex Institute® will be offering free, 30-minute, one-on-one financial coaching appointments.
To sign up, please use this link: https://calendly.com/mbechler-1/accesslex-financial-coaching-template-clone-1?month=2024-02 or scan the attached Calendly QR code.
Join Us!
On the following Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for 30-minute individual phone calls with Access Lex. Please sign up here: Select a Date & Time - Calendly
- Feb. 21 & Mar. 13
Join Thom Neil, LCSW for a psychoeducational workshop series for UB Law students addressing mental health and wellness concerns. Feel free to bring your lunch since all workshops take place at noon.
All workshops will take place on Wednesday at 12-12:45 p.m. in 505 O'Brian Hall.
March 6 - Coping Skills Toolbox - Come learn some “greatest hits” tips and techniques to deal with stress, anxiety, and strong emotions.
March 13 - Self Care Plans - Come to this workshop to learn how to assess your self-care and build a plan to nurture yourself.
March 27 - Perfection & Imposter Syndrome - These insidious ways of thinking are painful, often creating more depression, anxiety and stress. Let’s define them and discuss solutions.
April 10 - Supporting Classmates With Mental Health Concerns - Many students experience shame and stigma about being transparent with mental health issues in an academic setting. Learn about leading with compassion, decreasing stigma and resources that can help.
April 24 - Coping with Endings - Are you graduating this semester or experiencing an ending of a different kind? We will cover typical reactions, ways to cope and heal after a transition.
Self Awareness
Self-awareness is the ability to tune in to your feelings, thoughts, and actions. Being self-aware also means being able to recognize how other people see you. People who are self-aware recognize their strengths and their challenges.
To learn more about self-awareness and its benefits, download our guide.
Pausing to reflect and truly feel appreciative for the simple things in your daily life is one of the most valuable practices you can do.
Want to learn more about mindfulness and meditation? Take a 4-week class from Koru Mindfulness to discover how you can benefit. Classes are free to *all* UB students. (Read more information)
Benefits of Meditation:
- Reduced Stress
- Emotional Balance
- Increased Focus
- Reduced Pain
- Reduced Anxiety
- Increased Creativity
- Reduced Depression
- Increased Memory