George Mason University’s Center for the Advancement of Well-Being (CWB) helps students, faculty, and staff build a life of vitality, purpose, resilience, and engagement. CWB staff share some key resources and how they add value to the community. CWB offers myriad programs to create a nurturing and caring campus environment.
Bridge to Belonging
Bridge to Belonging helps students, faculty, and staff build a stronger campus community for greater social and emotional well-being. Participants meet in small groups with others from George Mason to enjoy thought-provoking questions and activities together. In the process, they can build new friendships that enrich their lives and strengthen their well-being.
“Bridge to Belonging gives participants the chance to get to know others they might not have crossed paths with, and they often find they have more in common than they expected. They appreciate being able to foster connections that go beyond surface level. I’ve even been able to connect students to jobs through Bridge to Belonging, and I’ve seen numerous faculty/staff collaborative relationships form after being in the program.”
— Zareena Khan, assistant director of Student Well-Being Programs
Mindfulness
Students, staff, faculty, and alumni can learn how to manage stress and enhance well-being through the Intro to Mindfulness program. The evidence-based curriculum of this mindfulness meditation program can lead to better concentration, improved sleep, and increased self-compassion.
“Through reading, discussion, and practice, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the relationship between mindfulness and meditation and start building a practice of your own. You’ll begin to discover how a preventative approach to well-being through mindfulness and meditation can be a game changer for your well-being.”
— Katie Clare, director of Well-Being Programs
Sophrology
Sophrology is a dynamic relaxation method that strengthens the well-being of both your body and your mind. It combines breathing, mental imagery, gentle movement, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation into simple, practical exercises. These techniques connect your mind with your body—because your body is the gateway into the present moment, and the present moment is the gateway to peace. Sophrology founder Alfonso Caycedo said, “Sophrology is learning to live better with ourselves and with the world.”
“For students, this means having tools to manage stress, boost focus, and restore balance in everyday life. College is full of challenges and opportunities. Sophrology gives you the calm, clarity, and confidence to meet them. This practice helps you recharge your energy and strengthen your resilience—not just for academics, but for life.”
— Ayce B. Ozerdem, Well-Being program specialist
Burnalong
George Mason is the first university to partner with Burnalong, a pioneering online platform that offers on-demand well-being classes and programs. Students, faculty, and staff can access a variety of categories (including fitness, mindfulness, cooking, and more—including special George Mason classes) for free. Plus, they each get up to four extra free accounts for friends and family.
“Burnalong provides a great variety of well-being and fitness options for users to access anytime, anywhere. No matter what your level of experience is in a particular area, the app has something for everyone.”
— Lewis Forrest, assistant vice president for University Life
Clifton Strengths
George Mason and The Gallup Organization have partnered to create a strengths-based culture on campus. Students, faculty, and staff can take the CliftonStrengths Assessment, a well-being self-discovery tool that measures natural patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving. They receive a free report that details what they naturally do best and can leverage their strengths in all dimensions of life. Next spring, students can engage in free strengths coaching from CWB’s new Student Strengths Coaches.
‘Our Student Strengths Coaching Program is an exciting addition to our many strengths education programs. This will be a powerful and engaging experience that allows students to learn from their peers who are equipped with knowledge and skills in strengths coaching. And they too will become the ripple effect of well-being at George Mason and beyond.”
— Nance Lucas, executive director and chief well-being officer, Center for the Advancement of Well-Being