Wellness

If this is an emergency situation call 911. If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis situation, call 988 or text "home" to 741-741.

Welcome to Sea Aggie Wellness

At Texas A&M Galveston, we believe wellness is invaluable during the college experience and beyond. The World Health Organization defines wellness as "...the optimal state of health of individuals and groups." We recognize 8 "dimensions" of wellness that are interconnected and play a crucial role to an individual or groups optimal health. Each of these dimensions of wellness are equally important and should be treated as such. At Texas A&M Galveston, there are many passionate faculty and staff who work diligently to create an environment that promotes wellness on campus and within our communities.

8 Dimensions of Wellness

Emotional: Emotional
The emotionally well person is able to appropriately express and manage the entire range of feelings, including anger, fear, happiness and sorrow. They possess high self-esteem, a sense of humor, and positive body image. They also seek support from a mental health professional when needed.

Resources:

TAMUG Counseling, Career and Ability Services:

Texas A&M Galveston offers free counseling to students on campus.

To schedule an appointment with a counselor, click HERE! On the right hand side of the webpage, you can click the blue button the request an appointment.

The counseling office also allows walk-in appointments.
Environmental: Environmental
The environmentally well person recognizes the earth's limited resources, and strives to minimize wasteful consumption or unnecessary destruction of animals, plants, elements, or energy. They engage in recycling and conservation, protect natural resources, and strive for living spaces free of health hazards. An environmentally well person also is concerned with personal safety and is aware of their surroundings.
Financial: Financial
Financial wellness is the process of planning living within your financial means. Becoming financially literate by creating a budget and learning to be a good consumer benefits your future financial health.
Intellectual: Intellectual
The intellectually well person values education and engages in lifelong learning, and pursues activities that increase knowledge, develop moral reasoning, foster critical thinking and expand worldviews. In addition, they appreciate the fine arts, and value intuition, empathy and understanding as forms of knowing.
Occupational: Occupational
The occupationally well person fulfils a socially defined role that is both stimulating and inherently rewarding. They choose a role (or several roles) that are consistent with beliefs, goals, lifestyle, personality and values.
Physical: Physical
The physically well person eats a varied and nutritionally balanced diet. They also get an adequate amount of sleep, engage in moderate to vigorous exercise 3-5 times a week, get routine medical check-ups appropriate to their age and risk factors, and take safety precautions.

Resources:

Texas A&M Galveston Campus Recreation Center:

Hours of Operation and Access
Spiritual: Spiritual
The spiritually well person seeks meaning and purpose in human existence. They develop an appreciation for the depth and expanse of life and the natural forces that exist in the universe.
Social: Social
Social wellness involves successfully interacting with others, participating in, and feeling connected to your communities.

Looking for Support

I would like mental health support

Visit our counseling office at no additional cost! Tos chedule an appointment, visit their website and select the "Request Appointment" tool on the right side of the page.
TAMUG Students have access to TELUS mental health support, which provides 24/7 licensed professional counseling over the phone. Download the TELUS app for Apple or Android
Gulf Coast Center for local mental health support, training and interventions
Gulf Coast Center for substance use services
List of community therapist coming soon!
MHA's Mental Health Screening Tools can be used if you are concerned you may be struggling with a mental health condition. Please note these are not diagnostic but are a helpful tool if you may be struggling. If you feel you have a mental health condition, please seek help from a licensed provider.

I'm worried about a friend

Filing a Care Team report will allow for a trained staff member to check in on a TAMUG community member and offer support or intervention if appropriate.
Seize the Awkward Campaign can help you learn to start a conversation with a friend you are worried about.

I'm looking for access to food and basic needs

Student Assistance Services can help you get connected with basic needs. Whether you are facing food insecurity, looking for help navigating resources on campus or looking for guidance and don't know where to start, Student Assitance Services can help you!
"The pantry is open to all enrolled students, faculty and staff experiencing food insecurity at TAMUG."
- TAMUG Food Pantry Hours: Monday - Thursday 9am - 10pm | Friday 9am - 5pm

I would like help accessing health care or a doctor

UTMB Health Services

To schedule an appointment:

Students should take their student ID and private insurance information.

You must make an appointment by calling (409) 772-2222 and identifying yourself as a Texas A&M at Galveston student.
When you arrive for the appointment, inform the staff at check in that you are a Texas A&M University at Galveston student.
Appointments should be made in advance and are required for physicals or other non-urgent services requiring testing, lab services, radiology services, etc.
Students may utilize the UTMB 24/7 Nurse hotline 409-772-2222 when the clinic is closed to speak to a nurse who will provide advice and recommendations regarding appropriate access to care.

The Office of Student Counseling serves as the liaison between TAMUG and UTMB for Student Health Services. Any requests for more information or questions should be directed to:

Office of Student Counseling
Seibel Student Services Center, Suite 104
(409) 740-4736
Studentservices@tamug.edu

I want to improve my physical wellness

Visit Campus Recreation to access our 2 gyms on campus as well as free group fitness classes! If you would like a gym orientation, email Krissyjohnson@tamug.edu
Playing Intramural Sports is a great way to stay fit and relax on campus at no extra cost!
Student Assistance Services

I'm looking for financial information and support

More information coming soon!

I would like to connect with peers

Visit our Student Activities Office to get connected with clubs, organizations and TAMU traditions!
The 1973 Center is a student lounge located in the heart of campus that host fun events, a FREE coffee corner and places to relax and play a variety of games with friends.

I would like to explore spirituality

More information coming soon!

JED Campus

The Texas A&M University System has partnered with The Jed Foundation, a leading nonprofit dedicated to supporting and protecting student mental health, to enhance existing initiatives underway across the Texas A&M System to increase awareness, connection and the use of available mental health and well-being resources.

Texas A&M University at Galveston is actively participating in JED Campus, the signature four-year program of The Jed Foundation, to receive guidance on comprehensive systems, programs and policy development that build upon existing student mental health, substance use and suicide prevention efforts.

Why JED?

Formally establish a baseline of where our faculty, staff and students are in relation to mental health and well-being programming, resources and care options
Foster a connected university community that openly supports the mental health and well-being of peers and colleagues
Create consistency across the university through collaborative responses and policies related to prevention, awareness and crisis mitigation

Healthy Minds Study

As part of the multi-year JED Campus program, Texas A&M at Galveston is also participating in the Healthy Minds Study, a survey for faculty, staff and students. Data received through this survey helps provide a baseline for understanding the perceptions, awareness levels and ongoing needs of our university community — as a whole — as we take the next steps in supporting mental health and well-being across Texas A&M at Galveston.

Program Timeline

March 2024: Formally announce launch of the JED Campus initiative universitywide
April 2024: Conduct Healthy Minds Study* and appoint and convene JED Campus Team

*This study was reviewed and approved by Advarra IRB. The TAMU HRPP/IRB gave this study a human subjects research not engaged determination under IRB2023-0904.

JED Campus Subcommittees

Based upon the recommendation of The Jed Foundation, work on the Strategic Plan has been divided up into five subcommittees led by members of the JED Campus Team. If you are interested in joining a JED Campus Subcommittee, please contact Joe Hoff at hoffj@tamug.edu.

JED Campus Subcommittees

Strategic Planning & Policies

Ensure that emotional well-being is a campus-wide responsibility. Advocate for policy and resource support.

Joe Hoff (Lead), Dr. Brett Furth, Dr. Todd Sutherland, Miles Shellshear, Shelby Hearn
Priorities: Ensure the campus community is aware of the JED Campus strategic plan and the work of the task force, review drug & alcohol policies, review medical amnesty policy
Achieved:

Life Skills & Social Connectedness

Identifying Students At Risk & Help Seeking

Help campus community members to identify, reach out to, and refer students who may be struggling. Promote help-seeking behavior through destigmatization efforts and increased access to resource information.

Krissy Johnson (Lead), Sarah Bowman, Kimberly Joyner, John Vandewater
Priorities: Integrate mental health & substance use screening into wellness days, expand suicide prevention training for students, faculty, and staff, implement campaigns/programs to encourage help-seeking by de-stigmatizing mental health and substance misuse problems on campus
Achieved:

Clinical Services & Substance Misuse

Ensure access to all necessary clinical care services, and enhance systems, protocols and processes in order to coordinate necessary care for students. Ensure that substance abuse policies and protocols best support students.

Joe Hoff (Lead), Daisey McCloud, Ken Bailey, Krissy Johnson
Priorities: Review the UTMB health services contract and conduct student focus groups to determine improvements needed
Achieved:

Crisis Management & Means Safety

Reinforce adequate and appropriate institutional response to student deaths or other emergencies, strengthen established protocols for the reporting of, and follow-up to, emergency situations, and minimize environmental risks for suicide.

Shelby Hearn (Lead), Roland Kelly, Sarah Schendzelos, Danny Roe, Carrie Rowland
Priorities: Review At-Risk/BIT recommendations for potential implementation by CARE Team, conduct an environmental scan and develop a plan for implementing applicable access restrictions based upon the results, develop a plan to expand break-away closet rods to all residence halls in the next 10 years, implement a drug collection program
Achieved: Drug collection program

Annual Health Fair

Every semester, community health partners join us on campus to meet with students, faculty and staff to share resources, opportunities and provide basic services such as immunizations and STI screenings.

The Fall 2025 Health Fair will be taking place on Wednesday, 9/10 from 11:00-1:00pm & Thursday, 9/11 from 11:30-1:30 pm in the Flag Room. Explore the list of our participating community partners below!

Fall 2025 Health Fair Community Partners

health fair community partners
Wednesday, 9/10 11:00am - 1:00pm	Thursday, 9/10 11:30am - 1:30pm
1973 Center / Student Assistance Services	Aggie Dining
Access Care of Coastal Texas	AMOCO Federal Credit Union
Be Free Wellness	Campus Recreation
Be the Match (nmdp)	Counseling, Career and Disability Services
Crime Stoppers	Galveston County Health District (STI prevention)
Galveston County Health District (Immunizations)	Gulf Coast Center
Southeast Texas Poison Center	Gulf Coast Center Youth Prevention Universal
Teen Health Center	Resource Crisis Center
Univesity Federal Credit Union

Peer Educators

About the Peer Educators

The Peer Educators are full time students that assist their peers in making a successful academic
and social transition into college life. We provide outreach, support and training to help students
become familiar with University resources and the campus culture, develop social relationships and help build a sense of community.

If you are interested in becoming a Peer Educator, please email Krissyjohnson@tamug.edu

Fall 2025 & Spring 2026 Peer Educator Events: Fall 2025 & Spring 2026 Peer Educator Events
Meet the Peer Educators: Start the school year out by meeting the year's Peer Educator Team! During this event, you will be able to get great give aways and learn about the resources available to you in the upcoming semester.
Fall 2025 Date: TBD
Spring 2026 Date: TBD

Safe Sex Bingo: This is Bingo with a fun and educational twist! During safe sex bingo, you will learn terms and facts that promote safety and relationship wellbeing. Don't miss our great prizes and fun activities. This event is held near Halloween and Valentine's Day every semester.
Fall 2025 Date: TBD
Spring 2026 Date: TBD

Painting with Bob Ross: The semester can get draining and you may need a time to unwind and express your creativity. Whether you are an experienced artist or just looking for a fun and free activity, Paiting with Bob Ross is a great event for you! Each semester, the Peer Educators select a "follow along" Bob Ross video and provided paint and canvas so students can enjoy a night of painting with Bob Ross!
Fall 2025 Date: TBD
Spring 2026 Date: TBD

Safe Oktoberfest: Galveston boast of a large Oktoberfest every year. To ensure students are safe if they chose to visit the festival, we offer a Safe Oktoberfest where students can learn about alcohol safety and tips of how to avoid substance misuse.
Fall 2025 Date: TBD

Gig'em Thanks: Did you know that regularly expresing grattitude has a varierty of mental health benefits? At Gig'em Thanks, the Peer Educators allow students to express their grattitude towards the people, places and things in their life that mean the most to them. Whether it is writing a thank you card to someone who has helped you or participating in a collaborative display, Gig'em Thanks allows students to express grattitude.
Fall 2025 Date: TBD

Safe Mardi Gras: Galveston Mardi Gras is one of the premier Mardi Gras celebrations in the country. Every year, thousands of visitors come to the island for 2 weeks of parades and festivies. While Mardi Gras is a highlight for many, it can also pose risk around substance use and crime. To make sure TAMUG students are able to enjoy Mardi Gras for all the fun it offers, the peer educators host Safe Mardi Gras. We offer mocktail recipes, tips to stay safe and giveaways to prepare for the season.
Spring 2026 Date: TBD

Safe Spring Break: To ensure students maximize their Spring Break, the peer educators invite community partners to Safe Spring Break. We have a variety of activities and giveaways to ensure students have the best possible spring break, while staying safe and healthy.
Spring 2026 Date: TBD

De-Stress Fest: Its true, preparing for finals can be one of the most stressful times of the semester. Its also true that operating under prolong periods of stress can jepordize your academic performance. To help students unwind before finals, the peer educators, often in collaboration with other groups on campus host De-Stress Fest. Each year has its own flair but we always find ways to help students take a break to help them refocus for finals. From free massages and therapy dogs to build your own finals survival bags, De-stress Fest has something for everyone!
Fall 2025 Date: TBD
Spring 2026 Date: TBD

Safe Alcohol Tips & Medical Amnesty

Alcohol can have a significant impact on your decision making, health, relationships, and the community. Here are some suggestions to keep you healthier, safer, and smarter:

Healthy Choices

Drink a glass of water between each drink of alcohol; this will keep you hydrated and will slow down your drinking rate, keeping your BAC from getting too high.
Decide how much you will drink before you drink and stick with it.
Eat a meal before drinking.
Steer clear of drinking games - keep your drinking rate slow.
Avoid mixing alcohol with caffeine.

Safer Choices

Designate a sober driver or use a taxi or ride share service.
Make decisions about your night before you start drinking (how you will get home, who you go home with, etc.)
Know the people you're with, watch out for yourself and your friends.
Watch your drink at all times.

Smart Choices

Plan your party ahead of time.
Only take cash to the bars - starting a tab can lead to over spending.
Know the laws and university policies.
Avoid drunk texting and drunk dialing.
Do not post pictures or videos of your drinking online - employers, parents, and university officials may see these.

Defining a Drink

Sometimes with mixed drinks, beer from kegs, and malt beverages, people might say that they've had "one drink" because it was in one container, but in reality they might have had two or more. Listed below are the number of ounces of each type of alcohol that equal one drink.

Beer can wine glass shot glass

Beer - 12 fl. oz. Wine - 5 fl. oz. Liquor - 1.5 fl. oz.

Alcohol & Medical Emergencies

Signs of Alcohol Poisoning

If someone exhibits ANY of these signs, call 911 immediately!

Mental confusion
Unresponsive
Seizures or slurred speech
Throwing up while unconscious
Hypothermia
Erratic or slow breathing
Loss of consciousness
Paleness/blueness of skin

Medical Amnesty Policies

Relaxation & Recovery

Our on campus relaxation room is located in the Seibel building (BLDG 3030) room 104M. To access the relaxation room, simply ask the front desk worker for entry at the Counseling and Career Services suite.

Get Involved with TAMUG Wellness

For more information and inquiries, please contact:

Krissy Johnson, Assistant Director of Well-being & Facilities

Office Phone: 409-740-4855

Email: krissyjohnson@tamug.edu

Office: SAGC (Building 3026) Rm. 200