THRIVE Week events to support Bobcat well-being

While the fall semester begins with celebrations of new and returning Bobcats, it can also be overwhelming. It’s easy to lose focus on well-being to homework, new classes and deadlines. In an effort to support students, THRIVE Week is happening Sept, 5–12, and is a chance to explore well-being resources, access basic needs support and tune into what helps students thrive this semester.

THRIVE Week events

• Rufus’ Birthday Bash (Sept. 5, 5-7 p.m.): Join us for the ultimate birthday bash with our favorite Bobcat Mascot. See you in the Baker Ballroom for cake, and back by popular demand, Stuff-A-Bobcat!
• Culinary Tailgate at OHIO vs. WVU (Sept. 6, 1-4 p.m.): Join us in Football Village until kickoff for a lively, flavor-packed celebration open to the public on the Ping Recreation Center Lawn!
• THRIVE Mobile: Well-Being on Wheels! (Sept. 8-12, 1-4 p.m.): Look for this golf cart around campus for well-being tips, giveaways, music or a quick ride to class.
• Creative Coping Café (Sept. 8, 4-5 p.m.): Drop by the Well-Being Wing during THRIVE Week to learn a coping strategy, gain experience practicing these strategies, and connect with peers.
• Movement Meditation (Sept. 9, 10-11 a.m.): Tantrum Theater and Bobcat Artscare host this 50-minute workshop. It is for any student interested in relieving stress, taking care of their body, and carving out some space and time. Wear clothes you can move in. No experience necessary. Bring a Yoga mat if you have one.
• Yoga on the Lawn (Sept. 9, 11 and 12, 7 a.m.): Take a break from the books and join us for Yoga on the Lawn—a chill, outdoor flow designed just for students. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or just curious to try something new, this is your chance to reset your mind and body in the sunshine.
• Bobcats Who Care Suicide Prevention Training (Sept. 12, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.): This week marks both Suicide Prevention Week and THRIVE Week—a time to unite, reduce stigma, and remind each other: you are never alone. Let’s support one another, speak openly and show that mental health matters. Want to learn how to help someone in distress? Register for this Bobcats Who Care Suicide Prevention Training.

More events can be found on the THRIVE Week webpage. 

Supporting OHIO students

In addition to events and activities, the THRIVE Drive is happening Sept. 5-12. Drop off donations will be set up at Cats' Cupboard (Baker 354) or any of the Nelson, Boyd and Jefferson Markets to support students facing food insecurity. Much needed items include grains like rice, cooking oil, sugar, honey and canned protein such as chicken, tuna and tofu.

For those not on campus still looking to support the food pantry, items can be purchased off of the Cats’ Cupboard Amazon wish list.

Beyond the THRIVE Drive, faculty and staff can encourage students to participate in events, share information about available resources and model a culture of care and connection in their daily interactions.

THRIVE is more than a week of events — it’s a year-round commitment to supporting Bobcats in every aspect of their well-being. Built on the pillars of CARE and CONNECT, the initiative ensures students have access to essentials like food, housing and emergency support while also encouraging them to get involved, build relationships and find community on campus.