Georgetown University Offer Students “Self-Care Suite” with Coloring Books, Hot Chocolate to Relieve Post-Election Stress
Students at Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy will have access to a “self-care suite” with Legos, coloring books, milk and cookies, and hot chocolate as part of a post-election relaxation effort on Wednesday.
The initiative, announced in an email from the school’s director of student engagement, Jaclyn Clevenger, aims to provide students with a break from the potential stress surrounding election outcomes.
“In recognition of these stressful times,” Clevinger wrote in the email, according to The Free Press, “all McCourt community members are welcome to gather. . . in the 3rd floor Commons to take a much needed break, joining us for mindfulness activities and snacks throughout the day.”
According to Clevenger’s email, the suite agenda includes activities such as tea and cocoa, a Lego station, coloring, self-guided meditation, milk and cookies, and other relaxation options.
This approach to providing students with emotional support after the election isn’t unique to Georgetown. Similar initiatives have emerged at other universities across the country. Missouri State University, for example, set up a “self-care no phone zone space” where students can color and use fidget toys.
Additionally, The New York Times reported that Fieldston, a private school in New York, made attendance optional for the day after the election for students feeling “too emotionally distressed” and suspended homework for the day. Northwestern University is also offering students “puzzles, crafts, games, snacks, and a variety of brain break activities set up to help you reset, ground yourself, and enjoy connection” the day after Election Day.
