2023 SOLES Wellness Series

It is a four - part series featuring alumni and campus professionals in their respective fields. Note that Zoom links for these sessions will be sent to registrants the day before each virtual connection.

There is no charge to participate in these virtual connections, but we do ask that you consider a donation to support the School of Leadership and Education Sciences so we can continue to offer meaningful programming in the future.

Take good care Toreros!
Your friends at USD

Embracing Rhythms of Rest & Renewal
Thursday, May 4 at 4 p.m. PT
Featuring: Khalia Ii '10 (MA)
False urgency, grind culture, burnout, and systemic inequities are challenges we face in the everydayness of our lives and work. Join us as we affirm our own dignity by slowing down and experiencing a communal practice of rest and renewal. Participants will be invited to interact through storytelling, dialogue, and contemplative practices, such as light movement and stillness. Additional themes highlighted in this session will include intersectionality, embodiment, spirituality, and healing.

Restorative Justice Practices Workshop
Thursday May 11, at 4 p.m. PT
Featuring: Dr. Justine Andreu Darling '08 (BA), '11 (MA)
Restorative justice is a way to prevent or respond to harm in a community with an emphasis on healing, social support, and active accountability. RJ includes a variety of practices with many rooted in indigenous and religious traditions. Some practices help prevent harm by helping people build relationships and strengthen communities. Other practices respond to harm by helping to clearly identify harms, needs, and solutions through an inclusive and collaborative decision-making process. In this workshop, we will start with a mindfulness activity and then learn the main principles and practices of restorative justice. You will also have a chance to learn about the Center for Restorative Justice at USD and of its main offerings including the Professional Certificate in Restorative Justice Facilitation and Leadership.

Gratitude and Joy: A One-Hour Experience
Thursday, May 18, at 4 p.m. PT
Featuring: Dr. Nicole Johnson ’01 (BA), ’03 (MEd) and Dr. Laura Manyweather
Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or dissatisfied with life? Research shows that cultivating gratitude can have a powerful impact on our well-being and happiness. In this one-hour workshop, we'll explore practical ways to experience more gratitude and joy in our daily lives. We'll discuss the science behind gratitude and how it can change our brain and perspective on life. Then, we'll dive into a series of gratitude exercises designed to help us appreciate the present moment and find joy in the little things. These exercises will include gratitude journaling, a gratitude letter writing activity, and a gratitude meditation. We'll also explore strategies for cultivating joy and happiness, including the power of positive thinking, mindfulness, and connecting with others. By the end of the workshop, you'll leave with practical tools and resources to help you experience more gratitude and joy in your daily life.

USD’s Future Wellness Center
Thursday, May 25, at 4 p.m. PT
Featuring: Dr. Christopher Burden, Assistant Vice President of Student Wellness
Join us for a Q&A with Dr. Chris Burden about USD’s future Wellness Center and Basketball Practice Center, set to open in Fall 2024. The new USD Wellness Center and Basketball Practice Center, part of the campus master plan, will set a new standard for inclusive wellness resources and NCAA practice facilities for our scholar-athletes. The three-story, 80,000 square-foot facility will provide accessible indoor and outdoor spaces where the entire campus community can find connections between physical activity, diet and nutrition, mental health, inner self, engagement and belonging. Learn more about the new facilities before joining the session.

We're looking for sponsors!
Are you interested in sponsoring this gathering? Check out our Events Sponsorship opportunities by clicking here. You can add your event sponsorship in on the next screen.