Resources and Past Events
Featured Invitations
Therapy Dog Winnie
Once a month, SESP Well-Being hosts Winnie, our SESP therapy dog, in the first-floor lobby of Annenberg Hall.Circle of Sound
At its core, Circle of Sound is an exploration of what becomes possible when we come together, not to perform, but to listen, feel, and create in relation.Generation Mosaic
Generation Mosaic is a 10-week intergenerational program that brings together college students and independently living older adults for weekly one-hour sessions focused on connection, creativity, and conversation.Creative Expression
Art
Creativity and expression take many forms. Through art, we can give physical form to what we feel inside. When words fall short, other mediums can bring those emotions into the material world. There is no right or wrong way to approach art; it can reflect anything the creator wants it to be. Everyone is welcome to use the communal creative spaces we are cultivating in SESP to serve as a haven for creative self-expression. Below are some of the artistic experiences hosted by SESP Well-being. Join us!
Music
Circle of Sound
At its core, Circle of Sound is an exploration of what becomes possible when we come together, not to perform, but to listen, feel, and create in relation. It is a participatory music experience rooted in rhythm, listening, and shared presence. SESP community members enter a softly lit space with gentle visuals, a low hum, and a quiet invitation to listen. There is no expectation, no need to “get it right.” Just presence and curiosity. Participants gather in a circle with simple percussion instruments, both digital and acoustic, to create sound together. The instruments are designed to be accessible, allowing anyone to participate without fear or hesitation. There is no audience, no performance, only collective music-making. The invitation is simple: listen, respond, contribute. As people begin to respond to one another, something shifts. Rhythm becomes a way of connecting, sensing others, joining, and being joined. Sound moves through the circle, carrying moments of attunement, grounding, and quiet joy.
Movies
Throughout the academic year, SESP Well-being periodically hosts movie screenings to bring community members together to explore important topics, share perspectives, and connect with others. Through these showings, we hope to build community not just through movie-watching but through meaningful dialogue. We welcome all SESP community members to join us for fun nights of movies, popcorn, and conversation! Screenings will be updated here as they are scheduled. All are welcome — please feel free to bring friends!
Past Screenings
Fungi: Web of Life
Narrated by Icelandic musician Björk, Fungi: Web of Life draws parallels from fungi in nature to human connection in the world. This film explores how strikingly similar we are to the organisms right beneath our feet, showcasing our deep interdependence with the living world.
Being Bublé
This award-winning comedy-documentary, starring and directed by SESP alumnus Dan Perlman, tackles identity. People are not fixed; they are shaped by the roles they choose to play, literally and figuratively. So what happens when we try to squeeze into a mold that doesn’t fit us at all?
Learning, Connection, and Listening
Conferences
Socioemotional Well-being in a Digital World
SESP’s recent conference on emotional well-being in a digital world emphasized an important shift in higher education: student success is shaped not only by academics, but also by emotional health, meaningful connections, and intentional support systems. These support systems are the very events, resources, programs, and spaces SESP Well-being is committed to building with you to support your well-being. By co-creating consistent forms of support, universities can help students feel seen, connected, and well-equipped to navigate personal, academic, and professional challenges. This event reflects a growing recognition that universities must address students’ social and emotional needs to help them thrive not just academically, but in every area of their lives.
Intergenerational Connection
Generation Mosaic is a 10-week intergenerational program that brings together college students and independently living older adults for weekly one-hour sessions focused on connection, creativity, and conversation. Activities center on creating art, sharing stories, and breaking cross-generational barriers. SESP community members are invited to join Generation Mosaic to expand their perspectives, form unexpected friendships, and be part of a lasting project that strengthens connections across generations. Are you a Northwestern student and interested in joining in Fall 2026? Fill out this interest form.
Listening
Grounded in listening traditions and academic research, deep listening is a core foundation of our work in the SESP Well-Being Initiative. We aim to meet students, staff, and faculty where they are. If you would like to meet with us, send us an email at sesp-well-being@northwestern.edu.
Circles are rooted in indigenous traditions centered on listening to one another to understand and heal. Northwestern students can become circle keepers for restorative justice circles with Oakton Elementary School students. Questions about restorative justice or involvement in the program can be directed to sesp-well-being@northwestern.edu.
Movement and Restoration
Movement
Research shows that movement supports the mind, body, and emotions all at once. It can reduce stress, boost mood, increase energy, and improve focus, while creating opportunities for connection and self-care. Movement does not have to be intense; no strenuous workout is needed. Instead, we encourage SESP community members to try walking, stretching, dancing, or taking a break between classes. This experience can take any form. Those who wish to engage in more structured group workouts or create their own workout routines are encouraged to visit one of Northwestern’s recreational centers, free of charge for students and offered at a discounted rate for faculty and staff.
Support and Care
Support Groups
SESP Well-Being offers support groups led by trained clinicians from Connections Health, a local mental health practice. These groups are provided on an as-needed basis. If you are interested in starting a support group for a particular population of SESP community members, please email the SESP Well-Being team at lifespan@northwestern.edu.
Therapy Dog Winnie
Once a month on Thursday afternoons, SESP Well-Being hosts Winnie, our SESP therapy dog, in the first-floor lobby of Annenberg Hall. Winnie also holds weekly wag-in hours in her office (2001 Sheridan Road, Room 2437) on Tuesday afternoons. Visit our events page for upcoming dates. Therapy Dog Thursdays grew out of research showing that physically engaging with pets can help alleviate stress and promote well-being. After many visits and a birthday celebration, Winnie has become an integral part of the SESP Well-Being team. She greets community members with a wagging tail and boundless energy as they pass through on their way to class or work. So stop by to pet, hug, cuddle, or say hi. Winnie loves to meet new people, and everyone is welcome!
SESP Love Pantry
The SESP Love Pantry offers free food staples to SESP students, funded through the generosity of an anonymous donor. Questions about the pantry can be directed to sesp-well-being@northwestern.edu.
How would you like to contribute?
Is there a SESP well-being event that you would like to host? An idea you have? A dream?