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Wellness

Dimensions of Wellness

BBSP supports students by promoting UNC’s Eight Dimensions of Wellness. Explore each of these dimensions to learn more about what resources are available to support your complete self.

UNC students, alums, and postdocs are also creating spaces for scientists of all levels to connect over topics of research, life, and wellness:

The Graduate School Handbook: All policies and procedures set forth by the UNC Graduate School, the unit which governs all BBSP-affiliated PhD programs. Below are direct links to some commonly requested policies.

Accessibility Resource Center: ARS is an office dedicated to supporting students in academic settings with physical disabilities, learning differences, accommodations for medical conditions, and other accessibility concerns. If you believe you need an accommodation in class or in lab, you must self-identify with ARS before anything can be put in place.  ARS can also help you navigate testing for ADHD or other learning differences. For workplace accommodations see the EOC Accommodations page.

The Learning Center: UNC’s Learning Center support students in their academic pursuits. Academic coaching can help any student get organized approaching lab work, reading papers, or create a study plan for your qualifying exams. If you have ADHD, or if you think you might, consider participating in the Graduate Student Working Group which is focused on time management, work life balance, motivation, and accountability (register here or for more information, email Miranda Elston). If you do have ADHD or a learning difference, read more about the ADHD/LD services available to you or make an appointment with an ADHD specialist who can help you navigate graduate school and maximize your success.

The Writing Center:  UNC’s Writing Center supports student writing in a variety of ways. All UNC students can schedule an in-person appointment with a writing coach or submit writing samples to an online coach who will provide specific feedback. This set of guides on scientific writing can be helpful to those who want to improve their writing skills. International students for whom English is a second language can access a wide variety of resources including writing groups, courses, and speaking groups. All international students will want to check out these guides for helpful ESL tips on academic writing.

Health Sciences Library: a hub for research and learning, HSL offers classes, resources, and consultations. Be sure to check out their helpful online guides too, such as designing academic posters.

UNC Chapel Hill resources

Fellowship Support

The OGE offers training and resources to help graduate students prepare successful funding applications. Some of these resources include:

  • F31 and NSF preparation workshops: these are announced via the TIBBS listserv and are open to all trainees
  • Successful graduate student grant proposal examples (click here for a password protected library containing NSF, F31, and American Heart Association proposals from UNC trainees)

Other resources

  • Personal Finance for PhDs: a blog and several reasonably priced ebooks about managing finances while on a graduate student stipend

Graduate school is rigorous and demanding. Many graduate students struggle with depression, anxiety, or other mental illness during their training. While it is common to experience these issues, you don’t have to suffer. With help you can manage your symptoms and live a balanced, fulfilling life.  Below are a few of the options available to BBSP graduate students.  If you are unsure where to turn, you may reach out to Dave McDonald (david.mcdonald@unc.edu or 919-843-3387) for a consultation. While Dave is not a trained mental health provider, he is able to direct students to appropriate resources.

Student Wellness Coach: The School of Medicine has a trained mental health provider, Alli Schad, LCSWA, available to meet with students one-on-one to address mental health concerns.  Alli provides counseling, referral to resources, and support to students in BBSP as well as MD students. To make an appointment with Alli visit this page.  Alli can also be reached directly at allison_schad@med.unc.edu.

UNC Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS): BBSP students are also eligible to receive counseling and medication management from UNC’s Counseling & Psychological Services. To be seen for the first time at CAPS you do not need an appointment. Walk in hours for initial assessments are Monday – Thursday 9-12, 1-4 or Fridays 9:30-12, 1- 4. CAPS is located on the 3rd floor of the Student Health Clinic.  If you do not know where CAPS is located or are uncomfortable walking over there on your own, Dave McDonald and others in the OGE are available to walk with you.

Other resources outside of UNC-CH

Cultivating a network of friends and colleagues is an important strategy for success as a professional. UNC has a wide variety of communities available to graduate students, some focused around STEM and some around other identities.

UNC Centers that support student communities

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Health Insurance: graduate students are covered by a combination of Campus Health Services and Student Blue RA/TA plan. Read this flyer [pdf] for a quick overview of how the two work together. For information about what the Student Blue plan covers, and for information on adding dependents, visit the BCBS Student Blue page.

TIBBS Career Cohorts (groups focused on specific science careers)

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130 Mason Farm Road
1125 Bioinformatics Building
Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7108
EMAIL: TIBBS@unc.edu • PHONE: 919.843.9342