What is ASK?

ASK is a simple reminder that checking in on yourself and others can make a difference.

• Acknowledge the signs when someone (or yourself) might be struggling.
• Support someone (or yourself) by listening, checking in, and reminding them they’re not alone.
• Know the resources available to you on campus.

Together, these steps create a community where no one feels invisible.

Acknowledge

Look for changes in mood, withdrawing from friends, skipping class, or feeling more tired than usual. Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. Journaling, reflecting, or simply taking a moment to check in with yourself can help you notice when you or a friend may need extra support.

Support

Offering help, encouragement and a listening ear can make a huge difference in a friend’s mental health journey. Aim to listen, avoid judgment, and remind them they’re not alone. Sometimes your presence can be more impactful than advice. Approach the conversation with curiosity and empathy:

• “Hey, I’ve noticed you seem a little down, want to talk?”
• “I’m worried about you because…”
• “I noticed you’ve been skipping class. Everything okay?”

Know

There are several mental health services available on campus to turn to.

• Uwill: Free virtual counseling for students. Appointments with licensed providers are available every day including nights and weekends, often in less than 24 hours.
• Let’s Talk: Drop-in one-on-one consultations with a UHS mental health provider every week day. Consultations are 20-25 minutes and available on a first come, first serve basis. View the schedule.
• Thrive Online: A digital resource hub that can help you navigate common mental health concerns such as Test Anxiety, Procrastination, and Stress Management.
• The 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Hotline 608-235-5600 (option 9) is available for immediate crisis support at any time.

Don’t face finals alone. Ask for help.

The 2025 Healthy Minds Survey marks nearly 10 years of UW–Madison surveying student mental health. By regularly surveying students on mental health topics, the university can track trends in student mental health, which allows both leaders and our campus community set priorities around policies, programs, and systems on campus. Previous iterations of the Healthy Minds Survey have contributed to programs and service offerings on campus, such as the UHS embedded mental health provider program, which places mental health providers in academic and student services areas on campus. 

In winter 2025, nearly 2,000 UW–Madison students shared their feedback in the fourth iteration of the Healthy Minds Survey. Over the last several months, UHS has reviewed students’ responses and is ready to share the survey results with campus.  

The 2025 survey highlighted several key findings:  

• There are improvements in student mental health: For the first time since UW–Madison began surveying students on their mental health, findings indicated decreases in rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation.  

• However, some students experience worse mental health: Students who report feeling always financially stressed; lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer students; and gender diverse students report higher rates of mental health conditions. 

• Loneliness is a critical issue on campus: Nearly half of students report feeling lonely. Rates of loneliness are worse among students who do not use alcohol, indicating that alcohol and social connection remain important issues.  

• Students are seeking help, and mental health stigma is decreasing: More students report seeking professional mental health care, and students say that they would not think less of someone who received mental health help. Students also report high rates of seeking help from their peers, but they do not always feel prepared to help. 

A full summary of results from the 2025 Healthy Minds Survey is available on the UHS website. 

We are seeing an increase in viral illnesses on campus, including more reported cases of viral meningitis. Viral meningitis, the most common type of meningitis, is usually milder than bacterial meningitis, and does not require antibiotics. Most people recover fully with rest and supportive care at home; however, it is very important for anyone with meningitis symptoms to see a healthcare provider right away, since viral and bacterial meningitis can present similarly. Some types of meningitis can be very serious, and only a healthcare provider can determine if you have the disease, the type of meningitis, and the best treatment. 

If you experience any of the below symptoms of meningitis, seek immediate care at an emergency department:  

• Headache 

• Stiff neck 

• Confusion, difficulty staying awake 

• Persistent vomiting, unable to keep fluids down 

• Rash 

• Sensitivity to light 

Common symptoms of viral illness, such as a fever, fatigue, sore throat, or runny nose, are generally not a concern and can be treated by self-care at home.  

If you have questions or concerns about your symptoms, contact University Health Services (UHS) at 608-265-5600, option 1. This number can be used for medical advice, even after hours, if you aren’t sure whether to seek care. 

To reduce the spread of viruses, including viral meningitis: 

• Stay home if you are ill, and avoid close contact with others if you have symptoms. 

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after using the restroom, before eating, and after coughing or sneezing.  

• Disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched, such as doorknobs. 

• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow and dispose of tissues immediately. 

• Personal items: Do not share drinks, utensils, toothbrushes, or personal items. 

What is the “Red Zone”? 

“The red zone refers to a time period of heightened risk for sexual assault on college campuses. Typically, it’s referring to the period from move-in to November break.” Because of this, prevention efforts and student resources are a big focus during the start of the academic year. 

Does the data support the idea of the “Red Zone”? 

Since the term was coined in 2008, studies have shown mixed results. “There is evidence that certain populations are at higher risk than others. For example, women seem to be at higher risk in the first year than other genders.” While some research points to the first few weeks on campus being the riskiest, Sam says, “the term probably applies more broadly to the period between September-November.” 

What does our campus data show? 

The most recent campus climate survey was done in 2019. “Our own campus data does confirm that first-year women specifically are at an elevated risk for sexual assault.” 

Sam went on to explain that “incidence measure new cases, while prevalence captures how many people overall have been affected.” First-year women report more new incidents of sexual assault within the last year compared to second-, third-, or fourth-year students. However, as time goes on, the prevalence increases. By the time women reach their fourth year, about one in three report having experienced sexual assault. 

Why might new students be more at risk? 

“New students may be at an elevated risk for sexual assaults due to situational and environmental factors such as living on their own and experiencing independence for the first time. They may have less social power on campus and they might not have strong social connections yet that can serve as protective barriers.” Regardless of environmental factors, sexual assault is never the fault of the victim. 

What does UHS do to support students and prevent sexual assault during their first semester? 

First-year students are required to complete two doses of prevention education trainings, one in August during the orientation period and another during the first couple months of the fall semester. We also work closely with House Fellows and New Student Leaders, two key groups who engage directly with prospective and new students, to strengthen their ability to prevent and respond to sexual violence. Sam emphasizes, “The risk doesn’t go away after the first year and that’s why we encourage students to participate in the prevention education we offer every year.” 

UHS Survivor Services supports student survivors by providing advocacy, mental health care, and medical services following an unwanted sexual encounter. During medical evaluations, students may choose to have evidence collected (commonly referred to as a ‘rape kit’). Staff also offer assistance with reporting, if the student wishes to do so. 

What can students do? 

Believe and support survivors. Students are more likely to seek support from their friends when deciding what type of post-assault care they need. You can support survivors by believing them, reminding them of campus resources, and supporting their choices. 

Don’t make assumptions. “Refrain from making assumptions about what someone is comfortable with or wants, especially in a dating/hookup context.” 

Be an active bystander. “It’s important to be alert when you notice that something is wrong, especially when alcohol is involved. Stepping in doesn’t have to be a big confrontation. It can look like a simple interruption by using humor to diffuse the situation or getting somebody else involved to help out.” 

Keep talking about it. “At the interpersonal level, students can continue conversations about healthy sex, relationships, and hookup culture. If students want to build more skills around all of those areas, UHS offers a bystander intervention training called the ActWIse program.” 

Get Educated through GetWIse@Home 

Education plays a crucial role in preventing violence on campus. UHS offers violence prevention programs to help students understand, address, and avoid violence. 

The GetWIse@Home program, mandatory for first year and transfer students, covers topics related to violence prevention and support for survivors. This program is also available annually to all undergraduates as a refresher to reinforce their knowledge and skills. 

“These topics are not only a concern for first-year students,” says Sam Bowen, Assistant Director of Violence Prevention. “In fact, the risk of experiencing some form of sexual or relationship violence increases the longer a student has been on campus. Repeated opportunities for education on violence prevention will increase the effectiveness of our violence prevention strategy.” 

The program includes four modules:  

1. DatingWIse (healthy relationships) 
2. SexWIse (healthy sex) 
3. ListenWIse (support for survivors)
4. ActWIse (bystander intervention) 

Year-Round Survivor Support and Resources 

UHS supports student survivors through advocacy, mental health, and medical services—including Sexual Assault Forensic Exams (SAFE) on-site—that are no-cost, confidential, and available to students of all genders. Our team will validate your experience while also sharing information and resources you might need, like referrals, accommodations, and reporting options. 

Students can schedule an appointment to talk with an advocate and learn about their options by calling 608-265-5600 (option 3) or self-scheduling via MyUHS. Learn more about UHS Survivor Services on our website. 

Drop-In Survivor Groups 

These groups offer a confidential, supportive space for student survivors to connect with peers. Groups are open to students who have experienced sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, sexual harassment, stalking, or childhood sexual abuse. 

Crafty Coping Community for Survivors 

Facilitators will guide members through creative, sensory, and movement-based coping strategies to navigate trauma and foster post-traumatic growth. Groups are open to students who have experienced sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, sexual harassment, stalking, or childhood sexual abuse. 

• Wednesdays from 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. (in-person) 
• Location: 333 East Campus Mall, 7th floor, Room 7001 
• Group Leaders: Alex Little and Austin Folger 

Virtual Support for Survivors 

Led by mental health professionals, the group fosters openness and affirmation while focusing on coping skills and supports for post-traumatic growth. Some boundaries around sharing trauma narratives will be maintained. Sign-up online. 

• Mondays from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. 
• Group Leaders: Kayla Eggen and Bridget Leyendecker 

Caring for Yourself at Home 

For mild colds, sore throats, or low fevers, you can generally recover at home. Colds and the flu are caused by viruses, which means that antibiotics will not treat them. A doctor will usually recommend self-care to help manage your symptoms. 

Here are some things you can do at home to help feel better:  

• Stay home and rest. Let your instructors know you’re sick, and make a plan to catch up later. 

• Drink plenty of water, tea, or electrolyte drinks. This can help you stay hydrated and loosen mucus. 

• Take over-the-counter medicines, like Advil, Tylenol, or Robitussin to help manage symptoms.  

• Try home remedies. A steamy shower or breathing over a bowl of hot water can help clear out your sinuses. Gargling with warm salt water can also soothe your throat.  

When to Seek Medical Help 

Keep an eye on your symptoms. It’s time to contact a health care provider if:  

• You have a high fever—over 100.5 degrees for more than three days. 

• You have worsening symptoms after 5–7 days. 

• You’ve been sick for more than 10 days with your symptoms not improving. 

Keep in mind that appointments are required for medical care at UHS, and drop-ins are not accepted. The fastest way to schedule an appointment is to call UHS at 608-265-5600 (option 1). This number can also be used for medical advice, even after hours, if you aren’t sure whether to seek care. Read more on the UHS website. 

Other Tips 

The best way to stay healthy and prevent the flu this fall is to get vaccinated. Free flu vaccines are available for students and employees at campus vaccine clinics all over campus. COVID-19 vaccines are also available. View a full schedule.  

What is Thrive Online?

An extension of our Thrive Workshops, Thrive Online is an evidence-based resource hub designed to help students manage common college mental health challenges. It offers practical tools, strategies, and worksheets across three current topic guides: Test Anxiety, Procrastination, and Stress Management

When should you consider exploring Thrive Online?

Test Anxiety

Explore this guide if you feel anxious before an exam or while turning in assignments. Learn to recognize common symptoms, use proven techniques to calm your nerves, and apply quick tips you can use before, during, and after your exam.

Stress Management

Check out this guide when you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck in “fight-or-flight” mode. It will help you identify your optimal stress zone, where stress motivates rather than drains you, and give you practical tools to stay balanced. You’ll also find simple strategies for relief, including meditation, setting digital boundaries, and improving sleep and nutrition.

Procrastination

Turn to this guide when you’re feeling unmotivated or overwhelmed by unfinished work. You’ll find practical tools such as the Eisenhower Matrix for prioritizing tasks, time-blocking strategies, realistic to-do lists, and SMART goals. The guide will also help you explore the deeper roots of procrastination and includes moments for reflection.

Looking Ahead

This resource will be adapted continuously based on the needs of the student community. Please let us know if you have feedback or are interested in other topics.

Whether you are looking to expand your knowledge, build skills, or connect to resources, University Health Services is here for you, this month and every month. Here are a few ways you can get started. 

Build Your Skills to Support Mental Health on Campus 

UHS offers online suicide prevention training through Recognize Respond, Refer for undergraduate and graduate/professional students, as well as faculty and staff through Canvas. This one-hour, self-paced training helps participants build their capacity to recognize warning signs for suicide, respond in a compassionate and helpful way, and refer someone to resources on and off campus. Whether you are a student looking to better support a friend, roommate, or classmate, or someone who teaches, mentors, or supervises students, this training is one concrete action you can take this month to contribute to a culture of support on campus.  

Learn more about trainings and resources available through Recognize, Respond, Refer.  

Find Connection Through Involvement 

Looking to get involved in supporting mental health on campus? There are many ways to connect with other students, staff and faculty working to prevent suicide and promote mental health on campus, including joining a mental health student organization, working in mental health promotion, or volunteering at a local or national organization. The Student Organization Fair, which takes place this month, is a great way to learn about student organizations working in support of mental health on campus. See the Suicide Prevention Student Involvement Opportunities webpage to learn about other ways to get involved. 

You can also explore the new Mental Health Hub in the Student Activity Center (Room 3203). The Mental Health Hub is a new space created by UHS, in partnership with several mental health-focused student organizations, which will provide a space for peer-to-peer support and programming. Keep an eye out for upcoming events, including visits by Dogs on Call each month this fall. 

Explore UHS and National Resources 

This month, and every month, UHS provides access to no-cost, confidential mental health services for UW-Madison students, including individual therapy, group counseling, and psychiatry. Same-day, next-day virtual appointments are available, as well as other services that don’t require an appointment, such as Let’s Talk drop-in sessions. 

Crisis support is also available 24/7 by phone and text. Add these important numbers to your phone contacts so you have them if you need them:  

• University Health Services has a mental health crisis line that is available 24/7, 365 days a year. Call 608-265-5600 (option 9). 

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides nationwide, 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, support and resources for people supporting a loved one in crisis. Call or text 988. 

• Crisis Text Line provides 24/7 text support from trained volunteer crisis counselors. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor. 

If you’re thinking about suicide, or if you’re concerned for the wellbeing of someone you know, call the 24/7 UHS Crisis Line at 608-265-5600 (option 9), or call, text or chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. 

By Dante Lucchesi, Collegiate Recovery Specialist 

A member of Badger Recovery during his time as a student at UW–Madison, Dante returned to Badger Recovery after graduation as a staff member. As a Collegiate Recovery Specialist, he supports students in recovery from substance use, disordered eating, and addictive behaviors.

About a month or two into my sobriety journey, I was at an all-men’s AA meeting with around 70 chairs, and there were a bunch of people standing. About halfway through the meeting I remember hearing something that has stuck with me. The share-out topic was “enjoying life in sobriety,” and there was an old-timer—what we call long-term, wizened members—who got up and said very loudly, “If you aren’t having fun in sobriety, you’re not doing it right.” Now, this is a rather harsh way of saying, “If things aren’t working, try something else.” Having fun and experiencing joy in sobriety is fundamental to being able to establish long-lasting recovery. This is because, quite simply, why would you want to maintain a new way of life that is less enjoyable than the one you had before? 

Unfortunately, experiencing joy can sometimes be extremely challenging in the first couple years of sobriety because the brain is undergoing tremendous change. Stopping an addictive substance or behavior is a complete shock to the system, and it can take a while for our brain chemistry to relearn how to make us feel good again. This phenomenon of being unable to feel pleasure is referred to as “anhedonia.” Your old hobbies may not feel fun anymore, or previously pleasurable activities might feel like they’ve lost their color. I bring this up not to instill fear, but to remind anyone in early sobriety that anhedonia is perfectly normal. It’s to be expected. It is not permanent. 

Now is the time to try new things. All of the hobbies that you kept in the, “I’ll get to it eventually” category should be put back on the table. Like the old-timer said, “If you’re not having fun in sobriety, you’re not doing it right.” Here are some ideas: get weirdly into doing puzzles, explore a new exercise modality that you’ve wanted to try and obsess over it, or dive into DIY opportunities like crochet, painting, woodworking, pottery, jewelry making, and knitting.  Chances are that because your brain chemistry is still all out of whack, some of these things are not going to be enjoyable, or you’re not going to be happy in the short term. That is okay. Just because some things don’t end up being fun does not mean that nothing will.  

In the last two years I have demolished sudoku books, bound some journals, made a fool of any puzzle unlucky enough to meet me, drawn stuff, captured the essence of the sea in resin artwork, learned card tricks, forgot card tricks, and read tens of books. I made friends at Badger Recovery, and with them I have won laser tag and Spikeball, lost board games and dignity, soared on trampolines, and laughed until my belly hurt.  

Nothing changes if nothing changes. The most important attribute or mindset in early recovery is not the ability to show up to everything perfectly, or drop all of your vices, or suddenly become the perfect version of yourself. The most important thing is that you continue to try. This Recovery Month, I invite you to try. If you are looking for something new to do, Badger Recovery has a full lineup of events this month. I’d love to see you there.  

Find Connection and Fun During Recovery Month 

Badger Recovery offers a welcoming, judgment-free space for students in recovery from substance use, disordered eating, and addictive behaviors to find connection, heal, and receive support. Join Badger Recovery this September for social events, peer-led recovery meetings, and individual recovery coaching.  

Here are Dante’s picks for upcoming recovery-friendly events, hosted by Badger Recovery: 

• Badger Recovery Bonfire Kick-off: Saturday, September 13 | 7–9:30 p.m. | Dejope Fire Circle (640 Elm Drive) 

• Badger Recovery Community Dinner + All Recovery Speaker Meeting: Monday, September 15 | 6:30–8 p.m. | Room 8808, 333 East Campus Mall 

• Pizza and Games with Badger Recovery: Friday, September 26 | 4–6 p.m. | Room 8808, 333 East Campus Mall 

For a full recovery meeting schedule, list of events, and more information visit the Badger Recovery webpage or connect with Badger Recovery on Instagram. 

While the situation is worrisome, measles is highly preventable with the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. For context, about 94% of cases were among people who are unvaccinated or didn’t know their vaccine status. That’s why we’re encouraging you to help us stay prepared by sharing your vaccination records in MyUHS.

If a vaccine-preventable illness like measles occurred on campus, state public health laws require students to quarantine if we don’t have proof of immunity. If you’re living on campus, you could be asked to return home or find space outside the residence halls at your own expense.

Check your vaccination status 

Many students received a series of 2 MMR vaccines when they were kids. The MMR vaccine is a common requirement for public schools because of the serious health effects of measles and how contagious it is. For every one person who gets measles, up to 18 unvaccinated people will become infected – That makes measles about 9 times more infectious than COVID-19. The MMR vaccine is highly effective in preventing measles and is our most important tool to prevent infection and further spread of the disease. 

If you are from Wisconsin, you can check the Wisconsin Immunization Registry. If you are from another U.S. state, navigate to your state’s immunization website using this portal. You may also contact your primary care provider to obtain your records.  If you haven’t received 2-doses of the MMR vaccine, you are highly recommended to get vaccinated. UHS provides MMR vaccines for a cost. Vaccines are also available at local Madison pharmacies. 

Upload your record to MyUHS 

Once you check your MMR vaccine status, please let UHS know by uploading your records to MyUHS. This is important because it helps our campus stay prepared as we continue to monitor infectious disease activity. In the event of an outbreak, we can then quickly identify students who are unvaccinated and at high risk for measles.

1. Login to MyUHS 
2. Once logged in, go to Medical Clearances. Click Update next to Immunization Record. Upload a file that includes your records along with your full name and date of birth. 
3. Next, click Update next to Measles. Add Immunization under Vaccine History entering the Date and Immunization. Complete this process two times to reflect the full measles vaccination series.  

After that, your vaccine records will be reviewed by UHS staff members. Please note: You will continue to see “Not Compliant” under Status and along with “Awaiting Review” under Details while your records are under review. This assures you that you have uploaded your records correctly. Your Status will update once the records are reviewed.