UNK is working with the mental health company U-Thrive to teach its curriculum in a workshop on campus.

“U-Thrive was looking for some partners to pilot taking their curriculum out of a classroom setting and finding other ways to deliver their curriculum,” said Kelly Tuttle Krahling, the workshop organizer. “We are one of those partners this year.”

The workshop has also applied to present at a U-Thrive convention.

It is still early for the workshop at UNK, so the last two lessons were spent connecting to the U-Thrive software and focusing on self-compassion and mindfulness. 

Jade Salgado Antunez, a sophomore in chemistry, was one of the attendees.

“I went because I knew that it was about self-compassion, and I knew that that was something that we could all use in a positive way,” Saldago Antunez said.

The turnout for the first workshops were low with two people showing up on Thursday, but Salgado Antenez hopes to see more people in the future.

“I think it would be a lot better if more people came so that they can have the information since I think it is very useful,” Salgado Antunez said. “Even with a small group it was still nice since it was comfortable and direct.”

Prior to the start of the semester, Tuttle Krahling was asked by the football coach to teach a seminar to the players.

“He did have me come into a leadership program he did with his athletes,” Tuttle Krahling said. “I presented to his first year players, but also his entire team about the importance of being an engaged student.”.

Tuttle Krahling said that U-Thrive was possible due to generation Z’s understanding and different outlook on mental health than older generations. 

“Our students are more aware of mental health challenges and that mental health is important,” Tuttle Krahling said. “They are recognizing in themselves more that they might be struggling with stress, anxiety and things like that. Our students are seeing it, reporting it and looking for help.”

Students can attend future workshops at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays in Copeland 133 and 12:15 p.m. on Thursdays in Copeland 131.