Social Wellness

Having a supportive social network, contributing to society, and valuing cultural diversity.

A Person Who Is Socially Well

Social Wellness Programs at UC San Diego

CAPS

  • Que Pasa

    • Que Pasa: Join us for a quarterly drop in gathering for Latino/a and Chicano/a students, staff, and faculty to connect, exchange ideas, meet friends, and build community. We invite you to share your perspective regarding issues facing Latinos/as and Chicanos/as on our campus and in our community. All are welcome! Light refreshments will be served. Call For More Info: 858-534-3875. 

  • Building Social Confidence

    • Would you like to improve the quality of social interactions and the availability of social support?  This group focuses on identifying fears related to social situations, reducing self-defeating coping patterns and strengthening effective social skills.  It combines an educational and support approach.  Topics covered are tailored for each group, and have included building conversation skills (how to start, sustain, and end conversations), assertiveness training, how to speak up in class, and how to reduce anxiety in social situations such as dating, parties, or professional meetings.  Leader: Tiffany O’Meara, Ph.D., 858-534-1579.

  • Advanced Building Social Confidence

    • This is a group for students who have completed one quarter of the Building Social Confidence group and would like to continue to work on reducing anxiety in social situations and increasing their self-confidence.  Students get more individualized attention in this group, and topics are dictated by the group members.  Come share your own experiences and challenges, and get feedback and support from a caring group of students who share similar experiences.  Once you've completed one BSC group, you may join the Advanced group at any time while you are here at UCSD! Leader: Tiffany O'Meara, Ph.D., 858-534-1579

  • Knowing Me, Knowing You

    • Do you find it difficult connecting with others?  Do you find yourself avoiding social situations (even when you want to socialize?)  If so, 'Knowing Me, Knowing You’ may be for you!  This group will provide an opportunity to relate to others, gain social skills, and learn more about yourself in the process. Leader: Sam Park, Ph.D., 858-534-0249.

Center for Student Involvement

  • The Center for Student Involvement offers professional advising services, student organization resources, leadership and community service programs, and campus wide events. Find out more information here: http://getinvolved.ucsd.edu

Express to Success Programs

  • Express to Success (ETS) helps you build confidence and develop skills in public speaking, interpersonal communication, and leadership. You can find more information about the free programs available to you by visiting our website: http://ets.ucsd.edu.
    • Develop strong communication skills
      • Learn to communicate effectively and develop social self-confidence.
      • Develop public speaking and presentation skills.
      • Become more confident in expressing your ideas.
    • Increase your potential for success
      • Develop leadership and teamwork skills.
      • Initiate new relationships and establish friendships.
      • Learn how to manage time, control stress, and resolve conflict
    • Programs available
      • Quarterly seminars on Interpersonal Communication and Public Speaking
      • Year-long leadership programs (Triton Success Program and ADVANCE!)
      • Drop-in workshops in the CommunicateUCSD! program
      • Request a customizable workshops for your student organizations and/or campus departments (link to request form: http://ets.ucsd.edu/presentationform.php)

International Center

  • The International Center is a multipurpose facility created to foster cross cultural exchange and to provide international events and education for the entire UC San Diego campus and community. The International Center provides advising services and programs for the 4,000+ international students and scholars as well as more than 1,000 programs abroad participants. We also offer programs for the entire campus community that foster global perspectives.

  • Students Beyond Borders

    • Fridays 12:15-1:30 @ International Center
      Join us, as often as you like, in our weekly "drop in" meeting with other international students. Non-international students with interest in cross cultural dialogue are also welcome. Topics Include: dealing with stress, gender roles, dealing with expectations, and more.

Recreation

  • Intramurals

    • Play flag football, coed inner tube water polo, dodgeball, basketball, soccer, softball, and more! The Intramural Sports program at UCSD is your home base for recreational team sports activities. For the past 30 plus years, our program has established deep campus roots as a reliable and primary source for fun and good times through sports participation.
  • Sports Clubs
    • Sport Clubs are part of the UCSD Campus Recreation Program and exist primarily to give interested students the opportunity to experience the commitment, challenge and enjoyment of a competitive extramural (competition against teams outside of UCSD) sports experience. These teams are initiated by students and reflective of their diverse sporting interests.

  • Rec Classes

    • Learn how to ballroom dance, try out more than 20 forms of martial arts, experience a new way of stretch with yoga, or tone your abs with core conditioning. Check out all of the rec classes offered by the Recreation Department.

Student Health Service

  • Student Health Advocate's outreach program:

    • Be a Friend - Save a Life*

        • Whether you are a drinker or non-drinker, find out how to party safely, what alcohol does to the body, and how to help a friend.

        *To schedule this workshop with your group, please call 858-534-1824.


Tips to Being Socially Well

  1. When introducing yourself to others, say their name back to them. You are much more likely to remember it! "It is nice to meet you, Joe. My name is Chris."
  2. Starting a conversation could mean beginning a new friendship. You don't know until you try!
  3. Making connections is more than just knowing someone's name. Make an effort to find out who they are too!
  4. Smiling can not only brighten your day but someone else's too!
  5. A firm handshake lets others know you are confident and interested in meeting them.
  6. Being social is being aware of both your needs and the needs of others.
  7. When meeting others, remember everyone comes from a unique background and has a unique story to share.
  8. Fewer assumptions about others means more pleasant surprises along the way!
  9. Building trust in a new relationships takes time. Be patient and enjoy the journey.
  10. The words "Thank you!" are worth their weight in gold when you are sincere.
  11. It is important to show you care about your friends. It can be as simple as "Thanks for being here to support me right now."
  12. You don't need to do something special to be social. Even doing homework together is a way to be social!
  13. Social "skills" are learned through practice!
  14. Asking questions is a great way to get to know someone and show your interest in them.
  15. Make eye contact, it’s a great way to show you are listening and acknowledging other people in the conversation.