Meet with Peers

Connecting with peers provides an innovative way to supporting the community by promoting opportunities for student engagement, connection, and reducing barriers to mental health resources. Some of our peer engagement includes peer to peer initiatives including Bearcats Support Network (BSN) and Sky@UC.

Bearcats Support Network

Bearcats Support Network is a community of students that fundamentally work to destigmatize mental health while holistically working to create a network that is supportive, loving, and inclusive through peer-to-peer support groups and monthly social events.

We offer weekly group meetings in which members are given space to address their mental and emotional wellbeing in a safe and confidential environment. These meetings are led by two to three group leaders who have been trained by our sponsors at CAPS and the Student Wellness Center. For the most updated information on current group offerings, please visit the BSN website or go to their Instagram page.

BSN Kickbacks are open both BSN members and the Cincinnati student body, aimed towards building a stronger sense of community on campus. Kickback events are a fun and safe alternative that occur once a month. All Kickback events are free and open to all members of BSN and the larger UC community.
Follow us on Instagram (@ucincybsn) for the most updated event announcements! 

BearChats

Bearchats is a collection of affinity groups meant to act as a space for students to build community and dig deeper into their intersecting identities.

  • The Sum is our affinity group for multiracial students at UC. 
  • Bridges is our affinity group for leadership development through a social justice lens. 
  • The Color Collective is our affinity group for QTPOC students at UC.  

Bearcats Recovery Community

The Bearcats Recovery Community is a program designed to support UC students in or seeking recovery from alcohol, drugs and other addictions. The BRC and its programs allow students to have an authentic college experience at UC while maintaining their recovery. 

LGBTQ Center Affinity Groups

The LGBTQ Center offers a number of optional, recurring support and social groups peer-led by PRISM Mentors. Please feel free to stop in. They are open to everyone on campus. These are always evolving. They meet once a week on the 7th floor of the Steger Student Life Center. Shades of the Rainbow meets biweein the AACRC. 

SKY@UC

CAPS and the Student Wellness Center has collaborated with SKY@UC to foster a peer-supported mental well-being bearcat community. Under this initiative, students will be offered scholarships to learn evidence-based SKY Breath Meditation, participate in Silence Retreats, and be trained to facilitate meditation and wellness workshops.

Wokeshop Wednesday's

In-person, Biweekly Wednesdays starting 9/4, 3:45pm- 4:30pm
Located in the AACRC Harambee Room

Wokeshop is a bi-weekly peer led community wellness group that provides a safe space for student’s of color to discuss and obtain support as they navigate critical issues around race at a PWI.