Web cookies (also called HTTP cookies, browser cookies, or simply cookies) are small pieces of data that websites store on your device (computer, phone, etc.) through your web browser. They are used to remember information about you and your interactions with the site.
Purpose of Cookies:
Session Management:
Keeping you logged in
Remembering items in a shopping cart
Saving language or theme preferences
Personalization:
Tailoring content or ads based on your previous activity
Tracking & Analytics:
Monitoring browsing behavior for analytics or marketing purposes
Types of Cookies:
Session Cookies:
Temporary; deleted when you close your browser
Used for things like keeping you logged in during a single session
Persistent Cookies:
Stored on your device until they expire or are manually deleted
Used for remembering login credentials, settings, etc.
First-Party Cookies:
Set by the website you're visiting directly
Third-Party Cookies:
Set by other domains (usually advertisers) embedded in the website
Commonly used for tracking across multiple sites
Authentication cookies are a special type of web cookie used to identify and verify a user after they log in to a website or web application.
What They Do:
Once you log in to a site, the server creates an authentication cookie and sends it to your browser. This cookie:
Proves to the website that you're logged in
Prevents you from having to log in again on every page you visit
Can persist across sessions if you select "Remember me"
What's Inside an Authentication Cookie?
Typically, it contains:
A unique session ID (not your actual password)
Optional metadata (e.g., expiration time, security flags)
Analytics cookies are cookies used to collect data about how visitors interact with a website. Their primary purpose is to help website owners understand and improve user experience by analyzing things like:
How users navigate the site
Which pages are most/least visited
How long users stay on each page
What device, browser, or location the user is from
What They Track:
Some examples of data analytics cookies may collect:
Page views and time spent on pages
Click paths (how users move from page to page)
Bounce rate (users who leave without interacting)
User demographics (location, language, device)
Referring websites (how users arrived at the site)
Here’s how you can disable cookies in common browsers:
1. Google Chrome
Open Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top-right corner.
Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data.
Choose your preferred option:
Block all cookies (not recommended, can break most websites).
Block third-party cookies (can block ads and tracking cookies).
2. Mozilla Firefox
Open Firefox and click the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner.
Go to Settings > Privacy & Security.
Under the Enhanced Tracking Protection section, choose Strict to block most cookies or Custom to manually choose which cookies to block.
3. Safari
Open Safari and click Safari in the top-left corner of the screen.
Go to Preferences > Privacy.
Check Block all cookies to stop all cookies, or select options to block third-party cookies.
4. Microsoft Edge
Open Edge and click the three horizontal dots in the top-right corner.
Go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Cookies and site permissions.
Select your cookie settings from there, including blocking all cookies or blocking third-party cookies.
5. On Mobile (iOS/Android)
For Safari on iOS: Go to Settings > Safari > Privacy & Security > Block All Cookies.
For Chrome on Android: Open the app, tap the three dots, go to Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies.
Be Aware:
Disabling cookies can make your online experience more difficult. Some websites may not load properly, or you may be logged out frequently. Also, certain features may not work as expected.
Student Health and Wellness advocates for the balanced and integrated emotional, social, and academic functioning of our diverse community. Guided by our commitment to diversity and social justice, SHaW strives to create a safe and inclusive environment to enhance the quality of life on our campus. We aim to reach every member of our community through specialized training which raises awareness, reduces stigma, addresses barriers, and promotes holistic wellness. Trainings are offered to UConn faculty, staff, and students on an array of topics.
Click the button above to request a program, request SHaW participation on a panel or at an event, or to request an interview with a SHaW staff member on the Storrs Campus.
Programming options may vary depending on campus. For more information about programming for Regional Campuses, please email our Director of Regional Campus Operations, Nicole McKelvey-Wash at nim06007@uconn.edu
Mental Health
Promoting Mental Health
Presented By: SHaW Mental Health Facilitators: Staff Duration: 60-90 minutes, can accommodate time restrictions Intended audience: Students Best for groups of: 15-100 Description: This informative and interactive workshop increases participants' knowledge of the range of mental health resources on campus and helpful self-care and stress management strategies.
Color Your Calm
Presented By: SHaW Health Promotion Facilitators: UConn Peer Educators, Staff Duration: 45-60 minutes Intended audience: Students Best for groups of: 10-40 Description: Join us for an evening of creativity, good company, and stress relief. Sip on some hot chocolate or tea as you explore your inner artist. It's the perfect way to de-stress, make new friends, and discover a hidden talent.
Helping Students in Distress
Presented By: SHaW Mental Health Facilitators: Staff Duration: 60-90 minutes, can accommodate time restrictions Intended audience: Staff or faculty Best for groups of: 15-100 Description: This informative and interactive workshop helps participants learn the warning signs that someone is in distress, basic helping skills, and provides an overview of campus and national resources for those in crisis.
Making Time for Mindfulness
Presented By: SHaW Mental Health Facilitators: Staff Duration: 50 minutes [Offer between 9am and 3pm] Where: In Arjona or at another campus location Intended audience: Faculty and Students
Best for groups of: 5-15 Description: Practicing mindfulness has been proven to help individuals manage stress and support a balanced lifestyle. This is a skilled based experiential mindfulness workshop offered to UConn students, faculty, and staff. It includes an introduction of concepts and skills of mindfulness and provides time to put those skills into practice.
Coping with Stress: Mindfulness & Breathing
Presented By: SHaW Health Promotion Facilitators: UConn Peer Educators, Staff Duration: 45-60 minutes Intended audience: Students Best for groups of: 10-40 Description: College is hard! Stress is normal and to be expected. This interactive program helps students learn some coping skills by learning about and practicing mindfulness and breathing techniques.
UConn Helps
Presented By: SHaW Mental Health Facilitators: Staff Duration: 90 minutes Intended audience: Staff, faculty, students Best for groups of: 10-40 Description: HELPS enhances awareness and skills related to college student suicide through experiential learning and a guided group role play on developing empathic listening skills, communication skills, and the ability to compassionately and directly ask students about their suicidal thoughts. These skills enable participants to respond effectively to students experiencing a wide range of emotional crises and increase their ability to make meaningful referrals to appropriate professional resources.
*HELPS is based on Campus Connect from Syracuse University and is on the best practices registry for suicide prevention (Suicide Prevention Resource Center/American Foundation for Suicide Prevention)
Nutrition & Physical Activity
Physical Activity for the College Student
Presented By: SHaW Medical Facilitators: Staff Duration: 60 minutes Intended audience: Students Best for groups of: 15-30 Description: This practical and informative workshop helps participants understand the science behind their favorite gym routine or exercise class and provides information about the health benefits of a physically active lifestyle, how to start a new exercise routine, and troubleshooting common barriers and challenges to exercise in the college environment.
Nutrition for the College Student
Presented By: SHaW Medical Facilitators: Staff Duration: 60 minutes Intended audience: Students, staff, or faculty Best for groups of: 10-40 Description: Navigating eating well for energy, academic success, and overall health can sometimes be challenging for a busy college student. Participants will learn the building blocks of nutrition and strategies for eating nutritionally sound food on a college campus. Participants will also hear the facts about commonly heard nutrition myths and diets and ask questions to SHaW’s registered dietitians.
Recovery Support Services
Recovery Ally Training
Presented By: SHaW Health Promotion Facilitators: UConn Recovery Community Staff and student member Duration: 120 minutes, can accommodate time restrictions Intended audience: Faculty, staff & students Best for groups of: 10-100 Description:Recovery Ally Training program exists to expand awareness and sensitivity, as well as to support any individual who is in, or seeking, recovery from substance use disorders, and other mental and behavioral health disorders. This training is an interactive, two-hour session ideally delivered in-person. UConn's School of Social Work offers 2 hours of continuing education credits to participants who complete the training.
Substance Use Prevention
Facts on Tap
Presented By: SHaW Health Promotion Facilitators: Staff, graduate assistants Duration: 45-60 minutes Intended audience: Students (not available for Greek organizations) Best for groups of: 10-100 Description: Compete in a team-based trivia game that tests your knowledge about alcohol! Trivia topics include BAC, tolerance, how the body metabolizes alcohol, and how to help your friends stay safe!
High IQ: Navigating Cannabis
Presented By: SHaW Health Promotion Facilitators: Staff, peer educators Duration: 60 minutes Intended audience: Students Best for groups of: 10-100 Description: Compete in a team-based trivia game that tests your knowledge about cannabis! Trivia topics include THC potency, tolerance, risk reduction strategies, how to help your friends stay safe, and resources on campus!
Know Your Pour
Presented By: SHaW Health Promotion Facilitators: Staff, peer educators Duration: 60 minutes Intended audience: Students Best for groups of: 10-30 (can adjust if needed) Description: Participate in this hands-on learning activity to build your understanding of the standard drink size for alcohol beverages while learning some risk reduction strategies.
Sexual & Reproductive Health, Sexuality, & Relationships
Sexual Health Showdown
Presented By: SHaW Health Promotion Facilitators: The UConn Sexpert Peer Educators Duration: 60 minutes, can accommodate time restrictions Intended audience: Students Best for groups of: 10-100 Description: Test your sexual health knowledge by joining the UConn Sexperts for Sexual Health Showdown! Compete against your friends via Kahoot while learning all about a variety of topics, including safer-sex, contraception, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and more!
Let’s Talk About Sex: Setting Sexual Boundaries
Presented By: SHaW Health Promotion Facilitators: Staff, peer educators Duration: 60 minutes Intended audience: Students Best for groups of: 10-50 Description: This workshop provides an overview of what sexual boundaries are, sexual decision-making, & navigating & communicating boundaries.
General Medical
Converse with a Nurse
Presented By: SHaW Medical Care Facilitators: Staff Duration: 45-60 minutes Intended audience: Students, Staff Best for groups of: 50 Description: Please choose this option if you would like to learn more about the Know-U-Well Nurse Coaching program, the nursing profession, or medical care at SHaW!
Programs during the 2025 Summer:
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https://events.uconn.edu/live/json/v2/events/response_fields/location,summary/date_format/%25F%20%25j,%20%25Y/group/Student Health and Wellness/max/12/start_date/today/end_date/6 months/
https://events.uconn.edu/live/json/v2/events/response_fields/location,summary/date_format/%25F%20%25j,%20%25Y/group/student health and wellness/max/12/start_date/today/end_date/6 months/
Safer Sex Summer: Free Safer Sex Supplies Available Weekly
The SHaW Sexperts office, located in Wilson Hall, Room 106 (South Campus), will be open every Tuesday from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, beginning Tuesday, May 27 through Tuesday, August 5. During these hours, UConn students are welcome to stop by and pick up free safer sex supplies, including condoms, lubrication, and dental dams.
Safer Sex Summer: Free Safer Sex Supplies Available Weekly
The SHaW Sexperts office, located in Wilson Hall, Room 106 (South Campus), will be open every Tuesday from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, beginning Tuesday, May 27 through Tuesday, August 5. During these hours, UConn students are welcome to stop by and pick up free safer sex supplies, including condoms, lubrication, and dental dams.
The Out of the Darkness Campus Walks are the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's (AFSP) signature student fundraising series, designed to engage you in the fight to prevent suicide, a leading cause of death.
Walk Route:2 mile route! Registration will be outside of the Student Union on Fairfield Way. Participants must bring an ID.
Location:Fairfield Way Sunday, April 7 Registration Time: 11 am Walk Time: 11:30am
Fresh Check Day is an uplifting mental health promotion and suicide prevention event that aims to create an approachable and hopeful atmosphere where students are encouraged to engage in dialogue about mental health and helps to build a bridge between students and mental health resources. Join for fun, food, games, baby cows and more!
Location:Student Union Mall Saturday, April 20 Time: 1 - 4 pm
A peer support group for expecting and parenting students. The group meetings will be held both in-person and virtually. This is open to all undergrad and graduate students on any campus.
S.H.A.P.E. (Students Helping Achieve Positive Esteem) is a student group that fosters awareness around eating disorders and body image. New members are always welcome!
Open to all UConn students who strive to promote accepting attitudes towards all body shapes and sizes while helping to encourage self-esteem and positive body image.
Therapeutic Yoga skillfully blends movement and breathwork, with a meditative focus for a full body practice that calms, nurtures, strengthens and opens one into flexibility of body and mind.
Open to all UConn students, faculty and staff from any campus. No experience required.
NEW IN-PERSON SESSIONS
Mondays: 3 pm; Location: Arjona 4th Floor
Thursdays: 3:30 pm; Location: The Wellness Community: Troy-Shakespeare, first floor lounge.
Open to all UConn students from any campus who are living with addiction to substances and/or other mental health and behavioral disorders. Meetings are "non-denominational" and supports all pathways to recovery. Meetings will be held both in-person and virtually.
Open to all UConn students from any campus who are living with addiction to substances and/or other mental health and behavioral disorders. Meetings are for those seeking to explore the 12 Step model of recovery. Meetings will be held both in-person and virtually.
These sessions are for UConn students who are in recovery from substance misuse and/or mental and behavioral disorders, are affected by others who are, or are allies to those in recovery. Sessions combine vinyasa yoga and pranayama breathing followed by time for open sharing.
gloveBOX is a free safer-sex supply delivery service. Students can order safer-sex supplies, including condoms, lubrication, and dental dams, to have delivered directly to their mailroom.
Students can choose from 6 different boxes, up to 3 times a semester.
Peer Support Drop-In Hours are a great option for students who have questions about sex and sexual health, are looking for a non-judgmental, laid-back environment to discuss a sex related concern or issue, or are interested in improving their sexual health and personal well-being. Our UConn Sexperts are trained to provide education, support, and connection to resources on and off-campus on a wide variety of topics pertaining to sex, sexual health, and relationships.
Location: SHaW's Wilson Hall Building, room 124
Monday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Tuesday: 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm Wednesday: 9:00 am - 6:30 pm Thursday: 9:00 am - 11:30 am Friday: 9:00 am - 11:30 am
Join us for Let’s Get Together Thursdays for 15 Minutes of Calm. Practice breathing & stretches for stress relief.
Open to all UConn students from any campus. No experience required. Sessions will be held virtually.
The Lavender Resilience Collective is an opportunity that offers educational support for LGBTQIA+ UConn students to interrupt internalized bias based on our unique and intersecting identities. Together, students will learn new tools to help build resilience and feel empowered to be their authentic selves.
Open to both undergraduate and grad students across all of UConn's campuses.
Recovery coaches are available for one-one-one support for UConn individuals who have loved ones with active addictions or who are in recovery from substance misuse and/or other mental and behavioral health disorders.
Earn your Innovate Wellness Design Thinking Workshop Certificate and Badge this semester with SHaW's Innovate Wellness team!
Work with professionals and experts through tangible and hands-on learning. This is an opportunity to gain new skills and bolster your resume while gaining the foundational tools and experience in design thinking fundamentals. Only 20 spots available!
Students will be able to write all of their negative perceptions of themselves down on a plate and then smash the plate to let those perceptions go!
Location: Fairfield Way November 2 11 - 2 pm
Appy Hour
The OPIM Lab and Innovate Wellness know the importance of relaxation and taking time to destress. So the Lab BUSN 391 will be open for students as a relaxation space with wellness related activities. Pizza, apps, sweet treats, and mock tails will be provided!
Location: the OPIM Lab BUSN 391 Monday, April 24 Time: 3 - 6pm
Participate in the Innovate Wellness Photovoice Project! Your photos can help promote change on campus!
All you have to do is submit photos relating to to your wellbeing, things that find you joy, or brings balance to your life.
We collaborated with Center for International Students & Scholars (CISS) to help international students connect with each other, discuss topics related to success at UConn, and learn about resources at UConn
Students will be able to test and interact with various health and wellbeing apps! This specific event will introduce students to our Innovate Wellness program while also asking for their feedback and insight on a variety of health-based apps. Join us for free food and goodies! The Beta Bash is part of October's Month of Discovery!
Location: Wilson Hall, Room 126 Thursday, October 6th 5 - 7 pm
As part of Suicide Prevention Week, you are invited to walk two miles in order to STOMP out the Stigma that can be associated with mental illness and suicide.
Location: Meet outside the UConn Rec Center! Tuesday, September 20th 6:30 pm
