March 21, 2021 by 2020-2021 Learning & Teaching Culture Advisory Group

It is no surprise that we architecture students are constantly challenged with balancing school life and overall health and well- being. We dedicate our class and outside time to our architectural work, tirelessly working until perfection. Sometimes, this tireless and relentless effort made toward our schoolwork becomes the utmost important task, prioritizing our health as our last concern. A year ago, the Midwest Quad addressed this issue by dedicating a week for health and wellness, or known as Health and Wellness Week, which engaged members in the region by providing resources and giving a chapter a chance to explore a theme presented each day. Whether it be discussing time management or studio culture policies, this week highly encouraged chapters to make a change in their own studio culture and strive for a studio culture policy that is inclusive for all. The weeklong event proved to be not only successful, but beneficial and it inspired a much bigger initiative, this time, on a national scale.

From the 22nd of March through the 26th, the AIAS will be hosting the first Health and Wellness week. This weeklong event aims to raise awareness of health and wellness among architecture students by providing resources throughout the week and holding events that focus on different aspects of health and wellness. These events will be dedicated to the theme of Get ______, a way for you, the members of the AIAS, to get involved and connect with others all around the world. From the Learning and Teaching Culture Advisory Group (LTCAG) to you, here’s what we have planned throughout the week!

Get Out- March 22nd

Whether it’s getting out of your home or studio space, this day is for you to take some time out for yourself! Taking time away from your schoolwork is imperative to your health. Hop on to Google Meets to talk about how you take care of yourself and what you want to see throughout the week!

Get Active- March 23rd

Did you know to stay healthy, adults should try to achieve at least 150 minutes of physical activity over a week? You’re in luck because we are getting active on this day! We will be hosting a virtual yoga session to get you energized and your heart pumping at the end of the day.

Get Connected- March 24th

 Mental health check- we want to see how you all are doing! Join us for a Google Meet session about mental health awareness and how we can start a conversation about it in our architecture community and among our members and peers.

Get Educated- March 25th  

We all know about studio culture- or Learning + Teaching Culture- and how the policies impact those who work within all learning environments. Whether it be faculty, staff, or students, the Learning and Teaching Culture policy (LTCP) promotes a more diverse and inclusive space for all. On this day, we will be providing LTCP resources along with other mental health and national resources for you.  Check these resources out on our AIAS Advocacy page on Instagram and share them with your very own chapter!

Get Involved- March 26th

Our final day will recap our Health and Wellness week and leave the week on a high note. Join our final  session on Google Meets and we will talk about how you can get involved in changing your school’s studio culture policy and take action!

If you want to get involved, but don’t know where to start, make sure to keep on the lookout for these events on the AIAS Advocacy page on Instagram @aias_advocacy. Can’t wait to see you all!

 

Download the Health & Wellness Week Poster