Health & Wellness

At FSU Law, we are committed to the health and wellness of the whole student. Focusing on the Nine Dimensions of Wellness, we aim to provide information and resources that will help students to be more successful in law school and beyond. 

Each Wednesday, the Office of Student Advancement offers wellness programming to promote healthy living, stress reduction, and habits that will help students through school and carry into their law practice. Previous "Wellness Wednesdays" have included time management workshops, yoga classes, safety trainings, crock pot classes, therapy animal visits, painting classes, meditation workshops, chair massages, mental health speakers, and more!

Creative Wellness

Valuing and actively participating in a diverse range of arts and cultural experiences as a means to understanding and appreciating the surrounding world.

Resources at FSU

  • The Art Center is located in the lower level of the FSU Student Union and offers a variety of classes, opportunities to host Painting Express parties, and affordable custom framing. The satellite location at the Askew Student Life Center offers Paint-A-Pot and Paint-A-Pot to-go.
  • Opening Nights at FSU offers an annual series of performances that draw a lauded selection of artists to FSU’s campus every year. In addition to world-class performances, Opening Nights provides master classes, lectures, and Q&A sessions for students by visiting artists and performers.

External Resources

  • The act of coloring is a wonderful stress reliever. The Adobe Coloring Book features a wide variety of coloring pages that you can color digitally or by hand.
  • The Tallahassee Arts Guide is run by the Council on Culture & Arts. It provides information and promotes the arts and culture to citizens and visitors. Their featured events page offers a schedule of upcoming events that range from fine arts exhibitions to live concerts.

 

Emotional Wellness

Developing a positive sense of self that is open to and experiences a healthy range of emotions.

Resources at FSU

  • Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) at FSU is fully committed to the health and wellness of our students. CAPS offers Telemental Health Services via Zoom, in-person services, and Telephonic Crisis Support to students. Students can also attend daily psychoeducation workshops via Zoom which focus on anxiety and depression. Highlighted workshops include mindfulness, resilient mind, and 'Where’s My Motivation?' Visit their Resources page for additional materials.
  • Schedule an appointment with FSU College of Law's embedded licensed mental health counselor, Taylor Nance. The first appointment, called a "triage", will focus on any concerns and determine the best course of action. All following appointments will be coordinated with Nance directly.

External Resources

  • Florida Lawyers Assistance (FLA) is a non-profit corporation formed in 1986 in response to the Florida Supreme Court’s mandate that a program be created to identify and offer assistance to bar members who suffer from substance abuse, or mental health or other disorders which negatively affect their lives and careers (Bar Rule 2-9.11). FLA’s primary purpose is to assist the impaired attorney in his or her recovery. Florida Lawyers Assistance takes the firm position that substance abuse, compulsive behavior, and psychological problems are treatable illnesses rather than moral issues.
  • Lawyers with Depression was launched by Dan Lukasik and the website educates others about depression, provides resources, and combats the stigma against those who struggle with this disease. The website features blog posts and podcast episodes in addition to the resources provided. 

 

Environmental Wellness

Developing an awareness of the environment that surrounds you and enhancing your relationship with it.

Resources at FSU

  • Sustainable Campus has created tools, guides, and resources to empower students, staff, and faculty to effect change. Whether your goal is to integrate sustainability into your academics, your professional life, or your personal life, Sustainable Campus has a helpful resource for you!
  • Florida State University is committed to providing quality education to all qualified students and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other legally protected group status. Providing services to more than 5,000 students, the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS) is committed to ensuring universal access for each Florida State University student. The OAS creates an environment of success through the provision of academic, housing, and dining accommodations, testing support, assistive technologies, and space for students to feel they are part of the FSU community.
  • FSU offers many commuting options such as FSU Rideshare and Nole Cab. If a student needs to get around campus safely at night, S.A.F.E. Connection provides rides for students on campus for free. The Seminole Express and Night Nole Bus Services provide transportation to, around, and from campus to surrounding Tallahassee areas for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. 
  • The College of Law’s Environmental, Energy & Land Use Law program encompasses the Center for Environmental, Energy & Land Use Law, a certificate program, externship opportunities, the Journal of Land Use & Environmental Law, as well as student organizations such as the Environmental Moot Court, and the Environmental Law Society.

External Resources

  • Sustainable Tallahassee is a volunteer-run organization that focuses on promoting sustainability in the Tallahassee community through education and collaboration with local government, non-profit organizations, businesses, and community partners.

 

Financial Wellness

Accessing the financial resources and skills that allow you to accomplish your goals.

Resources at FSU

  • Financial Success lists tools and training for FSU students to increase their financial wellness and literacy. Additionally, the College of Law has a page dedicated to Tuition & Financial Aid information for law students. 
  • The FSU College of Law offers a program of scholarship assistance made available through the generous support of alumni and friends. Information about external scholarships and writing competitions are advertised on the Student Advancement Canvas page. 

External Resources

  • MAX by AccessLex provides quick and easy-to-understand lessons, in-person and online learning options, one-on-one financial coaching from accredited financial counselors, and over $300,000 in scholarship incentives each year. Every semester, a representative form AccessLex hosts a workshop as well as one-on-one financial advising sessions with students.
  • Paying for Law School by AcessLex is a guide that addresses questions students may have before, during, and after law school. It offers tools to help students make informed financial decisions.
  • The Law School Admission Council has a webpage dedicated to advertising scholarships offered by third-party organizations. Note that while the application deadlines for some of the listed scholarships have passed, students should check back periodically, as the programs listed are active, and new opportunities will become available in the future.

 

Intellectual Wellness

Fostering critical thinking, developing moral reasoning, expanding worldviews, and engaging in the pursuit of knowledge.

Resources at FSU

  • Access 13,000+ videos and training courses for everything from professional development to personal hobbies through LinkedIn Learning. This platform is free to FSU students, faculty, and staff.
  • Learn more about the various programs and courses offered at the College of Law on the Academic Programs webpage.
  • The Research Center serves as the law library for Florida State University. Their primary mission is to train our students to produce highly sophisticated and cost-effective legal research. Services include research workshops and research guides. Students may use this form to submit questions to the Research Center reference librarians. 
  • The Academic Resources webpage includes the academic calendar, course schedules and exam schedules, academic rules & policies, and course descriptions. If you have additional schedule and/or curriculum questions, please contact the Registrar's Office.

 

External Resources

  • Libby is an app that allows you to borrow ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, and more from your local library for free.

 

Occupational Wellness

Engaging in work, volunteering, organizations, or academic endeavors in a manner that provides personal satisfaction, enrichment, and is consistent with sought-after values, goals, and lifestyle.

Resources at FSU

  • The Office of Career Services and Professional Development assists our law students and alumni with all aspects of their legal careers. They provide comprehensive career services, including individual advising/counseling, assisting with resumes and cover letters, and maintaining an online list of various employment and internship opportunities.
  • To obtain a law degree, a student must perform a minimum of 20 hours of pro bono legal work during their second or third year of law school. Pro bono legal work is defined as "work on behalf of indigent individuals or other uncompensated legal work in conjunction with an individual lawyer, law firm, or organization on behalf of a disadvantaged minority, the victims of racial, sexual, or other forms of discrimination, those denied human and civil rights, or other work on behalf of the public interest. Work on behalf of the public interest means legal work that is designed to present a position on behalf of the public at large on matters of public interest...." Learn more about the pro bono requirement.
  • The Bar Exam Preparation page on the College of Law’s website provides guidance and resources for how to successfully prepare for a bar exam. Resources include information about The Florida Bar exam, how to receive accommodations for the exam, and how to report bar study loans.

External Resources

  • The Henry Latimer Center for Professionalism’s mission is to promote the fundamental ideals and values of the justice system within the legal system, and to instill those ideals of character, civility, competence, and commitment in all those persons serving therein. They serve as a research, writing, and teaching resource for professionalism initiatives in Florida, and provide resources and information regarding professionalism to all affiliated with the legal field. You can also visit their blog to learn more about various topics including leadership, mentoring, and wellness. 
  • The Florida Bar Examination Study Guide is updated with the essay questions from the last examination twice annually. The sample multiple-choice questions included in the guide are updated periodically.

 

Physical Wellness

Taking care of your physical health.

Resources at FSU

  • University Health Services offers in-person and virtual services to the FSU community. These services include immunizations, physical therapy, lab services, dental care, and medication refills. They also offer virtual COVID-19 screening and evaluation for testing.
  • Fitness facilities at FSU include the Leach Recreation Center, the Leach Center Pool & Spa, and the Fitness & Movement Clinic. FSU offers group exercise and team training, small group training, and personal training across their various facilities. Additionally, there are outdoor facilities where students can participate in activities that range from sand volleyball to kayaking at the FSU Rez Lakefront Park & Retreat Center. 
  • The Center for Health Advocacy & Wellness promotes a collaborative campus culture rooted in well-being and resilience. Primary prevention efforts include power-based personal violence, high risk behaviors (alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use,) and eating disorders, while advocating for students to make healthy decisions related to nutrition, wellness, sexual health, and relationships. The center also offers wellness coaching for students that provides them with the skills necessary to improve their overall well-being and academic performance.

External Resources

  • Substance Abuse
    • The ABA has published a Substance Abuse & Mental Health Toolkit for students and law schools to tackle issues such as substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and stress.
    • The UF Health Florida Recovery Center is the state’s premier addiction treatment program, which combines the established principles of recovery and evidence-based addiction treatments with the vast knowledge and capabilities of a leading academic medical center.
    • The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test helps in the self-assessment of alcohol consumption and to identify any implications for the person's health and wellbeing, now and in the future. It consists of 10 questions on alcohol use. The responses to these questions can be scored, and the total score prompts feedback to the person and in some cases offers specific advice.
    • Florida Lawyers Assistance (FLA) provides assistance and support to lawyers, judges, law students, and other legal professionals who have harmed or are at significant risk of harming their careers and personal lives because of alcohol and/or drug abuse, mental health issues, or cognitive decline. FLA fosters identification, intervention, and recovery by providing assessments, referrals, and education and maintaining a supportive network of recovering legal professionals.
    • Mental Health America (MHA) has an online Addiction Test for people who are concerned about their use of alcohol or drugs. The questions focus on lifetime alcohol and drug use.
  • The Renfrew Center has been the pioneer in the treatment of eating disorders since 1985, with a core focus of empowering patients to change their lives. They have three facilities across Florida and offer specialized programming tailored to every patient’s needs. You can take the Food Quiz to help determine if you have a healthy attitude toward food and eating.

 

Social Wellness

Participating in positive social relationships, including friends, family, community, and work groups.

Resources at FSU

  • The Center for Global Engagement provides orientation, immigration advising, and ongoing support to over 2,400 international students on F & J Visas (including those completing Optional Practical Training following graduation) and family members, as well as to over 250 international scholars and faculty. Their signature social event is International Coffee Hour, held every Friday from 5–6:30 p.m. while classes are in session.
  • Visit our Student Organizations page to learn more about the numerous student-run organizations and journals. 
  • The FSU Toolkit on Healthy Relationships is a project developed by the Institute for Family Violence Studies within Florida State University’s College of Social Work. Through the use of this toolkit, college students will learn about the components of a healthy relationship, learn how to recognize signs of dating violence and sexual violence, and identify resources available on campus for students who need help.
  • Check the Events Calendar to see what events are happening around the College of Law.

 

External Resources

 

Spiritual Wellness

Seeing a sense of purpose and meaning in your life.

Resources at FSU

  • The Interfaith Council at FSU is an organization of religious communities who have come together from a wide variety of religious traditions and share a common interest in the free expression of religious faith in the life of the university.
  • FSU offers many spaces around campus for meditation and reflection. These spaces include the the FSU Labyrinth and the Meditation Room in the Global Multicultural Engagement Building. 
  • The FSU Counseling Center offers a workshop on mindful meditation that discusses the benefits and importance of meditation and how to incorporate it into your own life. 

 

If in Crisis

If you are having an emergency, you can walk in to FSU Counseling & Psychological Services during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.) and be seen by an on-call counselor. In case of a mental health emergency after regular business hours and/or on weekends, please use one of the following:

  • Counseling & Psychological Services after hours hotline: 850.644.TALK (8255)
  • FSU Police Department: 850.644.1234
  • 24-hour Crisis Help Line: 211 – from a local land line 
    • 224.6333 – from a local cell phone
    • 1.877.211.7005 – Toll Free
  • Tallahassee Memorial Hospital Emergency Center
    1300 Miccosukee Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308
    Phone: 850.431.0911