AUSTIN, Texas—Stressfest 2006, a fun, interactive event that includes a virtual cruise for members of The University of Texas at Austin community, will be held on the main campus from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. April 12 in the Flawn Academic Center and West Mall areas.
The event is sponsored by the university’s Counseling and Mental Health Center and is supported by University Federal Credit Union.
Nautical flags, balloons and banners will mark the site where members of the university community will receive colorful leis as they go aboard for the virtual cruise. Visitors to the Relaxation Deck will be able to stretch out on deck chairs and listen to relaxation tapes while sipping on tropical fruit smoothies. Or they can take advantage of free chair massages.
For those too busy to enjoy the “Relaxation Deck” or to wait in line for a massage, there will be a fortune-telling table where students and others can learn how “self talk” affects their future. Other interactive displays include pet therapy dogs, biofeedback, stress management for students of color, substance use and stress, aromatherapy, quick and healthy meal planning and sexual health jeopardy. Demonstrations of acupuncture, dance and Qi Gong will be available. There also will be fitness assessments and golf swing analysis.
Other campus agencies, including the Career Exploration Center, the School of Nursing, University Health Services, the UT Learning Center, Services for Students with Disabilities, the Office of the Ombudsperson, the Conflict Mediation Clinic, the Gender and Sexuality Center, Informal Classes, the Multicultural Information Center, the International Office, the UT Police Department, Legal Services for Students and Recreational Sports will be participating to help students learn different techniques to reduce their stress.
For more information contact: Laura Ebady, Counseling, Learning and Career Services, 512-475-6911; Robert D. Meckel, Office of Public Affairs, 512-475-7847.
