April 7, 2026 was a beautiful day at UNC Greensboro, but the mood felt lighter than most spring semester days on campus.
Bubbles floated by the Astera sculpture from a grassy area where students ate popsicles and played lawn games.
In Elliott University Center, students planted seeds along with paper slips with handwritten career goals in take-home terracotta pots.
At the Kaplan Center, the courts buzzed with pick-up volleyball and basketball games.
Music and laughter could be heard from across Spring Garden Street, as students crowded into a common room at Jefferson Suites for karaoke and ice cream.
And a small group of walkers developed into a parade down College Avenue, following three leashed goats who flicked their ears as students gathered to pet their fuzzy heads and coo at them.
On the first ever Wellness Takeover Day at UNCG, positive vibes could be found at every turn.
All Hands on Deck for Wellness
“The idea started with our work on the Eight Dimensions of Wellness,” said Vice Provost for Student Success Regina McCoy. “SGA students expressed the desire to have a day dedicated to wellness, so we formed a committee to engage departments across campus to participate.”
Students who participated in the activities on Wellness Takeover Day appreciated the University’s focus on mental health, especially during early April when students are gearing up for the final push before exams.
“Mental health is more important than a grade,” said second-year art major YaMiah Meadows. “A lot of people are stressing, and it does take a toll on how you perform in class.”
Activities represented all dimensions of wellness: physical, emotional, social, intellectual, cultural, career, financial, and environmental. Over 100 events were organized by departments across campus including seminars, social media engagement, field day games, artistic expressions, special offerings in the dining hall, tabling activities, and giveaways.
Isabella Ellis, a master’s student studying counseling in education, sat on a blanket making friendship bracelets with students on the library lawn. As a volunteer with the Vacc Counseling and Consulting Clinic, she was particularly impressed with how the Wellness Takeover Day was received: “It’s really cool to see the University put together something like this that’s so accessible to students.”
Most organizations and departments were pleased with how students engaged with the Wellness Takeover activities they planned, but the most memorable event was the “G.O.A.T Walk” hosted by the College of Arts & Sciences Dean’s Office. Students met at the Foust Building for a walk with three goats, combining “gentle exercise with animal-assisted wellness.”
“Goats walking down College Ave wasn’t on our bingo card when we first discussed plans for this day,” joked Kim Sousa Peoples, senior director of First Year Student Engagement and Experience, “But the positive student reaction to this and other events across campus was exactly what our committee was hoping to achieve with the Wellness Takeover Day.”
Story by Becky Deakins, University Communications.
Photos by Sean Norona, University Communications.
