Counseling Services offers a variety of specialized services to support the needs and experiences of our African American and Black* students. Below is the schedule for spring term 2026:
Wellness Wednesdays at the BCC
Join us each week at the Lyllye Reynolds-Parker Black Cultural Center
Black CommUNITY Conversations
1:00 p.m. (weeks 3, 5, 7, 9, 11)
Facilitators: Dr. Cecile Gadson and Dr. Aris Hall
In collaboration with the Lyllye Reynolds-Parker Black Cultural Center, this is a space for Black** students and staff to connect for a weekly discussion related to the strengths and challenges within the community. The discussion varies weekly with topics ranging from campus climate and activism to mental health and popular culture. We welcome Black students and staff for an open dialogue where they can be their radical and authentic selves.
Black Care Corner
Noon–4:00 p.m.
Black Care Corner was a collective creation between 2022–2023 SAB African American/Black student community liaison, Johana Amani, and two Black psychologists, Dr. Cecile A. Gadson and a former therapist. This project provides culturally curated tools and materials that center wellness for Black students and help break down mental health barriers in the Black community. Black Care Corner is in partnership with Dr. Aris Hall and the Lyllye Reynolds-Parker Black Cultural Center.
Black Joy Sessions: Finding Joy Within
1:00 p.m. (weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, 10)
Facilitator: Dr. Cecile Gadson
Black students, faculty members, and staff are invited to engage in activities that center Black joy including art, laughter, music, and movement. Black Joy Sessions create a space to center a celebration of Black culture, uplift, heal, and empower using a liberated narrative of the Black experience. This space is designed to be an easy, transformative, and love-infused space to create, express, and (re)claim Black joy.
Let’s Talk
2:00–4:00 p.m.
Facilitator: Dr. Cecile Gadson
Let’s Talk offers brief informal consultations on a drop-in basis, so there is no appointment necessary. Students are seen on a first-come, first-served basis either in person at Let’s Talk locations across campus and/or by Zoom. Dr. Gadson specializes in working with Black students.
Black Healing Spaces
Sista Circle**
Tuesdays, 4:00–5:30 p.m.
Facilitator: Dr. Cecile Gadson
Sista Circle is a processing and support group for African-American/Black-identified* womxn to work through concerns such as academic stress, self-esteem, family challenges, relationships, identity development, mental health concerns, and much more. Group members will be able to work through their presenting concerns, find community, and be empowered in a protected therapy space.
Kuponya: Centering Black Healing
Register to attend
Facilitator: Dr. Cecile Gadson
Black-identified* students, faculty members, and staff engage in guided soulfulness mindfulness; African-centered healing strategies; and dialogue to promote collective healing. Connect, breathe, and heal in a space designed specifically for you. Participants who attend will receive a free self-care package. Register to attend.This group is also available upon request. Please complete the outreach and presentation request form.
Jegnaship: Well-Being Professional Development
Interested in identity-based wellness outreach? Join a student-led, volunteer initiative to build experience, grow professionally, and support community care. Email Dr. Gadson to learn more.
Kuponya Connect: Centering Black Grad Wellness
April 23 and June 4, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
403 Ford Alumni Center
Facilitator: Dr. Cecile Gadson
Dedicated space that empowers Black* graduate students through community support, resources, and focus on holistic wellness. These events provide nourishing meals with activities that range from healing circles, Black joy sessions, meditation and wellness workshops. By achieving these goals, we aim to not only alleviate food insecurity but also empower Black graduate students through community support, resources, and a focus on holistic well-being.
One-on-One Sessions with an African American/Black Student Specialist
Dr. Cecile Gadson
Counseling Services has therapists who specialize in working with Black students. If you would like to meet with one of these staff members, call Counseling Services at 541-346-3227 to schedule an appointment or stop by University Health Services for a drop-in appointment. You will meet with one of our Mental Health Access Team members, and you can request to work with a Black/African American Student Specialist for short-term therapy or ask more about any of the Black student services and programs we provide.
*Black, African, African American, Afro-Latinx, Afro-Caribbean, or the African Diaspora
**Therapy group requires a pre-group orientation meeting