Welcome to the Department of Student Health and Wellness (SHW) at the University of Virginia! We're thrilled to have you join our community dedicated to fostering holistic well-being among our students. At SHW, we prioritize your physical and mental health throughout your academic journey. Our team of experienced healthcare professionals is here to provide comprehensive medical, counseling, and support services tailored to your individual needs. Whether you're seeking routine medical care, mental health resources, or guidance on healthy living, we're here to empower you to thrive. Explore our services, connect with our caring staff, and embark on a path towards optimal health and academic success.
Welcome aboard, and remember, your well-being is our top priority!
New Student Check List
The first weeks of school at UVA are filled with lots of new opportunities and information. You’ll slowly acclimate to Grounds, make connections with your peers, and find your place at the University. As your partner in health and well-being, we want to increase your appreciation of the importance of healthful behaviors, assist you in developing self-care skills and learn how to be an effective consumer of health care resources. Here is a list of 10 things you should do as you begin your journey at the University of Virginia
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Miss something? Looking for a presentation?
Parent Presentation
Empowering Parents: Navigation Student Health and Wellness at UVA
Is Your Hoo on Track?
Student Resources
EmpowerU: Your Guide to Health and Wellness at UVA
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Student Health and Wellness Pocket Document
Letter from the Senior Associate Vice President of Student Health and Wellness
Dear New Student,
Welcome! Here at the Department of Student Health and Wellness, we provide you with high quality and confidential health care. We know as a student you will face many challenges and choices and believe that your academic success and participation in extracurricular activities require good health. Our goals are to help you maintain your health through education and prevention and to restore your health when necessary by treatment of illness, injury, or stress. As your partner in wellness and well-being, we want to increase your appreciation of the importance of healthful behaviors, assist you in developing self-care skills and learn how to be an effective consumer of health care resources.
Our clinicians are both care providers and teachers. Not only do we regard each patient encounter as an opportunity to affect your health attitudes and behaviors, but we’re also involved in the formal education of undergraduates, medical students, graduate students and medical residents in a variety of specialty areas. The trainees working in our facility are closely supervised by a permanent member of our staff.
Our department offers outreach programs on many health issues throughout your time on Grounds. You can also schedule an individual meeting with one of our staff members or a trained Peer Health Educators.
If you become ill or if you have questions or concerns you would like to discuss with a physician, psychologist, nurse practitioner, or triage nurse please make an appointment to see one of our care providers. We’ll assist you in recognizing when care or treatment is needed, provide primary care, or help you obtain specialized care if required.
You’re the reason we’re here, and we welcome your use of the resources we offer. We appreciate hearing from you regarding our services and encourage your active involvement with the Student Health Advisory Committee. On behalf of the entire staff, we’d like to contribute to your enjoyment and academic success as a UVA student.
Chris Holstege, M.D.
Senior Associate Vice President, Student Health and Wellness
![Chris Holstege stands in front of a building.](/sites/g/files/jsddwu891/files/styles/crop_freeform/public/2022-02/chris_holstege_ss_header.jpeg?h=8032d31e&itok=XCieWOyr)