Indiana University Indianapolis students can look forward to a week full of free fun opportunities to celebrate the upcoming Valentine’s Day holiday. Health and Wellness Promotion will kick off Healthy Relationships Week on Feb. 10.
Last year was the most successful Healthy Relationships Week since the event started in 2018, with about 450 students in attendance across all 18 events. This year, Health and Wellness Promotion plans to spread 25 events across the week for IU Indianapolis students.
If you are looking for a Valentine’s Day-themed choice that will get your heart pumping, grab your best gal and sign up for “Galentine’s Power to the Pedal Cycling Class.” For those looking for more romance, the Latino Student Association will be hosting “12 Corazones: A Blind Dating Experience,” based on a popular Latino game show. Students who are interested in being a contestant on the show should fill out an interest form ahead of time.
This semester, Healthy Relationships Week has added a few new additions to the mix, including:
- Snow Ball Winter Dance: Think high school homecoming, with activities like trivia, coloring and even a snowball fight.
- Letting Go of Love: Shred your worries in this symbolic event to release what no longer serves you.
- What’s Your Relationship with AI?: Discover how AI can support your studies, streamline your tasks, and open new opportunities for learning and growth.
- Partners in Play with Campus Rec: Try out ping pong, cornhole and video games, then stay for a mini-tournament.
- Chocolate Social and Valentine’s Postcards: Join the Office of International Affairs for chocolate from around the world, write Valentine’s Day postcards to your favorites, and make friendship bracelets.
Anderson said he is excited to see the Snow Ball Winter Dance come to life. The event, which Housing and Residence Life began hosting last year, will be a part of Healthy Relationships Week, along with a few mini Healthy Relationships Week activities during the dance.
Student organizations and offices across campus get involved in creating activities for Healthy Relationships Week, including Alpha Chi Omega, Latino Student Association, U Bring Change 2 Mind and Counseling and Psychological Services.
IU Indianapolis students can create letters of love and gratitude while enjoying free snacks at their “Share the Love” station on Feb. 11, or delve into a spectrum of relationships at their “What’s with Relationships Anyway?” interactive station on Feb. 12.
While all relationships are unique, every relationship at its core involves effort and care, said Ellis Johnson CAPS mental health specialist.
“Similar to caring for a plant, healthy relationships take intention as well as continued care and support,” Johnson said.
Beyond Healthy Relationships Week, CAPS offers IU Indianapolis students other mental health resources such as group counseling, support groups and individual counseling. Johnson said he encourages anyone who wants to attend therapy to “really consider what they want out of it and how they hope to have their needs met.”
The full calendar of events for Healthy Relationships Week can be found on the IU Indianapolis Event Calendar, or visit Health and Wellness Promotion for other future events.
Health and Wellness Promotion encourages students to attend Healthy Relationships Week events for a break from the ongoing list of daily responsibilities. No romance is required.
“One thing that correlates across so many aspects of one’s health is connection and community, so if we can dedicate a week to celebrate that and give opportunities to students to be in community with each other, then we think it’s just a perfect opportunity,” Anderson said.
