Thrive UAlbany: A New, Holistic Well-Being Initiative to Support Student Success

UAlbany students enthusiastically sharing their Great Dane hand signal on the podium
(Photo by Patrick Dodson)

By Amy Geduldig

ALBANY, N.Y. (Jan. 20, 2026)— Just in time for the spring semester, the University at Albany is launching Thrive UAlbany, a new campus-wide wellness initiative. Designed to support students throughout their college experience, Thrive UAlbany brings together resources that help students stay well, feel connected and prepare for what comes next.

The initiative offers students a central point — both on-site and online— where they can easily find trusted support and services.  

Through Thrive UAlbany, students can explore:

  • Health & Wellness Support — In addition to comprehensive services available on campus, students have access to virtual mental health and wellness resources, including TimelyCare, as well as resources and tools to manage stress and maintain balance.  
  • Financial Literacy — Support for budgeting, understanding financial aid, long-term financial planning and informed decision-making during and after college.
  • Career Readiness — Internship and job resources, résumé assistance, career coaching, networking opportunities and pathways to future goals.
  • Belonging & Connection — Student organizations, cultural programs, peer communities and campus events that help students build relationships and feel at home at the University.

“Thrive UAlbany brings together resources, programs and services that support student wellbeing, connection and success,” said Michael N. Christakis, vice president for student affairs and enrollment at the University at Albany. “By aligning our work around the areas students consistently tell us matter most — health and wellness, belonging and connection, financial literacy and career readiness — we are creating a more connected, student-centered approach that makes support more visible, accessible and impactful, helping students thrive during their time at UAlbany and beyond.” 

Students will be able to access wellness resources through the Thrive UAlbany website, which connects them to services available at the University, as well as events and programs focused on well-being, growth and success.

The University will also open a new Thrive Hub in the Campus Center on Jan. 26. The space will offer students a welcoming physical place where they can ask questions, connect with peers, learn about campus resources and access support in one central location.

A member of the Health Promoting Campuses Network guided by the Okanagan Charter and recently named to the Princeton Review’s Mental Health Honor Roll for the second year, the University’s investment in campus well-being was further supported recently by a Mental Health First Aid grant awarded by the State University of New York. The $8,000 award will fund three dedicated on-campus trainers who will train faculty, staff and students to provide peer support and connect students with counseling services, which in turn will also support UAlbany's plan to provide a comprehensive set of resources to the campus community, including its recent partnership with TimelyCare that extends the reach of campus-based services.

“Mental health is health, and our priority at SUNY is to advance every aspect of our students’ growth and to ensure they have the support needed to succeed in their academic, professional, and personal development,” said SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. “The grants provided through this innovative program will help ensure more SUNY staff and personnel are trained to recognize and address mental health concerns and to support students in need.”