Wellness Coaching
Wellness coaching is a free service available to students via self-referral or referral from a campus partner by completing the initial request form through this page.
Centered around eight dimensions of wellbeing (social, emotional, physical, environmental, financial, spiritual, intellectual, occupational), wellness coaching provides the opportunity and framework to reflect on your wellbeing, establish + achieve goals, and build self-awareness + skills for a fulfilling and meaningful life. Our wellness coaches create a supportive environment where you are the expert. You know what is best for you based on personal priorities and values.
Wellness coaching offers peer-to-peer support with UW-Madison students who have completed an extensive onboarding process. Coaches participate in training throughout the year and have the support of the wellness coach team and professional staff. All coaches have learned and practiced wellness coaching, motivational interviewing, and peer education skills. Wellness coaches offer motivation, connection, accountability, and campus resources to be there for you through your wellness journey.
Request Wellness Coaching
Receive free Rec Well swag during your first coaching session.
What is Wellness Coaching?
Wellness coaching…
- Focuses on holistic health and wellbeing
- Centers on your strengths, interests, and personal goals
- Starts with self-reflection and goal setting
- Requires active participation and collaboration
Wellness coaching is not…
- Mental health therapy, assessment, diagnosis, or treatment
- If you are looking for mental health support, visit University Mental Health Services.
- If you need mental health support immediately, call the 24/7 crisis line to talk with a mental health provider: 608-265-5600 (option 9).
- Personal training
- If you are looking for personal training, visit Personal & Small Group Training.
One-on-One Wellness Coaching
One-on-one peer wellness coaching provides an opportunity for you to meet individually with a wellness coach. The first meeting will be approximately 60 minutes and follow-up meetings will be approximately 30 – 60 minutes in length. Most students who participate in coaching complete the wellbeing self-assessment prior to or during their first meeting. During the self-assessment, you will begin to discover how the eight dimensions of wellbeing may be impacting your health and wellness and often inspire personal goals for coaching. Meetings may occur across campus or at our private meeting rooms at the Nicholas Recreation Center or Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center. Virtual wellness coaching is also available depending on the student and coach preferences.
After completing the initial request form, you will be matched with a wellness coach based on coach availability and your preferences, interests, and goals.
As a bonus, you will receive a free Rec Well swag item of your choice during your first session!
Wellbeing Community Group
Rooting for Ourselves, Together
Wellbeing Community sessions, also known as group coaching, are facilitated by peer wellness coaches. Students will discuss the weekly wellbeing topic, reflect on their wellbeing, and create goals. Throughout these meetings, students will build connections while learning and practicing new skills for improving personal wellbeing. Students will gain knowledge, skills, and awareness that can support their wellness journey throughout college and beyond. There is no limit to how many Wellbeing Community sessions a student can attend. While there is a structure in place, coaches facilitate conversation and reflection so that each participant can personalize their experience. Snacks are provided and all are welcome! Wellbeing Community Group has ended for the spring semester. New sessions will begin in fall 2026.
Expectations
One-on-One Wellness Coaching
Please fill out the one-on-one wellness coaching request form. After completing the form, you will be notified via email when a wellness coach is available, and you have been matched. They will facilitate the scheduling process for your first meeting together. Matching depends upon coach availability and schedule alignment. You will be notified if a coach is not available and that you have been placed on the waiting list. Then, when a coach becomes available, you will be notified via email.
Wellbeing Community Group
You must register on services.recwell.wisc.edu. Use the menu on the left side of the page to choose Wellbeing > Wellbeing Community Group to select which sessions you would like to join.
If you sign up and find that you are no longer available, please cancel your registration online before registration closes. This occurs the week before sessions start.
Our peer wellness coaches are students just like you, juggling responsibilities for classes, jobs, friends, and family. We ask that you please respect their time by making every effort to attend scheduled appointments.
If you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment, email your coach at least 24 hours in advance. This allows them to plan their time accordingly and maintain their own sense of wellbeing. Space in the wellness coaching program is available on a first-come, first-served basis: If a student is consistently missing or rescheduling appointments, we will need to reevaluate whether coaching is a fit within their schedule right now.
Although wellness coaching is a free service at UW-Madison, if you miss a meeting without advance notice, you are subject to incurring a fee. Exceptions may be made for extenuating circumstances on a case-by-case basis.
Wellbeing Community Cancellation Details
- Go to services.recwell.wisc.edu.
- Click Log In in the top right corner of the page and log in using your NetID or Guest credentials.
- Once logged in, click your name in the top right corner of the page and select Profile from the drop-down menu.
- From the menu on the left side of the page, click Wellbeing.
- Find the group wellness coaching session registration you’d like to cancel. Click the three dots on the right side of the class listing,
select Cancel Registration, and follow the on-screen prompts.
All are welcome in this space, and discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.
We offer opportunities for all people to exchange ideas, share experiences, and achieve personal fulfillment. This pursuit of wellness is a right afforded to everyone, regardless of identity or ability. We have a collective responsibility to foster a culture of mutual respect, courteous interactions, and equal opportunities. Through our programs, services, facilities, and staff, we are committed to cultivating and upholding an inclusive environment in which we celebrate the differences of every member of our community.
Become a Coach
Applications for the peer wellness coach position open each spring semester. Professional staff will review all applications, hold interviews, and hire the next cohort of coaches for the following fall semester. Applications can be submitted on the Student Jobs website. Undergraduate, graduate, and professional students with an interest in promoting health and wellness, from all educational backgrounds and experiences are welcome. Students pursuing professions related to counseling, public health, healthcare, education, and other helping professions have been especially successful within this role!