Your mental health is vital to your quality of life. CUW students participating in campus clubs are here to support you—you are worth it!
Dozens of clubs, groups, and organizations currently exist at CUW, each with it’s own mission to enhance the wellbeing of the students participating in it. With the recent passing of Mental Health Awareness & Suicide Prevention week, several groups/clubs showed their support to student body with a plethora of valuable information and activities suited to help mental health.
Falcon Outreach Group (FOG)
FOG—a student-led organization—is sponsored by CUW to provide programming, food, training, and event planning for peer-to-peer support.
Why is FOG so important?
Research shows that peer connections play a vital role in protecting mental health—students are far more likely to first confide in a peer than in a professional. By offering structured opportunities like Hangout Hubs and larger events such as WOAH Wednesdays—a monthly collaboration event that brings together student clubs, organizations, and individuals—FOG helps reduce isolation and creates a natural bridge to additional wellness resources if needed.
“Friendships are one of the most protective factors we have when it comes to mental health. I can’t tell you how often a student will reach out wanting to connect with counseling, and when we start talking, the real concern is loneliness,” explains Rebecca Hasbani, Counseling Center coordinator and FOG advisor. “FOG is the perfect bridge—it’s a friend group that’s open to all, not dependent on roommates or sports teams. I truly cannot emphasize enough how vital it is for students to feel known and connected on campus.”
Ian Sandfort, psychology major and business minor, is the FOG’s president and has been involved for three years. He first joined as a Hangout Hub leader because it aligned perfectly with his Christian values.
FOG Hangout Hubs are safe places for students to gather and build peer connections through fun activities. These range from casual walks on the bluff and board game nights, to larger outings like mini golf or a movie off campus. For Mental Health Week, FOG also supported the Green Bandana Project*, hosted a table at the Mental Health Fair, and organized a campus-wide “Pop’s and Play” event featuring lawn games, sand volleyball, popsicles, and plenty of opportunities to meet new people.
As Sandfort prepares to graduate in spring 2026 with plans to become a Christian counselor, he hopes to carry forward the same values of friendship, faith, and connection that FOG has instilled in him—and that continue to shape campus life at CUW.
To join FOG, email President Ian Sandfort (ian.sandfort@cuw.edu).
Psychology Club
The Psychology Club at CUW brings together students who share an interest in psychology. From guest speakers and workshops to service projects and community events, the club allows students to learn more about the field while connecting with classmates and making a difference on and off campus.
More than 200 psychology students participated in this year’s Mental Health Week as part of a fall service-learning project, with 400+ service hours projected through November.
At the Mental Health Fair, the Psychology Club invited students to create comfort plaques—wooden plaques decorated with Bible passages, uplifting messages, and song lyrics—to donate to individuals who are struggling with mental health or in need of encouragement.
“This simple but powerful activity gave our students a chance to combine creativity, compassion, and faith, while also offering tangible support to others,” says Vittoria Sipone, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology.
Club members also organized a blanket-making evening for students, with the blankets donated to the Lakeshore Regional Child Advocacy Center.
“Seeing college students volunteer their time for such an impactful cause is inspiring and creates an environment of service and compassion,” says Lexi Anderson, Psychology Club vice president.
Mikayla Dolan, Psychology Club president, says, “This week is a really great way for students to impact the community around them—and even their own community here at Concordia—by showing up for people and learning about different ways to offer support through trainings and speakers.”
To join Psych Club, email President Mikayla (mikayla.dolan@cuw.edu) or Vice President Lexi (alexis.anderson@cuw.edu). Follow @cuwpsychologyclub on Instagram or check out their next event.
*The Green Bandana Project raises mental health awareness, reduces stigma, and connects students to support and suicide prevention resources. After a brief training during MHW, CUW students carry resource cards and display a green bandana on their backpack to show they’re a trusted peer who knows how to connect others with help.
Additional Reading:
- “The Green Bandana Project highlights Mental Health Awareness Week at CUW”
- “Student Spotlight: Mikayla Dolan”
Want in?
Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body, and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.