UJ STUDENT HEALTH AND WELLNESS STUDENT GUIDE 42 C-SHAW: A Year of Wellness, Awareness & Student Empowerment Every year, the Centre for Student Health and Wellness (C-SHAW) leads the way in shaping a healthier, more informed UJ community. From fun campus activations to life-changing campaigns, C-SHAW keeps students engaged, empowered, and well, body, mind, and soul. Here’s a look at the major highlights that define a year with C-SHAW: Setting the Standard The year begins with the SAACHS Conference, Travel Health and IOD Training, and the Student Assistant Induction, equipping C-SHAW’s dedicated team to support students across all campuses. First-Year Success & STI Awareness February focuses on smooth transitions and smart choices. The First Year Experience Podcast – “Surviving Your First Year at Uni” guides new students through academic and social adjustments, while the STI Awareness Campaign promotes responsible relationships and sexual health education. Health Rights & TB Awareness March shines a light on wellness and responsibility through the Human Rights and Substance Awareness Campaigns. A key highlight is World TB Awareness Day, marked annually with education drives and testing to promote early detection and prevention. Conversations that Matter C-SHAW continued the important dialogue on safety and human dignity with the Human Trafficking Movie Screening (8 Days) and post-screening Dialogue Session, following the success of its 2024 debut. April also features the Residence Health and Wellness Drives, taking services directly to students in residences and off-campus housing. Youth Month & Living Positive C-SHAW joins national Youth Month celebrations with Exam Wellness Drives and the Living Positive Beyond HIV Podcast, creating a safe space for real conversations about living confidently and healthily with HIV. Women’s Month & Empowerment In celebration of Women’s Month, C-SHAW partners with UJ Community Engagement for Mandela Day initiatives, giving back to local communities. The Peer Education Empowerment Hike also promotes unity, mental wellness, and leadership development among students. Spring into Wellness September brings fresh energy with Suicide Prevention Campaigns, Heritage Month activities, and Wellness Expos in partnership with the UJ Library, held throughout the year to promote holistic student well-being. The year wraps up with the impactful Student Choices Roadshow, run in partnership with Student Affairs, encouraging responsible decision-making around health, lifestyle, and academics across campuses. Mental Health & Cancer Awareness A major month on the C-SHAW calendar! The Mental Health Awareness Campaign includes the UJ Mental Health Podcast, campus dialogues, and the Peer Education Camp and Awards Ceremony celebrating student ambassadors. October is also Cancer Awareness Month, where students can access free breast examinations, pap smears, and testicular cancer awareness — all offered across campuses. Women’s Wellness Month Through ongoing Pap Smear activations and Women’s Health Dialogues, C-SHAW raises awareness around women’s reproductive health and wellness, tackling important issues of access, dignity, and empowerment. Each year in May, the University of Johannesburg proudly celebrates International Nurses Day, honouring the dedication and compassion of nurses and nursing students who form the backbone of our healthcare system. The event, hosted by C-SHAW, brings together health practitioners, and nursing students for a beautiful celebration filled with inspiring talks, heartfelt tributes, and moments of reflection on the vital role nurses play in saving lives and promoting wellness. It’s a day to appreciate their unwavering commitment and to inspire the next generation of nursing professionals at UJ. Men’s Health Month July marked the official launch of the UJ Men’s Health Programme, featuring an inspiring book discussion, health expo, and interactive sessions on men’s physical and mental health. Plans are already underway for a Men’s Cookout and Sports Day in 2026!
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