Events & Newsletters
Upcoming Events
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Feb 02
Monday
Summer 2026 - Class schedule available
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Feb 02
Monday
Organizing Your Week (Group)
Student Services Building (SSB)
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Feb 04
Wednesday
Craft & Connect
Student Services Building (SSB)
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Feb 04
Wednesday
Calming Tools Discovery Drop-In
Student Services Building (SSB)
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Feb 04
Wednesday
Study Power Hour (Group)
Student Services Building (SSB)
Neurodiversity & Disability Week: February 17-20, 2026
If you need accommodations for any of the events below, please email Shalyse.McKnight@utah.edu. If you are requesting an interpreter, please complete the appropriate request form.
Tuesday February 17
- Opening Keynote Address: Adam Janisieski-Chacon
- 12:00pm - 1:00pm
- Zoom: https://utah.zoom.us/j/82401084148
- Everyone is welcome to attend - students, staff, & faculty
Wednesday February 18
- Sensory Fair
- 11:00am - 2:00pm
- Student Services Building, Third Floor
- Everyone is welcome to attend - students, staff, & faculty
- Raffle entry to students who attend – Enter to win a Brick, Noise Cancelling Headphone, or Loop Quiet
- Wellness Hub 350
- Explore items used for sensory regulation. Learn about what this means & tools that can be used
- Mindfulness Center
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11:00 am - 12:00 pm: Grounding Techniques
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12:00 pm - 1:00 pm: Guided Meditation
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- Room 380
- 11:00 am - 12:00 pm: Visit with Volley and Hang with Homer (facility dogs through UCC)
- 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Craft & Connect
- Wellness Hub 350
Thursday February 19
- Student Voices Panel
- 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
- Zoom: https://utah.zoom.us/j/87080524629
- Everyone is welcome to attend - students, staff, & faculty
- Student Social with Dessert Bar
- 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
- Student Services Building 350
- Open to students
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Raffle entry to students who attend – Enter to win a Brick or Bluetooth Headphone
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1:00 – 2:00 pm, Trivia Game (Small prize to be given to the winners)
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2:00 -3:00 pm, Mingle & Craft
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Friday February 20
- Webinar: Supporting Neurodiverse Students (hosted by Center for Teaching Excellence)
- 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
- Zoom:
- Open to faculty, instructors, graduate students, and post-docs
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Description: Currently, 4% of University of Utah students self-identify as neurodivergent. However, research shows that only about one-third of students with a qualifying disability inform their college. As a result, the number of students who need accommodations may be up to three times higher than what we typically recognize—often invisible in our classrooms. In this workshop, we will explore teaching strategies that support neurodivergent students’ academic success, social-emotional development, and sense of community in the classroom. We will also share faculty resources available for effectively supporting neurodiverse learners.
- Student Treasure Hunt
- 2:00pm
- Natural History Museum of Utah
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Open to students
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Small prize to be given to the winners
Calming Tools Discovery
Wednesdays, 2:00-3:30pm
Student Services Building, Room 350
Sensory Exploration is a weekly drop‑in space designed to help students discover tools that support focus, regulation, and overall well‑being. During these open hours, students are welcome to stop by and try out a variety of sensory support items—including weighted blankets, fidget tools, textured objects, noise‑reduction options, and other calming or stimulating resources. This space offers a low‑pressure environment where students can explore what works best for their individual needs. Staff are available to answer questions and guide students through different sensory options. Open to all students and those interested in learning about neurodiversity or sensory supports.
Eye to Eye Mentor Program
We have an exciting volunteer opportunity open for Spring 2026 semester. The Eye to Eye program, in partnership with the University of Utah, pairs college students who learn differently with middle school students who learn differently. Each week they meet at Parkside Elementary in Murray to do an art room. It is a fun and engaging way for students to connect and provide valuable insight to young learners. No specific experience required, this is a great way to get community involvement or resume building skills!
Call to Action: We are looking for U of U students who would like to be a mentor in the art rooms. We are also looking for a couple of students who would like leadership experience to become Chapter Leaders and lead the art rooms.
Expectations: Meet weekly, every Thursday from 3:20 – 4:20 pm
Location: Parkside Elementary in Murray, UT (If transportation is an issue we can help!)
Training will be provided virtually
Interested students can fill out a registration form here or email Shalyse.McKnight@utah.edu.
Past Events
Neurodiversity & Disability Awareness Week
OUT-OF-THE-BOX THINKERS: STUDENT VOICES
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
12:00 - 1:00 pm
Zoom: https://utah.zoom.us/j/93035838622
Join us for an inspiring virtual panel event where students with disabilities share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs at the University.
Host: Shalyse McKnight
rEGISTER
UNLOCK ACCESSIBILITY: ESSENTIAL UPDATES FOR A BETTER DIGITAL EXPERIENCE
Thursday, March 20, 2025
12:00 - 12:45 pm
Zoom: https://utah.zoom.us/j/97675627347
Learn practical strategies to make your content more inclusive and reach a wider audience.
Presenters: Sravi Garikipati & Marie Wintriss
rEGISTER
BEYOND THE BOX: A COZY CONNECTION
Friday, March 21, 2025
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
SSB 350 Lounge
Stop by for tea, coffee, snacks, and activities. Build your social network by meeting new people and having fun!
REGISTER
Virtual Backgrounds
Neurodiversity & Disability Awareness Week Background V1
Neurodiversity & Disability Awareness Week Background V2
Curious about the Center for Disability & Access (CDA) and how we support students?
Stop by our drop-in-hours to learn more in a relaxed, informal setting.