A new initiative at Stony Brook University is aiming to help students develop financial skills and confidence through a series of workshops. The Financial Wellness Workshop, led by Campus Internship Manager Amy Paulino from the Career Center, was launched in collaboration with the Office of Financial Aid and student interns.
The program, officially named Seawolves Financial Gameplan, takes a wellness-focused approach to financial education. Paulino explained, “Instead of calling it financial literacy, which can feel intimidating, we intentionally use the term financial wellness. Wellness is something students already connect with, and financial wellness is one of the eight dimensions of health.”
Before launching the workshop, Paulino worked closely with Financial Aid to ensure that messaging aligned with existing resources such as the Money Smart Seawolves program. “It was important not to duplicate efforts or send mixed messages,” she said. “This really is a collaborative approach.”
The workshop series was developed with input from three student interns through the Empire State Service Corps, a SUNY initiative focused on student success and peer coaching. The four-part series covers topics that students identified as most relevant: budgeting basics, building emergency funds, understanding credit cards, and addressing the emotional aspects of money management.
The first session introduces concepts like net versus gross income and provides information about campus resources such as the Internship Equity Fund, which supports students participating in unpaid internships or research opportunities. Paulino emphasized the importance of this support: “Students shouldn’t have to choose between gaining career experience and meeting their basic financial needs.”
In the second workshop on emergency funds, Paulino noted that preparing for unexpected expenses is essential: “It’s not about if an emergency will happen, but when.” She encouraged students to make small but consistent contributions toward savings.
The third session focuses on credit card essentials and how credit history can affect future goals like buying a car or renting an apartment. While clarifying that no direct financial advice is given, Paulino said her goal is to provide knowledge so students can make informed decisions.
The final workshop addresses money mindset issues such as financial trauma and social comparison among peers from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Paulino observed that many students are encountering diverse financial realities for the first time: “That can be really challenging if no one is talking about it.”
Paulino believes vulnerability plays an important role in these workshops: “Students are talking about money in ways they never have before. That alone is a huge step forward.”
Student feedback has been positive overall, with reports of practical changes like starting budgets or opening emergency funds. Surveys conducted before and after sessions help measure shifts in confidence and awareness.
Some participants noted that standard budgeting models may not fit everyone’s circumstances—especially those without steady income—a point Paulino acknowledged: “That feedback is important. It reminds us that financial wellness isn’t one-size-fits-all.”
Demand for the workshops has been high; more than 100 students registered for each session. Originally planned as in-person events, virtual options were added to accommodate interest.
To further improve access and equity, materials will be made available through Brightspace for those unable to attend live sessions. Plans are also underway for a dedicated website and FAQ resource.
Students who complete all four workshops receive a graduation cord as recognition for their commitment to long-term financial well-being.
“This information isn’t meant to convince students to do anything,” Paulino said. “It’s about giving them tools — tools they can use now or later — that align with their goals and support their overall health.”
The Financial Wellness Workshop will continue each semester so more students can participate.
