Imagine this: A student organization reaches out for a presentation on stress management. A week later, a faculty member requests a session on flu prevention. Then, a Resident Assistant asks for something on healthy relationships. By midterm, your health promotion team is drowning in custom requests, duplicating efforts, and struggling to maintain consistency in messaging.

Sound familiar? That’s why having a structured, easy-to-access health education “menu” can streamline your wellness programming and ensure consistent, high-quality outreach across campus.

What Is a Health Education “Menu?”

Call it a menu, a catalog, or a toolkit—whatever fits your style. It’s a comprehensive collection of well-developed wellness and prevention topics, complete with ready-to-use materials and clear guidance for putting them into action.

Furthermore, campus stakeholders—including student groups, faculty, resident assistants, and student leaders—can simply select a topic from this curated catalog, making the entire collaboration process more efficient and effective.

These presentations typically include:

• Comprehensive slide decks with presenter notes
• Handouts and resource lists
• Interactive activities and discussion guides
• Tabling resources for awareness campaigns
• Assessment tools to measure impact
• Training materials for peer educators or co-presenters

Some institutions have expanded this model by empowering peer health advocates or building cross-departmental presenting teams that include staff from Counseling Centers, Recreation Services, and Academic Success offices—creating a more holistic approach to wellness education.

Why It Works

This structured format isn’t just convenient. It can also help your campus accomplish the following:

• Time Efficiency: Reduce preparation time for presentations after implementing a standardized wellness menu.
• Message Consistency: Improved clarity and consistency of messaging across multiple campus audiences.
• Resource Optimization: Campuses can reach more students without increasing staffing levels.
• Student Satisfaction: Higher satisfaction ratings for structured programs compared to ad hoc presentations.
• Assessment Quality: Stronger assessment data reported when using consistent programming formats.

Additionally, structured health education menus help institutions:

• Align programming with recognized wellness frameworks (like the National Wellness Alliance’s Six Dimensions of Wellness and the Okanagan Charter)
• Support formal partnerships between Counseling Services, Health Services, Student Activities, and Academic Affairs
• Empower peer health advocates with clear boundaries and well-designed materials
• Create predictable touchpoints throughout the student experience
• Facilitate more equitable access to health information across diverse campus populations

P.S. – Need help promoting these resources? Find five unique promotion ideas here.

What to Include in Your Health Education Menu

Additionally, when creating a health education menu for your campus, provide topics that are high-impact, relevant, and easy to deliver. Here’s a foundational list, gathered from health directors like you and based on trends we’re seeing across campuses nationwide:

Core Topics

• Alcohol and Substance Misuse Prevention
• Sexual Health & Safer Sex Practices
• How to Prioritize Sleep Hygiene
• Nutrition and Mindful Eating
• Physical Activity & Movement
• Consent and Healthy Boundaries
• Cold, Flu, and Infection Prevention
• Healthy Relationship Skills (romantic and platonic)

Mental Health & Emotional Well-being

• Burnout Prevention & Stress Management
• Homesickness & Adjustment to College Life
• Building Social Connections on Campus
• Mindfulness & Coping Skills for Anxiety

Academic & Intellectual Wellness

• Time Management & Focus
• Study-Life Balance
• How to Have a Healthy Relationship with Technology

Financial & Occupational Wellness

• Financial Literacy for College Students
• Managing Work and School

Optional Add-ons or Series

• The Six Dimensions of Wellness Series
  • Emotional, Physical, Social, Intellectual, Financial, Spiritual
• Peer-Led Wellness Circles
• RA/Faculty Training Modules

Special Format Options

Tired of traditional, sit-and-listen health presentations? These engaging formats make wellness education interactive, hands-on, and more impactful for participants. Explore these workshop series and interactive activity ideas to keep students engaged:

Wellness Workshop Series

• The Six Dimensions of Wellness Series (Emotional, Physical, Social, Intellectual, Financial, Spiritual): Each session explores one of the six key wellness areas with discussion prompts, activities, and real-life strategies. Great for helping students understand how different aspects of their well-being are interconnected.
• Peer Relationship Series (progressive skill-building program): This series can focus on communication, conflict resolution, empathy, and setting boundaries. It’s designed to help students navigate friendships, dating, and roommate dynamics with confidence.
• Mindful Campus Series (progressive mindfulness skill development): Students can learn and practice mindfulness techniques over several sessions, including breathwork, body scans, and grounding strategies. Ideal for stress management and building emotional regulation skills.
• Body Positive Series (multi-session body image programming): This series explores media literacy, self-compassion, and inclusive wellness messages. Each session builds on the last to foster a healthier relationship with one’s body and appearance.

Interactive Formats

• Wellness Escape Rooms (interactive problem-solving focused on health topics): Students work together to solve themed puzzles that reinforce key health concepts (like sleep, nutrition, or consent). A fun and immersive way to engage with wellness education.
• Health Myth-Busting Events (quiz-show formats for groups): This fast-paced, game-style event helps debunk common health misconceptions through team challenges and trivia. Great for RA events, orientation weeks, or classroom takeovers.
• Wellness Fairs (multi-topic tabling with interactive components): Fairs bring together multiple campus and community partners to offer resources, giveaways, and hands-on activities. Think spin-the-wheel games, smoothie bike stations, or stress ball DIY tables.
• Peer-Led Wellness Circles (facilitated discussion groups): Small, supportive groups where trained peers guide conversations around mental health, identity, stress, and more. Encourages connection, validation, and shared coping tools.

Tips for Implementation

• Template Your Materials: Use a consistent slide deck format, a request form, and a follow-up survey.
• Create a Shared Folder: Make it easy for peer educators and staff to grab handouts, posters, or tabling talking points.
• Stay Data-Driven: Use attendance tracking and feedback forms to refine your topics and formats each semester.
• Pilot Before Scaling: Start with the top 5 requested topics, then grow the menu over time.

Key Takeaways

As a campus health leader, your impact goes far beyond delivering one-off programs—you’re shaping a sustainable system that empowers students to thrive, both now and in the future.

When done intentionally, health education has the power to shift campus culture in meaningful ways. Creating a campus-wide health education menu or toolkit isn’t just a means for organization—it’s a strategic step toward a healthier, more engaged student community.

Ready to enhance health and wellness efforts on your campus?
Explore how you can build a more accessible, inclusive, and effective wellness culture on your campus.

In the high-pressure world of college athletics, student-athletes juggle rigorous training schedules, academic responsibilities, and the everyday demands of college life. Ensuring these athletes remain in peak physical condition while maintaining their overall health is no small feat.

This challenge is especially prominent when athletic departments and campus health and counseling centers operate separately. That’s unless…You’re utilizing an integrated Electronic Health Record (EHR) system!

EHR solutions offer a seamless, efficient way to coordinate care between departments and ensure that student-athletes receive comprehensive support both on and off the field.

In this blog we’ll cover:

The Disconnect Between Athletics and Campus Wellness

Athletic trainers manage student-athlete injuries and performance optimization on many campuses, while campus health centers handle general medical care and counseling handles mental health support.

With these three services operating independently, this makes it difficult to share critical health information that can impact an athlete’s overall well-being. This disconnect can result in delayed or incomplete care and missed opportunities for holistic health management.

The Role of an Integrated EHR in Coordinating Care for Student-Athletes

An integrated EHR platform addresses these challenges by creating a single, unified system that offers multiple benefits, including permission structures to maintain student privacy:

1. Improved Communication Sharing

A comprehensive EHR system allows both athletic trainers and wellness services staff to access shared student records, ensuring everyone involved in a student-athlete’s care is on the same page—but with safeguards in place.

Permission structures within the EHR ensure that only certain types of information or notes are visible to specific staff. For instance, a trainer may access medical history relevant to injuries but won’t see sensitive mental health notes unless permitted. This balance ensures privacy while improving overall care coordination.

Effective coordination among trainers, health services, and counseling services is essential for comprehensive student-athlete care. Here’s how it can look in practice:

• Trainers can view a student’s medical history before deciding on treatment for an injury.
• Health services can stay updated on any injuries or physical conditions when providing care.
• Counseling services can access relevant health information to better support a student’s overall well-being during treatment.

2. Seamless Coordination of Care

When athletic trainers and health services can collaborate through a shared EHR, they can coordinate care more effectively. For example, if an athlete is recovering from a concussion, trainers and wellness professionals can work together to develop a tailored recovery plan. 

This accounts for physical, mental, and academic considerations. With all the information in one place, treatment plans can be updated in real-time, ensuring continuity of care.

4. Enhanced Tracking and Monitoring

An EHR system provides real-time access to data, making it easier to track athletes’ progress, monitor injuries, and manage recovery timelines.

Moreover, health professionals and trainers can quickly identify trends and adjust treatment plans as needed. This tracking is particularly beneficial for preventing recurring injuries or monitoring conditions like stress fractures or overuse injuries.

Hey! If you’re reading this blog, you might also be interested in our other blog, College Athletics and Mental Health. Check it out here.

5. Informed Decision-Making

Whether it’s a decision to return to play after an injury or addressing chronic issues like asthma or anxiety, integrated EHRs empower both athletic trainers and health services to make informed, data-driven decisions.

Furthermore, all clinics having access to comprehensive medical data ensure that student-athletes are not rushed back into play before they are fully ready, reducing the risk of re-injury.

Why Integration Matters for Mental Health

The physical demands of collegiate sports can take a toll on mental health. Anxiety, depression, and stress are common among student-athletes who balance competitive pressures, academic obligations, and personal lives. An integrated EHR streamlines communication and collaboration, improving overall care for student-athletes.

Sharing information on mental health services and treatment plans allows athletic trainers to recognize when an athlete might need extra support. This enables health and counseling services to intervene earlier if mental health issues are affecting athletic performance.

Key Takeaways

Coordinating care between athletic trainers and campus health and counseling centers is critical to ensuring that student-athletes receive comprehensive, holistic care. By implementing an integrated EHR solution, colleges and universities can break down silos, improve communication, and provide better care for their athletes.

And when these departments can seamlessly communicate, student-athletes can perform at their best—both on the field and off.

Want to learn more about how you can bridge the gap between different departments on your campus? Contact us today to see what your options are in helping your campus improve student-athlete care.

In 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that “more than one-half (53.8%) of adults aged 18–34 years reported having at least one chronic condition, and nearly one-quarter (22.3%) reported having more than one chronic condition.”

Given these significant numbers, college health centers play a critical role in managing complex health conditions among students, such as diabetes and epilepsy. College health centers need to adopt multifaceted strategies to effectively support students’ health and well-being.

In this blog, we’ll delve into the challenges students with complex health conditions encounter and offer practical strategies to help your campus provide them with the best possible college experience.

Table of Contents

1. Addressing Challenges Faced by Students with Complex Health Conditions

Students with complex health conditions often struggle with balancing their health needs and academic demands. Frequent monitoring, medication management, and emergency preparedness are key aspects that require robust support systems within college health services.

2. How College Health Centers Can Help

• Personalized Care Plans: Proactively develop individualized care plans that cater to the specific needs of each student, including regular check-ups and tailored treatment plans. Creating these plans when students identify their health needs is key. Your health center may also consider offering to coordinate with specialists and external resources to ensure comprehensive care.
• Accessible Resources: Ensure students easily access necessary medical supplies and medications. For those who become newly diagnosed while enrolled as a student, taking the time to provide educational resources can help them manage their conditions effectively. Additionally, clear communication channels should be established for students to reach healthcare providers and support staff for timely assistance and guidance. More information on improving health communication in higher education can be found here.
• Emergency Protocols: Establish clear emergency protocols and train staff to respond promptly to health crises. Additionally, conduct regular emergency drills and ensure all staff are familiar with students’ specific health needs and emergency response procedures.

3. Creating a Supportive Environment

• Awareness and Education: Conduct awareness campaigns and educational workshops to inform the campus community about various health conditions and how to support affected individuals. For example, host several events for Arthritis Awareness Month with activities such as informational booths, guest speakers, and practical workshops on managing arthritis pain and joint health.

• Peer Support Groups: Facilitate peer support groups where students can share experiences and coping strategies. This can be accomplished by establishing a weekly support group for students with chronic health conditions to discuss challenges, exchange advice, and offer mutual encouragement in managing their health.

• Counseling Center Integration: Ensure that your campus offers counseling services specifically for students with chronic conditions. Proper staff training to treat students with these health issues is crucial to ensure a supportive and understanding environment that fosters their academic and personal growth.

4. Utilizing Technology

• Electronic Health Records (EHRs): Leverage a comprehensive EHR system to streamline health information management, ensuring accurate and timely access to students’ medical histories, and enhancing coordination between healthcare providers and school staff, facilitating better-informed care decisions.

• Telehealth Services: Furthermore, you may want to consider implementing telehealth options to provide convenient and flexible care, reducing the need for in-person visits and accommodating students’ busy schedules. This makes health services much more accessible for students with health issues that may prevent them from coming in for an in-person visit. This can also help with reducing the number of no-shows.

• Health Monitoring Apps: Encourage the use of health monitoring apps that help students track their conditions and communicate with healthcare providers in real-time. This can support proactive health management and empower students to take charge of their well-being as they grow into adulthood.

Discover how Georgia Southern University was able to reduce the number of no-shows at their clinic here.

5. Collaborating with External Resources

• Specialist Referrals: Establish partnerships with local healthcare providers and specialists to offer comprehensive care beyond what the college health center can provide. For instance, collaborate with nearby cardiologists for students managing hypertension or pulmonologists specializing in asthma to ensure students receive the specialized care they need.

• Community Resources: Connect students with community resources and support networks to ensure they receive holistic care. This may include collaboration with local diabetes organizations to provide students with access to specialized medical care, nutritional counseling, and peer mentoring programs.

• Training and Development: Engage in ongoing training and development for health center staff to stay updated on best practices and advancements in managing complex health conditions.

6. Key Takeaways

College health centers are crucial for enhancing college students’ experience. They offer care and resources that empower students to manage their health and excel academically, supporting everything from minor issues like colds and flu to complex conditions such as arthritis and kidney disease. By leveraging technology and collaborating with specialists, these centers ensure students receive holistic care, contributing to a successful college journey.

See how Medicat’s EHR can help improve your clinic’s workflow with a self-guided tour.

When stress levels are high and time is limited, college students often struggle to prioritize their physical well-being. It’s no secret that fitness plays a crucial role in overall health, but the gym can be an intimidating place for many. College health leaders and other leaders across campus have the power to cultivate an environment that promotes fitness and encourages students to lead healthy lifestyles.

In this blog, we’ll be covering:

• Understanding the barriers to fitness
• Creating a welcoming and inclusive fitness environment
• Ideas for creating engaging group workouts
• Building a supportive community

Understanding the Barriers to Fitness for College Students

Academic pressures, time constraints, and lack of self-confidence are just a few factors that contribute to students’ hesitancy to embrace fitness. By recognizing and addressing these barriers, we can create an inclusive environment that caters to the diverse needs of our student population.

1. Academic Pressures

   College life is demanding, with students juggling coursework, assignments, and exams. Time spent in the gym may feel like time taken away from studying. However, exercise can actually enhance academic performance!

   When students engage in physical activity, it stimulates blood flow to the brain, improving cognitive function and memory retention. Additionally, exercise releases endorphins, which can help reduce stress levels and improve overall mood.

   Furthermore, incorporating exercise into study routines can be beneficial. Taking short breaks to engage in physical activity can improve focus and productivity. Whether it’s a quick walk around campus or a few minutes of stretching, these small bursts of exercise can re-energize the mind and help students maintain their concentration throughout the day.

2. Time Constraints

   Busy schedules often prompt students to prioritize academics and social commitments over physical activity. One way to address this challenge is by introducing flexible workout options.

   Offering shorter, high-intensity workouts can be a time-efficient solution for students who are constantly on the go. These workouts can be completed in a shorter amount of time while still providing the benefits of a longer workout session.

   Additionally, incorporating physical activity into social events can be a fun way to encourage students to engage in fitness. Organizing group hikes, sports tournaments, yoga workshops, or roller-skating parties can create opportunities for students to engage in physical activity while also fostering a sense of community and social connection. Furthermore, this can be an exciting opportunity for first-year students which can help with creating a sense of belonging. 

3. Lack of Self-Confidence

   Gymtimidation is a common barrier for many college students. The fear of judgment or feeling inexperienced can prevent them from embracing fitness. To combat this, it’s important to create a supportive and inclusive environment.

   One way to do this is by implementing one-on-one introductory sessions. These sessions can be tailored to each student’s needs and provide an opportunity for them to familiarize themselves with the gym equipment and receive guidance from fitness experts.

   In addition to individual sessions, group fitness classes can also be beneficial. Working out in a group setting can help students feel more comfortable and less self-conscious. It provides a sense of camaraderie and encourages students to support and motivate each other.

Creating a Welcoming and Inclusive Fitness Environment

Creating a fitness environment that your students want to be a part of goes beyond just addressing the physical aspects of the gym. It involves creating a space where all individuals feel comfortable and accepted, regardless of their background, abilities, or fitness goals.

One way to achieve this is by offering a diverse range of fitness activities. Not every student enjoys traditional weightlifting or cardio workouts. By expanding offerings to include a wide range of activities such as dance classes, kickboxing, or outdoor adventures, your campus can cater to diverse interests and abilities.

Along with offering a wide range of fitness activities, it’s essential to focus on inclusive marketing and branding. The language and imagery used to promote fitness on flyers, digital ads, and in newsletters play a significant role in creating an inclusive environment. By applying a lens of inclusivity to all materials displayed in, around, and about the facility, colleges can ensure that all students feel represented and welcome to work on their personal fitness.

Finally, providing accessible facilities and equipment is key. This includes installing wheelchair ramps, accessible bathrooms, and equipment that can be adjusted to accommodate individuals with disabilities (such as pool access chairs). By making these accommodations, colleges can show their commitment to inclusivity and ensure that every student can benefit from using campus fitness facilities.

See how the College of Coastal Georgia improved its management of accessibility and accommodation services here.

Fun and Engaging Group Workout Ideas for College Students

Group workouts offer an excellent opportunity for college students to bond with peers while getting fit. By organizing exciting and engaging group workout sessions, colleges can make fitness a social and enjoyable experience.

1. Campus Scavenger Hunts

   Turn fitness into a fun adventure! Organize campus-wide scavenger hunts that require participants to visit designated locations and complete physical challenges. This activity is a non-conventional approach to fitness that combines problem-solving, and teamwork, fostering a sense of community while promoting physical activity.

2. Themed Workout Classes

   Inject excitement into fitness routines by organizing themed workout classes. Whether it’s an 80s dance-inspired cardio class or a Taylor Swift themed cycling class, incorporating fun themes adds a playful element to working out.

3. Outdoor Fitness Events

   Bring the fitness experience beyond the confines of indoor spaces by organizing invigorating outdoor fitness events. Embrace the natural beauty of campus surroundings, encouraging students to participate in activities like group runs, hiking expeditions, and outdoor workout sessions that not only promote physical well-being but also leave students feeling more grounded.

Looking to incorporate wellness more widely across campus? Look no further.

Building a Supportive Fitness Community in College

Fitness journeys are often more successful when individuals have a support system. By creating a supportive fitness community, colleges can enhance students’ motivation and ensure long-term engagement.

1. Buddy Systems

   Encourage students with similar fitness goals and interests to form buddy systems. Having an accountability partner strengthens commitment and increases the likelihood of sticking to a fitness routine.

2. Fitness Challenges and Rewards

   Create regular fitness challenges that encourage students to push their limits and achieve new goals. Whether it’s a step challenge, a weightlifting competition, or a month-long yoga challenge, offering incentives and rewards for participation and achievement motivates students and fosters a sense of healthy competition.

3. Social Media Engagement

   Create social media groups or pages dedicated to fitness within the college community. Encourage students to share their fitness routines, and achievements, and provide a space for mutual encouragement.

Fitness and mental health go hand in hand. Discover how Wofford College boosted student success by elevating mental health support on its campus.

Key Takeaways

Promoting wellness on campus is essential for setting students up for a successful college experience. By understanding the barriers to fitness for college students, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, and providing fun and engaging workout options, we can encourage students to overcome gymtimidation and embrace fitness as an essential component to their overall wellbeing.

Keep the fitness adventure going! Take it to the next level by exploring ways to enhance support for student-athletes on your campus.