Webinar Q&A recap with college well-being experts Dr. Oliver Tacto from Maryville University, Emily Pagano from UConn, and Kelly Gorman from UAlbany to share their expertise on enhancing student well-being.

During the webinar, we covered the following key topics:

Q1: Wellness and well-being are terms we hear often. Are they the same thing, or is there a difference?

Oliver: Wellness involves actions and habits that support physical, mental, and emotional health. It’s the journey. Well-being is the outcome—a balanced, fulfilled state that results from those wellness practices.

Kelly: I think of wellness as more of an individual construct, while well-being is broader, encompassing personal, communal, and societal levels.

Emily: It’s less about whether this is the “right” definition and more about how we use this term and what it means for us and the community that’s coming together to do this work. This understanding connects to our goals and what we’re trying to measure.

Q2: What are “inputs” in college well-being and what are some examples of inputs that can lead to improved well-being on campus?

Oliver: When we talk about inputs, we’re really talking about what people and resources we’re putting in when we say we’re “investing” in well-being. Inputs can vary widely depending on a campus’s unique environment. Here are a few examples:

• Counseling and Support Staff: Access to mental health counselors and support staff is fundamental.
• Health Services: Offering accessible health care and support for students’ physical wellness is a vital input.
• Financial Resources: Some institutions have larger budgets to support well-being initiatives, which can make a significant difference.
• Campus Environment: This includes everything from the built environment (like dorms, classrooms, and administrative buildings) to resources that allow for outdoor activities and engagement. Some campuses offer more natural spaces, which can positively impact student wellness.

Essentially, assessing and utilizing these inputs allows campuses to build a stronger foundation for student, faculty, community, and staff well-being.

Emily: Creating alignment across those inputs is a huge part of engaging in health promotion. Often, we have amazing assets on campus, but they’re not aligned, aware of one another, or working towards the same goals. 

Q3: What’s an overlooked asset when it comes to college wellness promotion?

Emily: Our University Planning colleagues have been invaluable allies, as they are deeply considering how the campus environment supports the experiences of students, staff, and faculty. Additionally, our partners in Sustainability, including those in facilities like wastewater management, play a critical role in this work.

Kelly: Two often-overlooked assets are relationships and student leadership. Successful environments combine top-down and bottom-up support, building connections across titles. Additionally, student leadership, including the Student Activities Office and Student Leadership Development, is essential.

Q4: What does the collaboration process look like? And how do you know when you’re collaborating versus cooperating?

Oliver: I view cooperation and collaboration as a choice between planning an event versus a shared vision. We must align our goals toward a common agenda and communicate consistently with stakeholders about this shared goal, ensuring resources are equitable. When collaboration fails, it can feel one-sided, focusing on individual departments instead of highlighting the entire university’s progress toward well-being.

Kelly: Collaboration involves drawing out the wisdom of others in the space. I ask questions to understand the motivations behind our work, the overarching goals, and the mission. For me, it means aligning on shared values, strategic priorities, and vision while committing to express those values healthily throughout our process.

P.S. 60% of our live webinar audience said they can cooperate but struggle to collaborate successfully with their colleagues.

Q5: What are some strategies for transitioning from cooperation to genuine collaboration?

Emily: I think the biggest barrier often lies in the structural designs within higher education institutions themselves, which are not always conducive to collaboration. For instance, a small but significant challenge we faced was faculty and staff using two separate communication systems (Google for faculty and Office 365 for staff). Even setting up meetings became difficult! So, my advice would be to assess your current structures, identify who’s already invested in these wellness goals, and then start building a strong base. Over time, establishing ongoing communication and even starting small projects together can lay the groundwork for a more extensive partnership.

Q6: What is the Okanagan Charter and why is it valuable for campus leaders to be aware of it?

Oliver: The Okanagan Charter is a foundational document established at an international conference for health-promoting professionals and universities. It provides a global framework for embedding health into all aspects of campus life—from operations and programming to culture and community.

The Charter promotes a holistic approach, ensuring campus-wide well-being through integrated initiatives. Rather than a checklist, it represents a commitment to cultivating a culture of health, signaling an institution’s readiness to make meaningful cultural and structural changes in support of health promotion.

Emily: The Charter’s emphasis on the interdependence of people, place, and planet has been instrumental in bringing together diverse partners from facilities, sustainability, campus planning, and research. We use it as a platform to discuss how our shared spaces and policies can promote health beyond individual departments.

The Charter gives us a language and framework to address well-being holistically, making it easier to collaborate on solutions that impact everyone.

Q7: How can university leaders set effective KPIs to measure campus wellness?

Kelly: At UAlbany, we’ve adopted the Okanagan Charter as our guiding framework, focusing on a systems approach to integrate well-being into all campus operations. Setting effective KPIs starts with agreement on a shared vision of well-being. We’re using realist evaluation to link KPIs to broader social processes, which helps measure complex outcomes beyond immediate results.

Emily: At UConn, we also adopted the Okanagan Charter and recently aligned our wellness KPIs with our new strategic plan. We emphasize relationship-building across departments to ensure equitable access to wellness initiatives. Our core KPIs focus on belonging, which resonates across wellness conversations, and sustainability metrics, as our university moves toward carbon neutrality.

Oliver: At Maryville, we’re developing KPIs using the eight dimensions of wellness framework. This approach helps us measure wellness comprehensively, covering areas like mental health access, active lifestyles, and student belonging. To engage students, we’ve implemented the “MaryWELL” initiative, which tracks their participation across wellness dimensions, from academic support to financial literacy. The framework guides measuring our progress across diverse aspects of campus wellness.

Key Takeaways

In this Q&A, we’ve highlighted key insights from our recent discussion on how campuses can go beyond the “wellness” buzzword to create lasting, measurable impacts on student well-being. We hope you found these expert insights valuable.

Sleep is often the first thing students sacrifice when faced with the demands of college life. According to the University of Georgia, college students are only getting an average of 6-6.9 hours of sleep per night. However, the CDC recommends getting at least 7 hours of sleep each night.

From late-night study sessions to early morning classes, sleep deprivation has become a common issue among students. In this blog, we’ll explore sleep’s critical role in learning and memory, the negative effects of sleep deprivation, and how colleges can promote better sleep hygiene among students.

The Importance of Sleep for Students

Enhances Learning and Memory

Sleep is essential for consolidating memories and processing information. During sleep, the brain reorganizes and integrates new information, which is crucial for learning. Studies have shown that students who get adequate sleep perform better on tests and have better recall of information compared to those who are sleep-deprived.

Boosts Cognitive Function

Adequate sleep enhances cognitive functions such as attention, problem-solving, and decision-making. These skills are vital for academic success, as they enable students to grasp complex concepts, engage in critical thinking, and make informed decisions.

Improves Mood and Mental Health

Sleep has a profound impact on mood and mental health. Students who get enough sleep are less likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety, which can hinder academic performance. Good sleep hygiene promotes emotional stability, resilience, and overall well-being.

The Consequences of Sleep Deprivation

Increased Risk of Health Issues

Chronic sleep deprivation is linked to a range of health problems, including weakened immune function, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. For students, this means more sick days and less energy to participate in academic and extracurricular activities.

Decreased Safety

Sleep-deprived students are at a higher risk of accidents and injuries, both on and off campus. For example, drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol. Ensuring students get enough sleep can help keep them safe.

Promoting Better Sleep Hygiene on Campus

Educating Students About Sleep

Colleges can play a significant role in promoting healthy sleep habits by educating students about the importance of sleep. Workshops, seminars, and informational campaigns can help raise awareness about the benefits of good sleep hygiene and provide practical tips for improving sleep quality.

Gain unique tips for promoting campus resources here.

Creating a Sleep-Friendly Environment

The campus environment can significantly impact students’ sleep patterns. Colleges can take steps to create a sleep-friendly environment by:

• Implementing Quiet Hours: Establishing (and consistently enforcing) quiet hours in dormitories can help minimize noise and create a conducive environment for sleep.
• Improving Dorm Room Comfort: Providing comfortable mattresses, blackout curtains, and temperature control can enhance sleep quality.
• Encouraging Regular Sleep Schedules: Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends, can help students regulate their sleep patterns.

Offering Resources and Support

Providing resources and support for students struggling with sleep issues is essential. This can include:

• Access to Sleep Clinics or Counseling Services: Offering on-campus sleep clinics or counseling services can help students address sleep disorders or other underlying issues affecting their sleep.
• Stress Management Programs: Programs that teach stress management techniques, such as mindfulness and relaxation exercises, can help students manage stress and improve their sleep quality.

Encouraging Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Promoting overall health and wellness can also contribute to better sleep hygiene. Colleges can encourage students to adopt healthy lifestyle choices by:

• Promoting Physical Activity: Regular exercise can help regulate sleep patterns and improve sleep quality.
• Providing Nutritious Food Options: A balanced diet supports overall health and promotes better sleep.
• Limiting Caffeine and Alcohol: Educating students about the impact of caffeine and alcohol on sleep can encourage healthier consumption habits.

Key Takeaways

The impact of sleep on academic performance is undeniable. By promoting healthy sleep habits, colleges can help students achieve their full academic potential and enhance their overall well-being. Colleges can play a crucial role in fostering good sleep hygiene among students through education, creating a sleep-friendly environment, offering resources and support, and encouraging healthy lifestyle choices.

Help your students thrive during their college years. Learn how physical activity can improve student well-being.

Technology is revolutionizing the way we approach health and wellness. For college health and counseling professionals, integrating technology into support services is no longer optional—it’s essential. From wellness apps to telehealth platforms, these tools offer innovative ways to connect with students, provide continuous support, and enhance the overall efficacy of health and counseling services.

The Rise of Wellness Apps

Wellness apps have become a cornerstone in the landscape of digital health. These applications offer various features, from mental health support and meditation to fitness tracking and nutrition guidance. Here’s how wellness apps can be integrated into college health services:

1. Mental Health Support: Apps like Headspace, Calm, and Moodfit provide students with tools for managing stress, anxiety, and depression. These apps offer guided meditations, mood tracking, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques that can complement in-person or virtual sessions with a counselor.
2. Physical Fitness and Nutrition: Fitness apps like Nourish and Nike Training Club help students maintain physical health by offering workout plans and nutritional support. Encouraging students to use these apps can foster a holistic approach to wellness.
3. Personalized Health Plans: By integrating these apps into your health center’s resources, you can offer personalized health plans that students can follow independently, promoting continuous self-care outside of scheduled appointments.

Gain tips for connecting students with key resources here.

Utilizing Online Resources

Online resources are vast and varied, offering a wealth of information and support that can enhance college health services. Here’s how you can leverage them:

1. Virtual Workshops and Webinars: Hosting or participating in virtual workshops and webinars on topics like stress management, nutrition, and mental health can provide valuable support and education to students, reaching those who may not seek in-person help. These types of events can also be co-hosted with other schools, reaching a wider student audience while limiting resources required of each school’s health and wellness team.
2. Integrate ePrecribing: ePrescribing allows healthcare providers to send prescriptions directly to pharmacies electronically, reducing errors and enhancing efficiency. This system improves accuracy and convenience for students while supporting sustainability by reducing paper usage. Additionally, ePrescribing enhances patient safety through drug interaction checks and allergy alerts.
3. Telehealth Appointments: Telehealth has become a game-changer in the realm of health services, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. It continues to provide numerous benefits:

• • Accessibility: Telehealth removes barriers to accessing care, such as transportation issues or scheduling conflicts. Students can attend appointments from the comfort of their dorm rooms or another private space on campus, making it easier to seek help.
  • Continuity of Care: Telehealth ensures that students who might travel or move frequently continue to receive consistent care without interruption.
  • Immediate Support: Platforms offering on-demand telehealth services can provide immediate support during crises or urgent health concerns, ensuring timely intervention.

Best Practices for Integration

To effectively integrate technology into your health and counseling services, consider these best practices:

1. Evaluate and Select: Choose apps and online resources that are evidence-based and have proven efficacy. Collaborate with technology experts to ensure they meet your institution’s privacy and security standards.

You can learn more about protecting students’ data here.

2. Promote Awareness: Actively promote these resources through campus campaigns, social media, and during sessions with students. The more aware students are of the available tools, the more likely they will use them.

Download the guide: 22 Innovative Ways to Promote Campus Resources.

3. Feedback and Improvement: Regularly seek student feedback regarding their experiences with these technologies. Use this feedback to improve and adapt your digital health and wellness offerings continuously.

Key Takeaways

Incorporating technology into college health and counseling services is a powerful way to enhance support and improve student wellness. By leveraging wellness apps, online resources, and telehealth, colleges can provide comprehensive, accessible, and effective care. Embracing these modern tools not only meets the current needs of students, but also prepares your institution to navigate the evolving landscape of digital health.

Learn how you can make teletherapy sustainable for your campus here.

1. Email Signatures, QR Codes & Flyers
2. Campus Newsletters
3. Bus Banners and Mascots
4. Host Interactive Events
5. Collaborate With Student Organizations

Need help ensuring your students are aware of the resources available to them? You’ve come to the right place!

A recent survey by Tyton Partners involving over 2,000 college students nationwide revealed a concerning trend: less than half utilized academic advising, and only about 20% sought help from resources like tutoring, financial aid counseling, career advising, or mental health counseling.

This low utilization rate is problematic, as research suggests that neglecting student resources can negatively impact performance, enrollment, and graduation rates.

In this blog, we’ll explore creative ways to promote resources and ensure that every student knows where to turn for help.

Keep an eye out for the chance to download additional resource promotion ideas at the end of this article!

1. Blending Tradition with Innovation: Email Signatures, QR Codes, & Flyers

To effectively promote resources on college campuses, it’s important to employ a combination of traditional methods and innovative strategies. One way you can do this is by incorporating QR codes into campus flyers. QR codes provide an easy way for students to access resources directly from their smartphones.

Based on the 2023 Statista statistics report, around 89 million smartphone users in the United States have utilized QR code scanners, representing a surge of 20 million compared to the previous year. Projections suggest this number will surpass 100 million by the end of 2025.

Some other suggestions include distributing cards with QR codes on orientation tours to engage students early on. Additionally, waterproof stickers placed on outdoor furniture offers a subtle yet effective method to raise awareness among students.

Erin Halligan-Avery, CEO of ConcernCenter shared these tips on our recent webinar. View the replay here.

Additionally, ensure widespread awareness of your resource directory by including links to helpful resources in email signatures and presentations to student leaders, faculty, and staff.

2. Incorporate Resources into Campus Newsletters

To maintain consistent exposure of resources to students, faculty, and staff, consider regular inclusion of helpful resources in newsletters. While newsletters may be overlooked by busy students, featuring resources regularly ensures students will come across them over time.

According to an analysis by Vero, including visuals like images or infographics in emails can increase click-through rates by 42%. By consistently including resource links in newsletters and leveraging engaging content types, you can increase the chances of students, faculty, and staff seeing and accessing the resources they need.

3. Get Creative with Bus Banners and Mascots

Students love their mascot. Leveraging mascots to promote important campus resources during events like sports games can add a fun and engaging element to promotions, capturing students’ attention and encouraging interaction. Placing a QR code to access resources on a sign held by your mascot as students enter the arena or field is one idea. Imagine your resources displayed up on the jumbotron as your mascot hypes up the crowd!

Furthermore, Erin Halligan-Avery, CEO of ConcernCenter, mentioned during our recent webinar that she’s even seen some schools utilize buses to display banners with information and QR codes that point students to relevant support. This type of campaign can significantly enhance the visibility and accessibility of student resources across campus.

4. Host Interactive Events

Another effective way to promote resources on your campus is by hosting interactive events that highlight support services. Consider organizing workshops, seminars, or panel discussions focused on mental health, academic success, career development, or any other relevant topics.

For instance, research from the American Psychological Association suggests that students who participate in workshops focused on mental health resources report a greater understanding of available services and an increased likelihood of utilizing them. These events provide opportunities for students to learn about the resources available to them in a more engaging and interactive setting (and they can invite their friends!).

5. Collaborate with Student Organizations

Collaborating with student organizations can be another effective strategy for promoting resources on your campus. Reach out to various student groups, such as student government, academic clubs, cultural organizations, or wellness clubs, and offer to partner with them on awareness campaigns or events.

For example, you could co-host a mental health awareness week, a resource fair, or a peer support group session. By utilizing the networks and platforms of student organizations, you can reach a wider audience and make the promotion of resources more relatable and accessible to students.

Help your students thrive. Discover tips on how your campus can foster first-year success through wellness.

Key Takeaways

Promoting resources on college campuses requires a well-rounded approach. From traditional methods like flyers and emails, to QR codes for smartphone access, it’s important to test different strategies and see which ones are most effective for your students. Using a multi-pronged approach ensures students have the resources they need for a positive college experience.

Want to explore more creative ideas for promoting campus resources? Check out our brand new resource, “22 Innovative Ways You Can Promote Campus Resources.”