Tag: Wellness

After high school, only 17% of Native American students continue their education compared to 60% of the rest of the U.S. population. This emphasizes the importance of Native American student organizations on college campuses across the country. These organizations empower Native American students, foster a sense of belonging, and significantly impact their mental health. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of these student organizations and how they contribute to overall well-being.

Empowering Native American Students Through Student Organizations

Native American student organizations serve as a vital platform for empowerment, allowing students to express their concerns, embrace their culture, and address unique challenges. These organizations foster a strong sense of community, connecting Native American students with peers who share similar experiences.

Going beyond mere gatherings, they actively cultivate feelings of belonging and pride among Native American students. Through a diverse range of activities, including cultural events, workshops, and guest speaker series, they aim to reinforce resilience, showcasing the rich diversity of Native American cultures and providing opportunities for cross-cultural learning.

In promoting cultural awareness and understanding, these organizations play a key role in challenging stereotypes and discrimination faced by Native American students. Through educational workshops and awareness campaigns, they aim to educate the broader student body about the invaluable history and contributions of Native Americans. This not only creates a more inclusive and respectful campus environment but also fosters meaningful connections between Native American students and their non-Native peers.

These organizations engage in a wide array of activities and collaborations that advance cultural awareness, challenge stereotypes, advocate for policy changes, and nurture leadership development. Collectively, they establish a supportive and inclusive environment where Native American students can thrive academically, socially, and personally.

The Impact of Student Organizations on Mental Health

Mental health is a significant concern among college students, and Native American students are not exempt from these challenges;  19% of the population reported having a mental illness within the past year. This emphasizes the importance of Native American student organizations playing a vital role in supporting the mental well-being of these students.

These organizations often provide a safe space for students to discuss mental health topics openly where they may otherwise feel apprehensive about sharing their thoughts. Through workshops and support groups, they help reduce the stigma associated with seeking help and encourage students to prioritize their mental well-being.

Moreover, student organizations can collaborate with campus counseling centers and mental health professionals to provide resources tailored to the unique needs of Native American students. By addressing these specific concerns, student organizations ensure that mental health support is accessible and culturally sensitive.

An Example of Student Organization Excellence

The impact of student organizations on Native American students extends beyond their individual experiences. These organizations contribute to the overall diversity and inclusivity of the college campus. When Native American students feel supported and valued, they’re more likely to engage in the broader campus community. This increased involvement enriches the cultural fabric of the college, promoting cross-cultural dialogue and understanding.

Furthermore, the sense of belonging cultivated through student organizations has been shown to positively impact academic success. When students feel connected to their college community, they are more motivated to excel academically, seek out resources, and persist despite challenges. One example of a student organization that fosters a sense of belonging for Native American students is the Native American Student Association (NASA). NASA is dedicated to promoting cultural awareness, providing support, and creating a sense of community for Native American students on campus.

Through regular meetings, NASA offers a platform for Native American students to share their experiences, discuss important issues, and celebrate their cultural heritage. These gatherings provide a safe space for students to express themselves and also serve as a reminder of their unique identities and the importance of preserving their cultural traditions.

In addition to regular meetings, NASA organizes various social events throughout the academic year. These events range from cultural festivals and powwows to movie nights and potluck dinners. When participating in these activities, Native American students can connect with their peers, learn about different tribal customs, and showcase their talents.

Overall, student organizations like NASA play a crucial role in fostering a sense of belonging for Native American students in college. Providing a supportive community, organizing social events, offering mentorship programs, and facilitating connections with faculty and professionals, help empower Native American students to embrace their cultural heritage, thrive academically, and succeed in their future endeavors.

Other Ways Campuses Can Support Native Students

Although student organizations can make a significant impact on the college experience for Native students, there are also other strategies that colleges can take to promote a more welcoming and positive environment:

• Ensure there is Native faculty: Native students often face challenges and feelings of isolation on college campuses. Having Native faculty who understand these challenges can provide the necessary support and guidance, which, in turn, can lead to higher retention rates and academic success.
• Invest in Native mental health staff: This ensures that the unique mental health needs of Native American students are properly addressed and reduces stigma around seeking help. Investing in diverse mental health staff that’s representative of the campus community and country at large helps to address the ongoing disparities in healthcare access for Native communities, working towards a more equitable and inclusive campus community.
• Hire a liaison: Having a liaison versed in Native cultures ensures that the college is culturally sensitive and aware of issues affecting Native students. This is essential in creating a supportive and respectful campus environment.
• Honor the land and history: By honoring Native American land and history on college campuses, institutions send a powerful message of respect, inclusion, and commitment to creating an environment where Native students can thrive academically and personally. It reflects an understanding of the importance of cultural diversity and the role of Indigenous communities in our shared history.

While student organizations play a crucial role in enhancing the college experience for Native students, it’s equally vital for colleges to adopt a multifaceted approach to support their needs. This includes having Native faculty for guidance and retention, hiring liaisons for cultural sensitivity, and honoring Native land and history to demonstrate commitment to a more inclusive and respectful campus environment. Together, these strategies create an atmosphere where Native students can excel academically, find support, and celebrate their heritage.

Key Takeaways

In conclusion, Native American student organizations have a profound impact on college campuses. They empower Native American students, foster a sense of belonging, and support mental health. By providing a platform for students to celebrate their culture, voice their concerns, and connect with peers, these organizations create an inclusive environment where Native American students can thrive both academically and personally. Recognizing the role of student organizations in the success and well-being of Native American students is crucial in creating a more equitable and supportive college experience for all students.

Need help finding ways to better communicate available resources to your students? See how Medicat can help.

In today’s fast-paced world, customer experience has become a crucial factor in determining the success of any business, whether it’s a retail store, a software company, or a healthcare organization. A critical aspect of customer experience is customer effort.

Customer effort refers to the amount of effort a customer has to put in to achieve their desired outcome when interacting with a company. The less effort required, the better the experience. For healthcare providers, clinical directors, and university administrators, this translates to the ease of finding key information and accessing support to optimize their use of EHR software.

Solutions providers like Medicat reduce customer effort by leaning into active listening. Lauren Pragoff, Medicat’s Chief Executive Officer, is a huge proponent of focusing on active listening to resolve customer issues efficiently and effectively.

In a recent podcast interview with J.D. Power, Pragoff remarked:

“I think active listening, at the end of the day, is the most important skill for a customer service representative to get right. Without active listening, you are at a much greater risk of misdiagnosing the customer’s issue, missing out on important clues (possibly for an upsell or cross-sell opportunity), and having the customer repeat themselves. So, making sure that you’re really listening to what the customer is saying leads to all of the good things we want from a customer interaction.”

Our team actively listens to each customer’s concerns or questions through our online ticketing system, over the phone, or during educational workshops and webinars. We also use scalable methods like Voice of Customer Surveys to listen to our customers holistically. By deeply understanding the importance of minimizing customer effort within the college health environment, we’re able to alleviate pain points and reduce the time and effort it takes to resolve challenges our customers face.

When you need a question answered, you need it answered now (and without having to jump through hoops to get it). That’s why we’ve developed a support strategy that minimizes customer effort, therefore improving the overall user and patient experience.

Interested in learning more about the importance of customer effort and how it impacts your clinic’s day-to-day operations and efficiency? Listen to the podcast below, featuring Lauren Pragoff’s powerful insights:

Like what you’re hearing? Schedule a demo to learn more about getting Medicat to help make your clinic effortless. Connect with a member of our team.

College campuses can be an exciting, yet stressful environment for many students.

From academic pressures to financial stressors, it’s no surprise that many students struggle to maintain their physical and mental health during their college years.

Recently, there’s been a growing trend towards bringing a holistic approach to wellness to college campuses. This approach considers many aspects of student well-being and aims to support them in achieving optimal health and well-being.

Here’s an example of a “wellness wheel” that illustrates the interconnectedness of all these aspects of well-being:

Graphic courtesy of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Let’s dive deeper into how college campuses can lean into a holistic approach to wellness:

Emotional Wellness

College can be a challenging time for students, and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety are becoming increasingly common.

Here are some key strategies to support students’ mental health:

• Ensure easy access to counseling services: Provide students with convenient access to qualified counselors who can offer individual therapy, group therapy,and crisis intervention.
• Offer mental health workshops and education: Conduct workshops and seminars on topics such as stress management, coping mechanisms, and mental health awareness. This will equip students with the tools they need to manage their emotions.
• Provide access to online resources:Offer a variety of online resources. This can include self-help tools, mental health apps, and support forums, which cater to students’ diverse needs and preferences.
• Train staff to recognize signs of distress: Equip faculty and staff with the skills to identify signs of distress and refer students to appropriate resources.
• Implement stress-reduction programs and therapeutic activities: For instance, offer programs and activities such as yoga, meditation, art therapy, and music therapy. These programs will help students manage stress, relax, and cope with emotional challenges.

Innovations are also being made in the form of state-of-the-art wellness facilities on campuses. For example, the Well-Being Center at the University of Richmond, features a Meditation Garden, a Salt Therapy Room, and a Self-Care Resource Center. Sounds amazing, right?!

Occupational Wellness

Occupational wellness is a vital component of overall well-being for college students. This involves finding satisfaction and fulfillment in one’s work or academic pursuits.

To foster occupational wellness on your campus, consider implementing the following strategies:

• Offer comprehensive career counseling services: Provide students with access to career counselors who can offer guidance, advice, and support in exploring career options, crafting resumes, and preparing for interviews.
• Facilitate internship opportunities: Partner with local businesses and organizations to offer internships that provide students with hands-on experience and networking opportunities.
• Provide resources for skill development: Offer workshops, seminars, and online courses that can help students develop essential skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and leadership. Moreover, encourage students to pursue industry certifications that’ll enhance their job prospects.

Students should feel empowered to explore their career paths and passions while balancing their academic workload.

A strong foundation in occupational wellness can set college students up for success in their academic pursuits and beyond. 

Intellectual Wellness

In addition, intellectual wellness encourages students to engage in lifelong learning, critical thinking, and creativity.

Colleges can support intellectual wellness by fostering an environment that promotes curiosity and intellectual growth.

Here’s how colleges can promote intellectual wellness:

• Offer stimulating academic programs: From innovative courses like the Taylor Swift course at the University of South Florida to interdisciplinary programs, colleges can provide students with exciting and thought-provoking learning experiences.
• Facilitate research opportunities: Encourage students to engage in research projects. For instance, research can help students develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and a deeper understanding of their chosen fields.
• Provide accessible educational resources: Ensure that students have access to high-quality libraries, online databases, and other educational resources. Furthermore, offer engaging lecture series and guest speaker events to expose students to diverse perspectives and ideas.
• Foster a culture of intellectual engagement: Encourage students to participate in discussions, debates, and intellectual clubs. These activities can help students develop critical thinking skills, improve their communication abilities, and connect with like-minded peers.

Environmental Wellness

Environmental wellness is all about creating safe, healthy, and sustainable spaces for students to live and learn.

Green initiatives to consider on your campus:

• Maintain clean and green campus environments: Ensure that campus grounds are well-maintained, free of litter, and landscaped with native plants.
• Implement robust recycling programs: Likewise, provide easy access to recycling bins throughout campus and promote recycling initiatives among students, faculty, and staff.
• Encourage eco-friendly practices: For example, promote energy conservation, water conservation, and sustainable transportation options on campus.
• Create outdoor spaces: Develop campus parks, gardens, and walking trails to provide students with opportunities for relaxation, recreation, and connection with nature.

These green initiatives not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also have numerous benefits for students.

Outdoor spaces, in particular, can offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of academic life. Some professors may even consider holding a few classes outdoors for a change of scenery!

Financial Wellness

Financial wellness plays a critical role in reducing stress and ensuring students can focus on their academic and personal growth.

Ensure your campus offers:

• Financial literacy workshops: Conduct workshops on topics such as budgeting, saving, investing, and student loan management to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to make sound financial decisions.
• Budgeting resources: Offer budgeting tools, templates, and tips to help students track their income and expenses, set financial goals, and create a budget that works for them.
• Financial aid counseling: Offer one-on-one counseling sessions to help students understand financial aid options, complete financial aid forms, and manage their student loans effectively.

In conclusion, financial support empowers students and contributes to their overall wellness.

Learn more about connecting students with key resources here.

Social Support

Furthermore, social support is crucial to supporting students’ overall well-being, and colleges can provide a variety of resources to support students’ social connections.

Foster social connections on your campus by:

• Creating inclusive social events: Organize a variety of social events and activities that cater to diverse interests and backgrounds. For example, this can include cultural festivals, game nights, and outdoor gatherings.
• Encouraging involvement in clubs and organizations: Offer a wide range of clubs and organizations that allow students to connect with peers who share similar interests and passions.
• Establishing mentorship programs: Pair students with mentors who can provide guidance, support, and mentorship. Additionally, mentorship programs can help students develop valuable relationships and gain insights into their academic and professional goals.

A strong sense of belonging can foster a supportive and inclusive environment on campus, enabling students to thrive in all aspects.

Physical Health and Fitness

Physical health is another part of the wellness wheel. It’s a vital component of student well-being, and college campuses can provide a variety of resources to support physical health.

To promote physical health and fitness on campus, colleges can:

• Offer state-of-the-art gym facilities: Equip campus gyms with modern equipment, fitness classes, and personal training options to cater to students’ diverse fitness needs.
• Organize intramural teams: Encourage students to participate in intramural sports and recreational activities. Moreover, this can provide opportunities for friendly competition, exercise, and social interaction.
• Provide nutrition counseling: Offer nutrition counseling services to help students make informed choices about their diet, develop healthy eating habits, and meet their nutritional needs.
• Maintain accessible health clinics: Ensure that students have easy access to on-campus health clinics that provide preventive care, treatment for minor illnesses, and health education.

In addition to these resources, colleges can also promote healthy lifestyle choices, such as regular exercise, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep.

Also, exercise can have a positive impact on mental health, further reinforcing the need for taking a holistic approach to student wellness.

Spiritual Wellness

Spiritual wellness in the college setting is often overlooked, yet it plays a crucial role in overall well-being. Spiritual wellness involves finding meaning, purpose, and connection to something larger than oneself.

Colleges can support students’ spiritual growth by offering these resources:

• Meditation and mindfulness classes: Teach students techniques for relaxation, stress reduction, and self-awareness.
• Provide spiritual counseling: Offer counseling services that address students’ spiritual needs and questions.
• Create spaces for prayer and reflection: Provide quiet and private spaces for students to engage in spiritual practices.

Recognizing the value of spiritual wellness, colleges can help students connect with a deeper sense of meaning and purpose, fostering their overall well-being.

Key Takeaways

Bringing a holistic approach to wellness to college campuses is not just beneficial for students, but also for the campus community.

By addressing all aspects of health, including mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, colleges can support students in achieving their health and well-being goals.

Integrating data and operations across various university clinics and departments can be a challenge. And even with student health and wellness budgets tightening, our solutions can help your campus work towards comprehensive college health integration.

Interested in learning more about how your campus health solutions can become more integrated and impactful? Connect with a member of our team.