About

Objectives:

1. Increase the number of and percent of individuals who participate in mental and emotional well-being programming. 
2. Promote optimal well-being and healthy behaviors in faculty, staff and students through current mental and emotional evidence-based well-being practice. 
3. Expand access to mental health services and promotion for faculty, staff and students. 
4. Collaborate with one campus department, college, or school to focus on research, data collection, and evaluation that addresses improvement for campus community mental and emotional well-being. 
5. Ensure accessible, safe and secure campus facilities that are welcoming and inclusive. 

Objectives:

1. Provide innovative and engaging marketing campaigns to identify and promote open dialogue, safe spaces, and resources for the campus community. 
2. Provide Oakland University administration with annual data related to well-being successes, gaps, and opportunities. 
3. Maintain a repository of campus-wide wellness support initiatives collected from University faculty, staff, and students to identify gaps in well-being initiatives and services. 
4. Create and distribute well-being intervention tools and strategies for faculty and staff use with students and colleagues. 

Objectives:

1. Increase the number of campus physical/green spaces that support well-being.
2. Continue to educate the campus community on campus-wide recycling initiatives. 
3. Provide access to outdoor physical activity spaces that offer opportunities for social cohesion and integration.
4. Remove physical obstacles that prevent work, study and social engagement. 

Objectives:

1. Recognize leaders and managers who incorporate wellness and drive a positive well-being campus culture. 
2. Compare Oakland University with other Michigan institutions in benchmarking well-being initiatives and services. 
3. Identify sources to track and report best practice efforts with campus colleagues. 
4. Apply for a minimum of two national awards and recognition opportunities for well-being efforts. 
5. Share on-going successes and outcomes related to well-being on campus and with the community in an open format (website, social media, print publications, presentations, etc.).
6. Demonstrate active involvement in local, regional, and national associations related to well-being through conference attendance, committee involvement, and professional presentations.

An International Charter for Health Promoting Universities & Colleges

On October 30th, President Pescovitz will sign the Okanagan Charter just after 12 noon, making Oakland University the 6th institution in Michigan and one of the first 50 schools in the country to sign the Charter. 

Health promoting universities and colleges transform the health and sustainability of our current and future societies, strengthen communities and contribute to the well-being of people, places and the planet.  Infusing health into everyday operations, business practices and academics, Oakland University is making a commitment to transforming systems, settings, and campus culture while improving the health of the people who live, learn, work and play on campus. 

Significant Historical Moments for Healthy Campus

The healthy campus movement at Oakland University has been an on-going endeavorer since 2010. Even before 2010, the Shape Up OU program was introduced and became the foundation for the work that continues today.  

In the fall of 2010, a movement began when then President Russi convened the first wellness committee with representation from all employee groups to discuss and plan for ways to improve the lives of the OU faculty and staff, making Oakland University a healthier place to work. For a snapshot of the progression of the Healthy Campus initiative, click here!

Next Steps for Healthy Campus

The Healthy Campus initiative is part of the Oakland University Strategic Vision 2030. It falls under the Our People Pathway with bold plans for the current semester and beyond.

Try, Learn and Grow

A variety of low-key, educational activities related to five areas of well-being will be offered at the “Embracing Health, Igniting Change” event. All of the activities are designed to give participants an opportunity to try things that will:

• Aid in stress management, 

• Promote positive mental health, 

• Educate about the importance of managing health and well-being,

• Provide information on campus resources, 

• Be socially engaging and fun! 

Activities are drop-in and require no special clothing, skills or experience. Activities will run concurrently during the event. Some may pause during the signing of the Okanagan Charter and resume immediately following. 

Win Prizes!

All participants will receive a passport to encourage visiting and trying activities in each of the areas of well-being.  Completed passports can be dropped off before leaving for a chance to win a prize!

Sample Activities  

• Sustainable Gardening and Flower Arranging

Create a personal floral arrangement while minimizing environmental impact. Combine traditional floral art with eco-conscious practices for a quick, stress free make-and-take take home experience.

• • Environmental Well-Being
  • Social Well-Being 

• Cardio Drumming

Cardio drumming is a high-energy workout that combines: rhythmic drumming (usually on an exercise ball) cardiovascular exercise dance-style or aerobic movements and upbeat music. It's fun, low-impact, and adaptable for all fitness levels.

• • Physical Well-Being
  • Social Well-Being
  • Mental Well-Being

• Nutrition Demonstrations and Taste-Testing

Visit the on-site cooking demo station to learn how to make a variety of affordable healthy snacks for busy people on the go!  Samples of four of the recipes will be available (while supplies last) to taste test. Recipes will be available online following the event.  Note: nutrition demos will start at 11:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.

• • Physical Well-Being
  • Social Well-Being

• Trash Your Insecurities

An empowerment or self-love activity to help people let go of negative self-talk and build confidence.

• • Mental Well-Being

• Note To Self

A meaningful reflective exercise for participants to write personal messages to themselves that focus on self-love, encouragement, or intention-setting.  Writing notes to self helps promote self-compassion and mindfulness, anchor self during tough times and identify personal strengths or areas of growth.

• • Mental Well-Being

• Fleece & Thank You Tie Blankets

Get social and make a charitable contribution by tying no-sew fleece blankets made as a part of an effort to support children in hospitals. The organization Fleece & Thank You facilitates making and donating blankets, each paired with a personalized video messages for the recipient child.

• • Social Well-Being

• Gratitude Wall

A gratitude wall is a powerful way to build positivity, connection, and mindfulness among many individuals or within a group. The Healthy Campus gratitude wall will provide participants a place to share what they're thankful for by writing and posting their thoughts.

• • Mental Well-Being

• Smear The Stigma

Like chalk? Get your hands a little messy in this quick activity that will encourage participants to wipe out, erase or smear harmful societal stigmas often associated with mental health, addiction, illness, or identity. 

• • Mental Well-Being

• You Belong Mural & Canvas Painting

“You Belong” is a visual affirmation - a reminder that every person has worth and a place in this world. This activity will spark your creativity and allow participants to contribute to a canvas display using art to help students, staff, and faculty feel connected, respected, supported, and valued.  The project, guided by the work of an OU alum, will be installed in the Oakland Center once completed.

• • Social Well-Being
  • Mental Well-Being

• Ties of Hope Bandanas

Learn more about mental health resources available at OU and receive a green bandana to signal to others that you are a safe person to approach about finding resources and support on campus. Resource cards and bandanas will be distributed.

• • Mental Well-Being

• Therapy Dogs

Interact with some furry friends from Fur Angels or Pawsitive Changes! Pet Therapy is a great way to help with stress, mood, emotional and physical well‑being.

• • Social Well-Being
  • Mental Well-Being
  • Physical Well-Being

Receive a free I Commit To A Healthy Campus Grizz T-shirt by committing to work on personal well being and support peers and colleagues in making the OU campus a healthier place to learn, play and grow!  

Following the signing of the Okanagan Charter, participants will have the opportunity to sign the commitment wall and take photos with friends and the Grizz.