Oakwood University, a Seventh-Day Adventist Christian university in Huntsville, Alabama, threaded eight principles of health throughout its overall programming. These principles were identified by the acronym STANDOUT which stands for:
- Sunlight
- Temperance
- Adequate rest
- Nutrition
- Drink water
- Outdoors
- Use physical activity
- Trust in God
President Leslie Pollard chose this acronym after the student body had a contest to select a name that represented each principle.
Why did Oakwood University select Healthier Campus Initiative?
Oakwood University began its well-being journey in 2015 by launching the Healthy Campus 2020 program. It then became a Healthier Campus Initiative partner which provided the resources needed to meet the university’s objectives by integrating a robust, comprehensive and evidence-based well-being program to impact the entire campus community. The initiative provides a 41-guideline comprehensive framework focusing on nutrition, physical activity, food insecurity and overall programming. It supports Oakwood University’s STANDOUT principles.
Describe the impact of the Physical Activity section of Healthier Campus Initiative.
The university covers a plethora of intramural sports and activities for the campus which were designed to meet the Healthier Campus Initiative Physical Activity guidelines. The community members also participate during certain times and utilize the gym, natatorium, weight room and outdoor marked walking trail.
Recently, the Healthy Campus and Health Services and Counseling offices partnered with the Dean of Edwards Hall, Robert Mann, to sponsor a community-wide Men’s Walk for Health. Also, the university’s exercise station meets the Healthier Campus Initiative outdoor fitness system guideline. It provides an outdoor location for students, faculty, staff and community members to enjoy. Healthier Campus Initiative research showed which physical fitness activities were most impactful.
Lastly, Oakwood University participated and won student prizes in the Largest Physical Activity Challenge sponsored by the initiative.
What’s next for Oakwood University?
To maintain the gain of creating a healthier environment on the campus, in the community and within the curriculum, Oakwood University has embedded activities and curricula to sustain the principles of health and wellness. Healthier Campus Initiative expanded to include e-learning modules designed with the help of student wellbeing ambassadors, faculty and staff. The university wants to ensure it educates students using the same guidelines that created a healthy environment. It can measure impact. Health and wellness principles are integrated into a freshman seminar and courses such as Nursing, Health Principles and Nutrition reinforcing the objectives through learner activities. Data can now be shared with the Healthy Campus Community Committee to discuss outcomes.
Also, Oakwood has integrated mental health and wellness themes throughout all of its activities. One of the school’s mantras “Mental Health is Important, Too!” has been impactful on the student body. Students are taking control of their mental health and well-being. The beauty of providing a holistic approach to wellness is every area is targeted to ensure the student is balanced in every dimension of wellness.
Contact Kimberly O’Shields at kimberly@continuumnow.com to learn more about Healthier Campus Initiative. #HEALTHYCAMPUSWEEK2023 is taking place September 18-22, 2023.
