How unique well-being programming is promoting wellness on campus, including University of Alabama’s SKY Happiness Retreat.
Campus recreation has long been a cornerstone of student well-being, offering spaces to move, connect and recharge. However, as student needs evolve, so do the approaches to wellness. More than ever, recreation departments are looking beyond traditional fitness programming to address mental health, stress management and creating a sense of belonging which contributes to student success.
At the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), one initiative making a significant impact is the SKY Happiness Retreat. Designed to help students cultivate mindfulness, emotional intelligence and social connection, the retreat introduces breathwork, meditation and leadership development as core wellness tools. Through this unique approach, UAB’s campus rec team is redefining what it means to support student well-being.
“While we’re a gym, we offer so much more than just a place to work out,” said Allison Martin, the coordinator of Engagement and Belonging at CENTERS LLC at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. “We focus on holistic well-being and recognize physical health is deeply connected to mental health. Movement isn’t just about fitness; it’s a powerful tool for strengthening the mind, reducing stress and boosting overall wellness. Beyond that, we provide a welcoming space for social interaction, where students can build connections and find a sense of community.”
What is the SKY Happiness Retreat?
The SKY Happiness Retreat follows a five-step approach:
- Emotional Intelligence: Cultivating skills for emotional well-being.
- Breathwork and Meditation: Teaching the SKY Breath Meditation practice.
- Inclusion and Belonging: Creating communities of authenticity, trust and respect.
- Service: Encouraging social responsibility.
- Leadership: Helping students discover purpose and realize their full potential.
Participants leave with a 20-minute breathing meditation sequence they can incorporate into daily life. Additional benefits include feeling more connected, improved mental clarity and a renewed commitment to personal well-being.
Having a Meaningful Impact on Students
Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive with students calling the experience enlightening, transformative and deeply relaxing. Many first-time meditators walked away feeling more centered and at peace than ever before.
“It was not what I expected — it was challenging, but also enjoyable,” one student shared. “It was the first time I’ve ever meditated, and I left feeling so much more focused.”
Beyond the retreat, students appreciate the effort UAB University Rec puts into their overall well-being. Whether through mental health resources, stress-reducing programming or simply creating a welcoming space, the department’s commitment to student wellness extends far beyond exercise.
“They see we genuinely care about their well-being beyond just physical fitness,” said Martin. “Whatever initiative, they appreciate we’re creating a supportive environment tailored to their needs. We’ve received great feedback on how we’ve helped them feel more balanced, connected and empowered to prioritize their health. The engagement we see reaffirms these efforts are making a meaningful impact on their overall college experience.”
As campus recreation departments continue to evolve, programs like the SKY Happiness Retreat highlight the power of integrating mindfulness, movement and community into student wellness initiatives.
Similarly, many other campuses are exploring unique ways to promote wellness on campus. Some examples include:
University of Texas at San Antonio
The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is holding Wellbeing Listening sessions for students to meet with UTSA’s Wellbeing Task Force. As such, students can have a direct say and contribute to wellness initiatives happening on campus.
Winston Salem State University
On February 8, Winston-Salem State University took students to the North Carolina Zoo for a Wellness Day. This unique program gave students the chance to explore the zoo and have fun together.
East Tennessee State University
East Tennessee State University is equipping students with the skills and tools to be trained mental health advocates through its Mental Health First Aid course.
Florida State University
Florida State University is hosting Spark Week from February 24-28. The week will feature activities to promote holistic health including an interactive art piece to leave and read uplifting messages, outdoor meditation and Pilates sessions, and the Spark Fest to end the week.
