KC Spotlight - Wellness and Health Promotions
Health, Safety, and Well-being Region IV-W Region IV-W
February 26, 2016
Wellness and Health Promotion are celebrations of life, health and student affairs. We are all engaged in building a stronger student that can meet the challenges of life while achieving academically and socially. We have a choice to equip our students with skills that address assertive behaviors, sound decision making and problem solving skills. The wellness in higher education focus moves us from “fixing” things after the fact to using education and intentionality to take on life holistically and develop skills that lead to a life of great potential. As we all know, there are many aspects of skill building for a life of wellness. We often think of the physical aspects of life, building strength, nourishing ourselves well, managing the use of alcohol. Other aspects of wellness interact and influence one another so we work on developing practices that promote mental well-being. Yes, our students stumble and fall when it comes to developing relationships so we pick up the pieces and strategies that will build relationships. And, of course we cannot leave out intellectual, spiritual, social and occupational health components.
Wellness is all about advocating health enrichment and life enhancement (D. Ardell). We do this in student affairs. We motivate, inspire, and support students to get the most out of their college experience. The fundamental wellness notions of balance and integration are reflected throughout student affairs best practices.
Educational Sessions
- A Positive Response to Mental Health: Wellness Coaching and a Culture of Care (Monday, March 14, 2:30 pm - 3:20 pm - Convention Center, Meeting Room 134)
- Emotionally Fit College Students: What Can You Do? (Tuesday, March 15, 8:30 am - 9:20 am - Convention Center, Meeting Room 131)
- Listen Up! A Practical Approach to Utilizing Counseling Skills in Student Affairs (Tuesday, March 15, 11:05 am - 11:55 am - Convention Center, Meeting Room 202)
Mary Allice Serafini is the Chair for the Wellness and Health Promotions Knowledge Community for NASPA IV-W. For more information about this KC please contact Mary Allice at mserafi@uark.edu.