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Southern Oregon University

Healthy Campus Initiative

Additional Information


Background & Context


According to the American College Health Association (ACHA), an organization focused on establishing and developing plans for improving student health, the leading health indicators for students in higher education in 2009 were:

  • Physical Activity
  • Overweight and Obesity
  • Tobacco Use
  • Substance Abuse
  • Responsible Sexual Behavior
  • Mental Health
  • Injury and Violence
  • Environmental Quality
  • Immunization
  • Access to Health Care

As referenced by NASPA's (Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education) Health in Higher Education Knowledge Community definitions, the definition of health is: "The physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being and fitness that individuals enjoy. Health is not just freedom from disease but is multidimensional and is to a large extent culturally defined (Modeste & Tamayose); a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity (Preamble to the Constitution of the World Health Organization as adopted by the International Health Conference, New York, 19-22 June, 1946; signed on 22 July 1946 by the representatives of 61 States [Official Records of the World Health Organization, no. 2, p. 100] and entered into force on 7 April 1948); the capacity to work, study, and love (Keeling); a state of well-being and dignity (Farmer)."

Nationally, the importance of supporting mental and behavioral health in campus environments is demonstrated by the initialization of the "Mental Health on Campus Improvement Act" (S. 682 & H. R. 1704), currently under review by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. This act "comprehensively addresses the mental and behavioral health needs of students in college and university settings, as well as raises awareness and promotes dialogue and coordination at the federal level on the issue of mental and behavioral health on campus."

Goal Two of the SOU 2010-2011 Institutional Goals states that SOU will use, "National College Health Assessment data to undertake a Healthy Campus Initiative that effectively addresses the health/wellness and other developmental needs of students." In the 2008-2013 Student Affairs Five Year Plan, there is a commitment to develop a Supportive Campus Environment, an Enriching Educational Experience, and Active and Collaborative Learning, with a Student-Faculty Interaction focus. The establishment of a Healthy Campus Initiative provides a foundation for these goals to manifest. This Initiative would facilitate the development of a campus wide Wellness Program that integrates academic learning, student development, environmental supports, programming, and policies that foster individual, interpersonal and community health.