In alignment with its mission and values, Colorado College is adopting the Okanagan Charter for Health and Wellness, a framework of the United States Health Promoting Campuses Network, which provides institutions of higher education with common language, principles, and strategies to promote health and well-being throughout the campus community.
“We are honored to join an extensive network of health promoting institutions of higher education. The Okanagan Charter naturally aligns with CC’s values, and the adoption recommits our resources towards supporting a culture wellness and a campus of care,” said Associate Vice President of Wellness Janelle Taylor. “We are proud that over the past year, we have increased student and employee access to physical and mental health services, strengthened collaborations with campus partners, and enhanced our health and wellbeing programming.”
The Okanagan Charter was created during the 2015 International Conference on Health Promoting Universities and Colleges, where leaders from 380 institutions of higher education pledged to sign a commitment to the health of people and the planet. It was developed in collaboration with policymakers, students, researchers, administrations, and practitioners from both educational institutions and health organizations in 45 different countries.
CC joins a cohort of 42 colleges and universities that have adopted this initiative to commit to sustaining healthier campuses and healthier communities.
“The charter also calls on colleges to engage in research and community support for health and wellbeing initiatives. With the Block Plan, CC is uniquely positioned to deeply explore these opportunities, strengthening the liberal arts experience,” added Taylor.
Planning is underway for upcoming activities on campus to promote wellbeing. CC Arts and Crafts and Creativity & Innovation will partner to pilot an art therapy and intervention program, slated for the Spring semester, to measure and mediate burnout and turnover. CC will also encourage an official Wellness Day during each Block, where students get to choose the day for themselves to focus on stress reduction and restoration.
“Being part of this network enables us to learn from other institutions and share our strengths,” said Vice President and Dean of Students Lacy Karpilo. “We need to create an environment for our students to explore effective ways to support their health and wellbeing. If a student doesn’t feel they belong, they could have a more difficult time in the classroom. This speaks to the importance of providing health education to promote healthy behaviors, allowing students to thrive.”
The official charter signing took place on Friday, Sep. 26 in front of Shove Memorial Chapel, followed by a health fair, open to members of the campus community and family members joining for Family Weekend. There was also a COVID and flu workshop and vaccine clinic, where campus members received free vaccines.