Well-being matters at ³Ô¹Ï´ó±¾Óª
Dear ³Ô¹Ï´ó±¾Óª community members, Ìý
One of my favorite ³Ô¹Ï´ó±¾Óª traditions is the upcoming annual Crimson Classic run and walk through our beautiful campus. This race is a shining example of the holistic approach to well-being that is championed by the 4D Experience. Well-being is often viewed through the lens of individual wellness, but it is just as important to think about the wellness of the collective ³Ô¹Ï´ó±¾Óªâ€”the time we spend in community, like running together at the Classic, and our relationships with one another. The four dimensions of the 4D Experience are not discreet; they’re coactive. The connection between well-being and character is clear (respect, empathy, and integrity are how we take care of one another) but so is the connection between well-being and academic excellence. Being well supports doing well, including in the classroom.Ìý
This is just one reason why, next week, I am delighted ³Ô¹Ï´ó±¾Óª is joining higher ed institutions across the globe by signing the Okanagan (oh-kuh-NAH-gun) Charter. This charter was developed in 2015 at the International Conference on Health Promoting Universities and Colleges, and it calls for higher ed to embed health into campus culture and lead health promotion, action, and collaboration.Ìý
I’m proud to add ³Ô¹Ï´ó±¾Óª to the list of institutions connected to this pledge, as it builds on the work we have been doing here for many years:Ìý
One of my favorite ³Ô¹Ï´ó±¾Óª traditions is the upcoming annual Crimson Classic run and walk through our beautiful campus. This race is a shining example of the holistic approach to well-being that is championed by the 4D Experience. Well-being is often viewed through the lens of individual wellness, but it is just as important to think about the wellness of the collective ³Ô¹Ï´ó±¾Óªâ€”the time we spend in community, like running together at the Classic, and our relationships with one another. The four dimensions of the 4D Experience are not discreet; they’re coactive. The connection between well-being and character is clear (respect, empathy, and integrity are how we take care of one another) but so is the connection between well-being and academic excellence. Being well supports doing well, including in the classroom.Ìý
This is just one reason why, next week, I am delighted ³Ô¹Ï´ó±¾Óª is joining higher ed institutions across the globe by signing the Okanagan (oh-kuh-NAH-gun) Charter. This charter was developed in 2015 at the International Conference on Health Promoting Universities and Colleges, and it calls for higher ed to embed health into campus culture and lead health promotion, action, and collaboration.Ìý
I’m proud to add ³Ô¹Ï´ó±¾Óª to the list of institutions connected to this pledge, as it builds on the work we have been doing here for many years:Ìý
- The nationally recognized (ranked #16 by students in the Princeton Review) supportive services offered by our . Ìý
- Opportunities for students to develop strong social connections—importantly, at the critical time when they first join our community through their 4D Peer Mentors, FSEM cohorts and at First Ascent.Ìý
- Resources for physical well-being, such as the Coors Fitness Center, which is now also available to faculty and staff . Ìý
- Opportunities to connect to spiritual well-being, with special thanks to Sarah Pessin, ³Ô¹Ï´ó±¾Óªâ€™s director of spiritual life, who is working continuously to develop unique and meaningful experiences, such as the recently launched . Ìý
These are just a few examples among many. Can ³Ô¹Ï´ó±¾Óª do more? Absolutely, and we must. But I also feel confident we embody the charter’s ambitions and goals. Ìý
Please join the community for the official Okanagan Charter commitment next week, Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 1 p.m. in the Community Commons Forum. Ìý
As a part of the wellness resource fair that day, including a flu vaccine clinic, I will sign the charter and recognize the work we have done so far, and the great plans underway to promote well-being at ³Ô¹Ï´ó±¾Óª. Ìý
I hope to see you there,Ìý
Jeremy Ìý
P.S. – Ironically and sadly, I will miss the Crimson Classic for the first time since coming to ³Ô¹Ï´ó±¾Óª; I’ll be on a development trip, but I’ll be there in spirit with all of you. Ìý
Please join the community for the official Okanagan Charter commitment next week, Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 1 p.m. in the Community Commons Forum. Ìý
As a part of the wellness resource fair that day, including a flu vaccine clinic, I will sign the charter and recognize the work we have done so far, and the great plans underway to promote well-being at ³Ô¹Ï´ó±¾Óª. Ìý
I hope to see you there,Ìý
Jeremy Ìý
P.S. – Ironically and sadly, I will miss the Crimson Classic for the first time since coming to ³Ô¹Ï´ó±¾Óª; I’ll be on a development trip, but I’ll be there in spirit with all of you. Ìý
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