Supporting Student Wellness: Personalized Wellness Education

Placing student health and wellness needs in the forefront, Free Wellness Leadership Institute workshops are built to cultivate empowerment through education resources, sharpening skills and experiences, while yielding personalized toolkits that students can use at Syracuse University and beyond as they navigate their unique wellness journey.

Helping to build Wellness Leadership Institute outreach and lead workshops is Yvonne Kuo ’24, educator at The Arch Peer at Barnes Center. “I think students are often surprised about how much they learn. Such topics as nutrition, investing basics or dealing with paychecks are something that we, as students, may not be taught in school, so why not learn about it for free? ” Kuo says.

Why Is The Wellness Leadership Institute Important?

These empowering educational experiences throughout Woven are at the Barnes Center Wellness Wheel. All workshop topics highlight the core of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility, while partnering with one of the eight dimensions of Wellness.

Emphasizing that workshops are open to all undergraduate and graduate Syracuse University students, Kuo encourages students to step out of their comfort zones and possess ownership of their health and wellness journeys. “One of my favorite workshops was that I attended a campus nutritionist. It was an eye-opening experience to learn about different cultures and different diets that they often consume, “she says.

What Topics Are Explored in Wellness Leadership Institute Workshops?

Nearly 80 workshop topics, hosted by health and wellness focused staff, faculty and peer educators, magnify the Dimensions of Wellness, while weaving together student resources with available resources and services. Campus community members are encouraged to explore all workshop topics and those highlighted below.

• Allyship 101
• Fitness 411
• Investing Basics
• Leading From the Open Heart
• Relationships and “Situationships”
• Strategies for Career Planning

How Can Students Earn a Completion Certificate and Graduation Medallion?

Students who attend a workshop within each of the Dimensions of Wellness will earn a graduation medallion and certificate. Available through virtual, in-person and pre-recorded video opportunities, hundreds of free workshops are hosted throughout the year and accommodate a variety of schedules. Workshops are now available and will continue to grow throughout the summer and 2022-23 academic year.

Throughout their time at Syracuse University, students are invited to attend workshops. Traditionally, schedules host the opportunity to complete all Dimensions of Wellness within a semester. As of spring 2022, 14 students have achieved this accomplishment.

How Can I Help Students Connect with the Wellness Leadership Institute?

If a student is struggling to balance commitments, navigating stress management and more, it may be helpful for all campus community members to attend the Wellness Leadership Institute workshops. Faculty and staff interested in weaving holistic health and wellness into the curriculum and / or student groups are invited to partner with the Wellness Leadership Institute. Complete instructions are available on the Wellness Leadership Institute webpage.

For more information or to request accommodations, visit the Arch Wellness Leadership Institute webpage at the Barnes Center, email the Barnes Center or call 315.443.8000.

About the Supporting Student Wellness Series

Through a student-focused lens of integrated health and wellness, this series explores a variety of resources and services at the Barnes Center. In the pursuit of enhancing the student experience, subjects empower faculty, staff, students, families and supporters as catalysts of their daily interactions within the health and wellness.