Campus Wellbeing Framework draft up for review

More than 2,000 students, staff and faculty provided input on framework

Image supplied by: Journal File Photo
Campus Wellbeing Framework draft up for review.

After six months of consultations with students, staff, and faculty, a draft of Campus Wellbeing Framework—an assessment of how Queen’s fares on questions of health and wellness—is ready for the community’s review.

In a statement to The Journal, Ann Tierney and Donna Janiec, co-chairs of the Provost’s Advisory Committee on Wellness, said the University launched the Campus Wellness project in 2018 to support a culture of wellbeing for everyone on campus.

The draft framework acts as a way for students to view the University through a “wellbeing lens” and evaluate and reflect on a range of decisions, policies, procedures and actions that impact the Queen’s community.

Much of the framework’s foundation are from the Okanagan Charter, an international charter to promote health and wellbeing at colleges and universities. In a statement by the University published in February, Queen’s made a formal commitment to advance student health and wellness by adopting the charter.

“The charter calls on post-secondary institutions to embed health and wellbeing in all aspects of campus culture, and to lead human and environmental wellbeing promotion locally and globally,” Tierney wrote.

The framework’s focused areas are divided into four parts: culture, belonging and social connection, personal wellbeing, and places. The framework aims to expand leadership opportunities through a culture of care, inclusion, respect, and empathy. It also emphasizes promoting personal health and support from the University.

Some of the personal wellbeing initiatives include mental health supports for students, like Empower Me, in partnership with the AMS and SGPS, and Therapy Assistance Online (TAO). Staff and faculty also have an extended benefits plan. According to the framework, the University offers eligible faculty and staff benefits, like tuition support and assistance, childcare support, extended health benefits, employee and family assistance program, and accessibility support.

According to both Tierney and Janiec, one of the most important components of the Campus Wellness Project was outreach and consultation.

The draft framework currently includes feedback from 2,000 students, staff, and faculty who participated in campus wellbeing consultation meetings, town halls, open houses, and online feedback over the past year.

“In addition, the Rector, AMS President and SGPS President are all members of the Provost’s Advisory Committee on Wellness,” the two said. “These student leaders will continue to reach out to their respective communities, encouraging engagement with the project.”

The University is currently accepting comments and questions about the draft framework online until May 1. Comments submitted by students, staff, and faculty will be added to the draft framework. An evaluation plan will also be developed once the framework is finalized.

Tags

Mental health, Okanagan Charter, Wellness

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