Wellness at UMW
The World Health Organization defines wellness as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”
The University of Mary Washington defines wellness as the state of being in balance within the six dimensions of wellness: Spiritual, Mental, Financial, Social, Physical, and Occupational. Research shows that one’s ability to thrive as an employee, a student, and as an organization depends on their level of wellness. Wellness is a state to work towards and is ever evolving.
At the University of Mary Washington, the President’s Council on Wellness has been tasked with providing information, opportunities, and education to promote a culture of wellness throughout our community.
If you’re interested in keeping up with President’s Council updates, the meeting minutes are available here.
UMW defines six dimensions of wellness in the following ways:
Dimensions of Wellness
Taking steps to identify one’s values and beliefs in order to expand one’s sense of purpose and to find meaning in their life. Keeping an open mind and demonstrating tolerance towards others.
Key Words: Values, Beliefs, Meaning
Tips:
- Visit the UC’s meditation spaces. Check-In at the info desk
- Practice mindfulness at a yoga class
- Check out some of campus Faith-Based organizations
- Visit the student self-care center
- Look into traveling abroad for academic credit
- Learn about local ways to empower diversity
Combining the elements of emotional well-being and intellectual curiosity, mental wellness includes being attentive to one’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors; positive or negative. Having the ability to approach life optimistically and with resiliency despite life’s inevitable disappointments. Seeking out ways to expand one’s knowledge and skills.
Key Words: Emotional, Intellectual, Mindful, Resiliency
Tips:
- Speak to your advisor about diverse and challenging courses
- Attend your professor’s office hours
- Read a book
- Visit the Writing Center
- Visit the Speaking Center
- Check out Tutoring & Student Support in the HCC
Striving to live a life within one’s means and taking steps to ensure one’s finances are prepared to support them in both the short and long term.
Key Words: Security, Budgeting, Invest
Tips:
- Attend an upcoming College of Business event
- Student Employment
- Look into applying for loans, grants, and scholarships
- Make a Budget
- Save up for Emergencies
Fostering a sense of connection and belonging with others. Involves using good communication skills, respecting oneself and others, and creating and maintaining a well-developed support system.
Key Words: Support, Community, Cultural Appreciation, Connections, Communication, Fun!
Tips:
- Join a club on campus
- Visit the SAE calendar for upcoming social events
- Visit the Fitness Center for a fun upcoming event
Taking care of one’s body by partaking in healthy practices such as exercise, a nutritious diet, and getting adequate sleep. Acknowledging the importance of one’s physical surroundings and taking an active role in sustaining it.
Key Words: Exercise, Nutrition, Sleep, Environment, Nature
Tips:
- On-campus nutrition in the UC
- Campus Rec activities
- Go on a hike
- Join a club sport
- Join an intramural team
- Visit the Student Health Center
Finding purpose and fulfillment in one’s professional journey while working to maintain balance between personal and work-life.
Key Words: Purpose, Balance, Fulfillment
Tips:
- Get a job on campus
- Are you career ready? Review best practices for an interview and prepare for questions
- Participate in mock interviews
- Visit the Center for Career and Professional Development
- Create a Profile in Handshake – Find a Meaningful Career
- Startup UMW– for student entrepreneurs
UMW Wellness Passport
The UMW Wellness Passport is an incentivized wellness initiative that encourages student participation in programming across campus. The programs will purposefully engage students in learning about the dimensions of wellness and reflecting on their own wellbeing.
The Wellness Passport is targeted to FSEM students, through collaboration with the Faculty Director of the First Year Experience and Coordinator for New Student Programs but will be open to any student to participate.
Students – Get your sticker!
By attending
- The Student Resource and Wellness Fair
- Club Carnival
- RecFest/First Friday
- Any advertised “passported” event
By requesting one from
- FSEM Peer Mentor
- Email wellness@umw.edu
Complete the passport! Acquire each sticker by participating in at least one program from each dimension of wellness. Upon completion, you’ll be entered into a drawing for sweet UMW swag!
Find out about upcoming events and services will be shared with FSEM faculty, Peer Mentors, SAE weekly and the @UMW_Wellness Instagram and Facebook accounts.
How do I enter?
- Share a picture of your completed passport on social media and tag @UMW_Wellness
- Your profile must be set to public in order for us to see it!
- An FSEM faculty member can email wellness@umw.edu at the end of the semester with list of names of students who have completed the passport with a picture of all students and their stickers.
- Fall Semester entries must be submitted by Friday December 6 at midnight.
- Drawing and notifications of winners will occur on Monday December 9 by 3:00pm.
Departments interested in participating can submit programming for consideration for inclusion in the passport by the President’s Council on Wellness.
- Please email wellness@umw.edu with program date, day, time, location, event title, learning objective(s) and method of assessment.
- To submit a passport event, please submit this form for council review.