The Case Western Reserve University Wellness Program has been working hard to promote a culture of health and well-being for faculty and staff for the past six years, while a similar program designed specifically for students was created just this past year with an objective to create new activities to advocate for healthier lifestyles year-round.

Specifically for the month of October, the Wellness Program is implementing a campus-wide walking challenge called #WalkCWRU. By tracking the number of steps taken each day or minutes spent exercising, students and faculty alike can be eligible for various prizes. Additionally, later this fall, the Body Project Program will kick off and is expected to knock down societal expectations and stereotypes about body image.

Wellness Coordinator Mary Ann Dobbins has been with the group for three and one-half years, with the responsibility of implementing the various classes offered as well as writing the newsletter and sharing different wellness stories.

The Program often works according to feedback and ideas from participants and various people on campus. “In the spring, we worked together on a sleep program. We are also offering a new series concerning eldercare and grief topics,” Dobbins shared. “We received feedback this summer that these topics are important to our faculty and staff.”

Melissa Hendricks is the Associate Director of Wellness and Health Promotion and has been with the University Health & Counseling Services for about one year. Responsible for outreach, programming for special-events and prevention, Hendricks is involved in a variety of different programs within the group.

When asked about some of her favorite programs, Hendricks said, “Our Wellness Ambassador Program is one I’m most excited about. This program is going to continue to grow and be an integral part of the success of the Case Western Reserve University Student Wellness Program.”

Charged with designing and implementing different wellness programs for the student body, as well as garnering feedback and ideas, the group has almost doubled in size since its start in spring 2018. All students are welcome to become wellness ambassadors and more information is available by contacting Hendricks.

The Wellness Program and University Health & Counseling Services will be initiating a monthly newsletter; to subscribe and stay up to date on their programs and events throughout the year, Hendricks said students can join the CampusGroups page.