Supporting student health and well-being this fall
As students transition back to campus this fall, health centers play a vital role in helping them start the year strong. Adjusting to new classes, routines, and responsibilities can be overwhelming. By taking proactive steps across campus, health leaders can set the tone for a healthier, more resilient student body.
Here are five actionable ways health centers and campus partners can promote student health and well-being this semester:
1. Champion student mental health across campus
Mental health is central to academic success and overall well-being, but support cannot fall on students alone. Health centers can lead by creating a culture of proactive care and working with the broader university community.
- Encourage collaboration between health centers, counseling services, student affairs, and faculty to promote awareness of mental health resources in classrooms, residence halls, and student organizations.
- Offer workshops and screenings on stress management, time management, and self-care.
- Encourage faculty and staff to normalize conversations about mental health and share campus support options.
- Support peer-led initiatives that create connection and reduce stigma.
- Promote accessible care pathways (counseling centers, telehealth, 24/7 hotlines, and behavioral health apps like SilverCloud®).
2. Strengthen student connections
Social connection is a buffer against stress, loneliness, and academic burnout. Health centers can collaborate with student affairs to encourage students to build strong networks.
- Promote student clubs, peer groups, and mentoring programs through health campaigns and clinic communications.
- Encourage peer-to-peer outreach, where students check in on friends and classmates.
- Highlight events that help students connect across backgrounds and fields of study.
- Provide training for faculty and staff on how to identify and refer isolated or struggling students.
3. Promote healthy sleep habits
Sleep is often undervalued on campus, but it’s foundational for academic performance and physical and mental health.
- Share evidence-based messaging that encourages 7–9 hours of sleep nightly.
- Provide resources during orientation and midterms on time management and sleep hygiene.
- Partner with faculty to discourage “all-nighter” culture by promoting flexible study strategies and early preparation.
- Create sleep-friendly environments by educating residential life staff on quiet hours and healthy dorm practices.
4. Ensure students are up to date on vaccines
As students gather in classrooms, residence halls, and events, vaccines are critical to preventing outbreaks of COVID-19, flu, and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
- Host on-campus vaccine clinics and provide mobile or outdoor options during high-traffic events.
- Communicate clearly about which vaccines students need, using CDC guidance, and dispel common myths through evidence-based campaigns.
- Partner with faculty and student affairs leaders to integrate vaccine messaging into student life, orientation, and academic communications.
- Make access seamless by offering walk-in appointments and reducing cost barriers.
5. Encourage outdoor activity and wellness
Spending time outdoors improves mental health, reduces stress, and encourages physical activity. Health centers can collaborate with facilities, recreation, and academic departments to make the outdoors part of campus life.
- Promote outdoor study, dining, and relaxation spaces through student health messaging.
- Work with recreation departments to create outdoor challenges, intramural sports, or wellness walks.
- Encourage faculty to use outdoor classrooms or host walking office hours when weather allows.
- Support infrastructure like bike racks, safe walking paths, and shaded areas to make outdoor activity accessible.
Final thought
By taking these proactive steps, college health centers can help students feel supported, connected, and prepared for the semester ahead — creating a campus environment that promotes health, well-being, resilience, and academic success.
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References
- American College Health Association. (2023). National College Health Assessment (NCHA) Spring 2023 Data Report. ACHA.
- American Psychological Association. (2022). Stress in America: The State of Mental Health on Campus. APA.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2024). College Health and Safety.https://www.cdc.gov/collegehealth/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2024). Recommended Vaccines.https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). (2023). College Students and Mental Health. NIH.
- National Sleep Foundation. (2022). Sleep Guidelines and Tips for College Students. NSF.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2023). Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition.HHS.
