Supporting Student Well-Being: Resources and Initiatives at IWU
The college experience is about more than earning a degree and developing the skills needed for your desired career. It is also an opportunity for growth and development, so it's essential to choose a campus that offers a wide range of student services.
At Indiana Wesleyan University, we prioritize holistic student support on our Christian campus. When you choose to attend IWU, you will be able to enjoy wellness activities for students, career counseling for students and other student wellness initiatives. All of these programs and initiatives are designed with you in mind, ensuring that you can grow academically, spiritually, physically, and emotionally during your time on campus.
IWU’s Approach to Holistic Student Well-Being
At IWU, we believe that students need to be immersed in a supportive and nurturing environment to succeed academically and thrive on a personal level. We have intentionally developed a wide range of wellness programs at IWU in hopes of providing students with the physical, emotional, and spiritual support that they need during this critical time of growth and development in their lives.
What Is Holistic Well-Being?
“Holistic” is a term that refers to the whole of something, rather than just its individual parts. On a college campus, holistic well-being initiatives work to support every aspect of a student's life, not just their academic development. Rather, holistic support services for students will be designed to support academic success, enhance spiritual growth, promote mental well-being, and increase accessibility to physical healthcare.
IWU’s Commitment to Student Support
At IWU, we offer unparalleled student support on campus, ensuring that all students have access to mental wellness resources, career counseling, academic counseling, and physical wellness programs. We believe that by investing in well-rounded holistic student support at IWU, we can help our students grow into the effective, faith-based leaders that we know they can be.
Mental Health Resources for IWU Students
On college campuses across the country, students are in crisis. The majority of college students have experienced symptoms of anxiety or depression, with more than 44% of students reporting that they feel depressed on a regular basis.
To prioritize mental wellness for students at IWU, we have developed a wide range of mental health support services, including the following:
Counseling Services
Through our counseling services at IWU, our students can receive the care and guidance they need to make the most of the opportunities available to them on campus. Knowing that they can share information and concerns in confidence, our students can receive one-on-one counseling services that can help them better manage feelings of anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, or any other issues they may be experiencing. Our trained and qualified mental health counselors can help with cognitive, emotional, or behavioral concerns, giving all students the support they need to lead a full and productive life on campus.
Peer Support Programs
We have also developed innovative peer support programs at IWU that allow students to connect with others on campus who may be going through similar experiences or challenges. These peer support programs help students make valuable and lasting connections on campus, which can help them feel more comfortable and secure during their time at IWU.
Crisis Intervention and Emergency Support
In the event that a student is experiencing a mental health emergency or is in the midst of a crisis, we have qualified counselors available to provide immediate support. Crisis intervention for students at IWU can be accessed 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
Wellness Programs and Initiatives
At IWU, we believe that students can perform better in the classroom environment when they are taking care of themselves physically, emotionally, and spiritually. For many students on campus, this is their first time living independently, and that can be overwhelming. To help students prioritize their own well-being, we have developed a wide range of wellness activities for students that work to support physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
Fitness and Physical Wellness
At the center of our fitness and physical wellness programs is our world-class fitness facility, known to students as the Rec and Wellness Center. This 117,500-square-foot facility features state-of-the-art fitness equipment that students and faculty can use throughout the year. Inside this facility, you will find a multipurpose athletic court, a competitive swimming pool, a rock-climbing wall, and a fitness and weight room.
Nutrition and Healthy Living
Knowing that students need to fuel their bodies to feel nourished and energized for class, our dining team works to create nutritious and delicious meals for students living on campus. Students have access to well-balanced meals throughout the day, allowing them to prioritize nutrition as they learn to navigate their independence.
Spiritual Wellness and Faith-Based Support
As a Christian university, we are proud to offer a wide range of spiritual wellness programs. Students at IWU receive faith-based support, not only at chapel services but also from their professors and their peers. Some of our spiritual wellness activities for students include weekly chapel services, small group meetings, faith integration groups, and the summit experience, which takes place at the start of each semester.
Promoting Emotional Well-Being at IWU
While college is an exciting time for many students, we also recognize that it can be an overwhelming experience. Even while immersed in a supportive and engaging campus environment, students can feel isolated or alone. We actively work to support the emotional well-being and development of our students by creating accessible and impactful programs on campus.
Stress Management and Mindfulness Programs
Stress management for IWU students is critical to their success. When students feel overwhelmed or burnt out, they are less likely to be engaged in their academic work or in campus life. We offer stress management and mindfulness programs that give students the tools they need to stay organized, reduce stress, and remain present during their time on campus.
Building a Supportive Community
We are proud of the fact that we have cultivated a supportive culture on campus, and it doesn't take long for students to recognize that they can reach out to faith leaders, instructors, administrators, or other classmates if they need any guidance. Whether they need a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on, our students know that their campus community is available to support them.
Additional Resources for Student Support
In addition to our comprehensive mental health resources for students and physical wellness programs, we also offer additional resources for student support. As part of our commitment to holistic student support at IWU, we are proud to offer academic support services as well as career counseling for students.
Academic Support Services
Academic support services at IWU allow students to receive personalized support on their academic journeys. From trying to decide on a particular major to determining which classes will best meet their academic needs, students can work closely with our academic advisors to chart a path that best supports their academic and career goals.
Career Services and Life Planning
Through Career Advancement Support, our students can receive personalized advice and guidance as they begin to prepare for life after graduation. Some of our career and life planning services include:
- Personalized career planning services that allow students to explore different fields and create a customized path that allows them to reach their career goals.
- Skill development opportunities that allow students to build the relevant skills needed for their desired career field.
- Resume building services that help students craft an enticing and memorable resume.
- Interview preparation services that allow students to become comfortable and confident with the job interview process.
- Networking opportunities that give students the opportunity to make connections with professionals in their chosen industry.
How IWU’s Initiatives Foster Long-Term Well-Being
Through our mental health resources for students and physical wellness programs, we allow students to establish a foundation for holistic well-being that they can carry with them throughout their entire lives. The vast majority of our programs are designed to provide students with the tools and resources they need to care for their own physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Preparing Students for Lifelong Wellness
On campus, we help students recognize the power of self-care. We encourage them to enjoy a healthy, well-balanced diet, and prioritize physical activity in their own lives. We remind them of the power of counseling, and we encourage them to play an active role in their worship communities. By helping students establish these practices during their time on campus, we are preparing them for a lifetime of healthy habits.
Alumni Support and Ongoing Resources
Even after graduation, IWU students can rely on our campus community for support. We have an extensive alumni network that carries the spirit of our campus across the entire country, and we actively work to ensure that our alumni have access to the support and resources they need for personal, spiritual, and professional success.
Learn More About Student Well-Being Resources at IWU
At Indiana Wesleyan University, we are proud to offer a variety of resources for our students to ensure their well-being while they earn their degree. From mental health resources for students to physical wellness programs, we have comprehensive services available for all of our students. Request more information about life on the IWU campus today.
Sources
https://www.indwes.edu/find-your-program
https://www.indwes.edu/about/offices/center-for-student-success/
https://www.indwes.edu/about/life-at-iwu/campus-rec/recreation-and-wellness-center
https://www.indwes.edu/about/life-at-iwu/spiritual-life/
https://www.indwes.edu/landing-pages/career-advancement/
https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/holistic
https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/mental-health-crisis-college-campuses
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK567369/
https://www.ed.gov/about/ed-initiatives/raise-bar/raise-the-bar-mental-health-and-wellbeing
