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Wellness Redefined

Health Promotion and Education empowers Saint Louis University students to lead healthy, balanced lives through dynamic wellness programs and resources. From physical fitness to mental resilience and social connection, our initiatives support holistic student wellbeing across every dimension of health.

Defining Health Promotion at SLU

Health promotion is the process of empowering students to increase control over, improve, and maintain wellness.   

Our Mission

The eight dimensions of self care

Our mission is to provide education and resources to the students of Saint Louis University to help develop the knowledge and skills necessary to lead healthy, balanced, and holistic lives. We accomplish this through the promotion of physical, mental, and social wellness and by the integration of comprehensive health education and prevention initiatives that address the diverse needs of our student population.

What Wellness Means to Us

Wellness is a dynamic and multidimensional concept that refers to the active pursuit of activities, choices, and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health. It goes beyond the absence of illness to encompass a proactive and positive approach to living.

  • Physical wellness: Maintaining a healthy body through regular exercise, balanced nutrition, proper sleep, and avoiding harmful habits. It includes understanding and practicing habits that promote physical health and fitness. 
  • Mental wellness: Understanding and respecting your feelings, values, and attitudes. It involves managing emotions in a constructive way, coping with stress effectively, and seeking support when needed. 
  • Social wellness: Developing a sense of connection, belonging, and a well-developed support system. It includes building healthy, nurturing, and supportive relationships and fostering a genuine connection with those around you.

(These definitions were adapted from the Wellness Alliance, 2024)

How We Promote

Physical Wellness  

Our team offers a range of programs to support your physical wellness and help you achieve a balanced, healthy lifestyle.

Physical Wellness Workshop Series

Our Physical Wellness Workshop Series explores the connection between physical activity and overall wellness, with a focus on stress reduction, healthy habits, and movement. These engaging sessions cover topics such as:

  • The role of physical activity in managing stress.
  • Effective nutrition strategies to boost both physical and academic performance.
  • The benefits and proper use of supplements for overall wellness.
  • The integration of mindful breathing and movement during strength training.
  • The importance of healthy sleep habits and their impact on physical wellness.
  • How to develop a personalized strength training routine.

Workshops are scheduled throughout the semester at a time that is convenient for most students. 

Student Lifting

Fitness Orientation Program

Our Fitness Orientation Program is designed to familiarize students with the recreational resources and opportunities available at SLU . These sessions introduce students to fitness equipment, recreational programs, and physical wellness while also discussing:

●      Proper gym etiquette.

●      Safety tips for operating equipment.

●      Related policies and procedures.

Fitness orientations are held at the beginning of each academic semester, helping students feel confident and prepared to engage in physical activities on campus.

For more information about all our physical wellness and fitness resources visit Campus Recreation and Wellness Fitness Programs. 

Mental Wellness

Our department is dedicated to supporting mental wellness through education, resources, and events designed to foster healthy, resilient Billikens. 

MHFA Pamphlet

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a skills-based training course that equips participants to assist individuals experiencing mental health or substance-use challenges. Similar to CPR for medical emergencies, MHFA prepares participants to respond effectively to mental health crises.

SLU offers this valuable training to faculty, staff, and students. Individuals can register for upcoming sessions, and organizations or departments can schedule group training sessions for up to 30 participants. For details and registration, visit the Mental Health First Aid webpage.

MHFA is an approved co-curricular experience that satisfies the Cura Personalis 2 (CORE 2500) requirement for the Saint Louis University undergraduate CORE. 

Students sign

Mindfulness Training and Resources

As part of the Mindfulness Institute for Emerging Adults program, our department provides a four-week Mindfulness Training series. These sessions, which are typically held in the evenings, last 75 minutes and guide students through techniques for integrating mindfulness into their daily lives.

Mindfulness Training is an approved co-curricular experience that satisfies the Cura Personalis 2 (CORE 2500) requirement for the Saint Louis University undergraduate CORE. 

Fresh Check Day

Fresh Check Day, the Jordan Porco Foundation’s signature program, is an inspiring mental health and suicide prevention event facilitated by campus partners throughout our community. . The event typically takes place each Fall on SLU’s Main Campus and every Spring on South Campus. This engaging event features interactive booths, free food, entertainment, and exciting prizes, creating an inviting atmosphere to promote mental health OR wellness and support.

Explore these resources and events to strengthen your mental health and connect with our supportive campus community.

Social Wellness 

Our department is committed to cultivating a sense of belonging and promoting student social wellness through engaging programs and collaborative initiatives.

Healthy Relationships 

We organize events designed to foster connection and resilience through physical and mental activities. In partnership with Safe Connections, we offer programs that help students navigate important topics such as:

  • Developing healthy relationships and support networks.
  • Understanding and processing rejection.
  • Learning how to handle failure constructively.

Additionally, Safe Connections collaborates with SLU to provide consent education sessions for undergraduate students. These sessions take place during the fall semester, with two evening offerings scheduled around September.

Peer-Led Initiatives

To empower students to contribute to a safe and supportive campus culture, we offer the ENGAGE Training program. This initiative promotes upstanding behavior and is delivered in partnership with the School of Nursing. Peer-led sessions are offered at least three times during the fall semester. 

Creative Stress Relief

We continue to host Pottery Painting events, where students can relax, express creativity, and connect with peers. These events are designed to reduce stress and nurture a sense of belonging across all student populations.

These programs and partnerships reflect SLU’s commitment to creating a connected, supportive, and thriving campus community.

Prevention and Harm Reduction 

The Health Promotion and Education team works to create a safer, healthier, and more supportive environment by focusing on prevention and harm reduction education. Our efforts are guided by the Missouri Assessment of College Health Behaviors (MACHB) Survey, which is completed each year by a sample of SLU students. This annual survey reflects our commitment as members of the Partners in Prevention coalition.

AOD Week

Alcohol and Other Drug Education Week

To help students make informed and healthy choices about alcohol and other drugs, we host Alcohol and Other Drug Education Week with support from campus partners. This week usually takes place right before the large Mardi Gras celebration in the Saint Louis area to raise awareness and provide education before students may engage in risky behaviors.

The events and programs during this week cover topics like understanding what counts as one standard drink, how to support others who may struggle with alcohol, cannabis, or other substances, and tips for staying safe while using these substances.

Sexual Assault Awarness Month

To help students make informed and healthy decisions about relationships and consent, we host Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) in collaboration with campus partners. This month-long series of events typically takes place in April and focuses on raising awareness, promoting prevention, and fostering a culture of respect and support.

Events and programs during SAAM include workshops on understanding consent, recognizing unhealthy relationship behaviors, supporting survivors of sexual assault, and sharing resources for prevention and advocacy. These activities aim to empower students to create safer, more respectful communities both on and off campus.