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 SLU student well-being 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

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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. 

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Mental Wellness

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

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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. 

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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

Peer-led initiatives play a vital role in fostering a positive campus environment. These programs create opportunities for students to learn from one another, build community, and take active roles in shaping a culture of care and accountability. By leveraging the power of peer influence, these initiatives can be tailored to address a range of topics relevant to student life and wellbeing. For example, a partnership with the students in the School of Nursing resulted in an initiative promoting upstanding behavior through a peer-led training program called ENGAGE.

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.

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Sexual Assault Prevention

Our sexual assault prevention efforts are grounded in education, dialogue, and community engagement. In partnership with campus partners, student organizations, and academic programs, we provide opportunities for students to explore topics like consent, healthy relationships, and bystander intervention. These programs are designed to not only raise awareness but also to encourage active participation in building a culture where respect and support are the norm. By equipping students with knowledge and resources, we strive to create an environment where everyone feels safe and empowered.