Community at Lehigh Prepares for Spring Health and Well-being Event
Lehigh University is taking steps to support the mental health and well-being of its students, faculty, and staff during these challenging times. The university has organised a series of events and initiatives as part of Wellness Week, which runs from March 22 to 26.
One of the key initiatives is "Be Clutch. Be Well.", a university-wide effort led by adjunct professor Sara Heintzelman. This initiative encourages everyone in the Lehigh community to engage in a wellness activity, share a photo with the Lehigh mascot Clutch on social media, and spread positivity.
In the realm of academics, professors are making adjustments to their syllabi to accommodate students' varied circumstances. Flexibility in course delivery and deadlines, robust online platforms to maintain community and engagement, and support for student clubs and wellness programs are some of the strategies being implemented. For instance, K. Sivakumar, professor and chair of the department of marketing, will not require formal work from his MBA students during Wellness Week. Instead, he will use the time to review and elaborate on concepts discussed in previous classes.
Other professors are incorporating wellness activities into their courses. Barbara Malt, professor of psychology, will have her COGS 7 students read an article on meditation and the brain and lead a mindfulness meditation during class time. Tong Soon Lee, professor of music, plans to have students in his MUS013 course participate in a hands-on workshop on Korean percussion.
Lehigh University has also made efforts to reduce financial strain on students by adopting open educational resources (OER). This move indirectly supports well-being by easing access to course materials.
The university's Health and Wellness Center offers routine medical evaluations and treatments, available by appointment. All undergraduate and graduate students have access to the Headspace meditation app at no cost. Lehigh Dining will offer healthy snacks and recipes throughout the week, as well as a socially distant chili cookoff and an installation focusing on 30 Days of Mindfulness.
In addition to these academic and dining initiatives, Lehigh University has planned a variety of events to foster social connections and emotional support. The Office of Student Engagement has organised a succulent make-and-take, self-care bag making, and the launch of the Sense of Belonging series. Lehigh After Dark will have wellness-related programming during Wellness Week, including Thursday Night Trivia, a Canvas Painting Take and Make, and a Virtual Escape Room.
The university's Art Galleries will present a virtual wellness-themed LUAG@Lunch and exhibit "Well, Well, Well: Picturing Wellness in the LUAG Collection." The BeWell employee wellness program offers physical- and mental health-related challenges. The Office of Counseling and Psychological Services offers a number of services and resources, including a list of COVID-19 coping strategies, and counselors are available 24/7 to provide support and assistance.
Nathan Urban, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, sent a message to faculty and instructional staff encouraging them to consider creative ways to create space in their syllabi to relieve stress during the week of March 22, which would have been spring break. Taylor Gym is offering free virtual fitness programming to all current students, faculty, and staff this semester.
Faculty members in the department of journalism and communication have planned a two-day virtual program called "Reporting on and Living in Times of Trauma" to facilitate reflection and conversation about the impact of trauma. Aarsenio Perry, assistant dean and director of the Office of Student Engagement, emphasises the importance of self-care and well-being during Wellness Week.
By prioritising student well-being, Lehigh University is demonstrating its commitment to supporting its community during these challenging times. The university's efforts during Wellness Week reflect a broader trend among institutions to prioritise mental health and well-being in their courses and academic policies. If more precise details on Lehigh University's syllabus modifications are needed, consulting Lehigh's academic support or faculty pages would be recommended.
- Lehigh University's faculty members are adjusting their syllabi to accommodate students' varied circumstances, implementing strategies such as flexibility in course delivery and deadlines, and supporting student clubs and wellness programs.
- K. Sivakumar, professor and chair of the department of marketing, will not require formal work from his MBA students during Wellness Week, choosing instead to review and elaborate on concepts discussed in previous classes.
- Barbara Malt, professor of psychology, will have her COGS 7 students read an article on meditation and the brain and lead a mindfulness meditation during class time.
- Tong Soon Lee, professor of music, plans to have students in his MUS013 course participate in a hands-on workshop on Korean percussion.
- Lehigh University has adopted open educational resources (OER) to reduce financial strain on students, indirectly supporting well-being and easing access to course materials.
- The university's Health and Wellness Center offers routine medical evaluations and treatments, and all undergraduate and graduate students have access to the Headspace meditation app at no cost. Additionally, Lehigh Dining will offer healthy snacks and recipes throughout Wellness Week, and the Office of Student Engagement has organized a succulent make-and-take, self-care bag making, and the launch of the Sense of Belonging series, all scheduled during Wellness Week.
