Our campus is redefining wellness with a new framework designed specifically for our students to help them achieve well-rounded well-being. Developed by the IU Indianapolis Wellness Coalition, this initiative offers a comprehensive, multi-dimensional approach tailored to campus life.
What sets this framework apart is its home-grown design, created for our campus community, by our campus community.
"The framework uses the modern language and concepts of our campus to help students understand what’s needed to be the best well-rounded version of themselves," said Director of Health and Wellness Promotion Eric Teske, who also leads the Wellness Coalition.
By reflecting the unique needs of our campus community, the framework is both practical and actionable, offering students a realistic roadmap to thrive.
A collaborative creation
The framework came from the IU Indianapolis 2030 Strategic Plan, which tasked the Wellness Coalition with "designing a unified campus approach to holistic wellness." Over five months in late 2023 and early 2024, the coalition conducted a listening tour with 141 participants made up of students, faculty and staff.
The process included multiple listening sessions, rounds of feedback, workshops and a retreat to solidify this new model of how the university views and approaches wellness.
Introducing the 7 Elements of Wellness
Based on the listening tour input, the resulting framework features seven elements of wellness:
- Community and Connection
- Whole Body
- Growth and Development
- Financial
- Mental and Emotional
- Environment
- Balance
"Our framework is unique because it includes layers that show how both internal and external factors can impact wellness," Teske explained.
"It’s not just about making healthy choices. For example, a noisy roommate can impact quality of sleep, and the physical proximity and cost of healthy food options can limit choices."
Shifting the wellness mindset
The framework also challenges traditional views of wellness. Because it was designed with our campus community at heart, the framework speaks directly to the obstacles and opportunities unique to our students.
"A lot of times students think of health and wellness as just the absence of illness," said Teske. "But to be truly well and at your best means many different elements of your well-being are working together."
By creating a clearer picture of how to balance these elements, the framework helps students identify opportunities for personal growth. "It informs students of the many different elements of their well-being to prioritize in order to maximize their development and set focused goals," Teske added.
A guide for campus programming
Beyond individual benefits, the framework acts as a guide for campus resources and programming.
"A wellness framework is like a recipe," Teske said. "It shows how the ingredients (campus resources) fit together to create something greater than the sum of its parts. The recipe also makes it more obvious what ingredients may be missing from the pantry."
This approach ensures wellness initiatives are cohesive, effective and responsive to gaps in support — creating a more holistic campus environment.
Looking ahead
As this custom-made framework is implemented, students and employees will see its influence in enhanced wellness programming, targeted resources and opportunities for growth.
With its focus on collaboration and innovation, the framework is set to make a significant impact on campus life.