At Kenyon we believe every student’s wellness journey is unique. Our job is not to tell you what to do, but to listen to you and your wellness goals and offer information, education, and/or referrals, including in the areas below:

Overall well-being

Wellness is holistic. It is a balance of many dimensions including:

  • Emotional

  • Physical

  • Spiritual

  • Social 

  • Intellectual

  • Environmental

We recognize that these dimensions are all connected to each other and are not stand-alone concepts. For example, if you attend a yoga class, that could be enhancing your physical health and spiritual health. Another student attending the same class goes because it enhances their emotional and social health. 

Alcohol education

Our alcohol education initiatives take a harm-reduction approach. We want you to understand how alcohol affects your body and mind and learn how to lower your risks of negative consequences while consuming if you choose to do so by:

  • Counting standard drinks

  • Listening to how your body feels with each drink

  • Recognizing signs of alcohol poisoning

  • Knowing when to call for help

  • Practicing bystander intervention

  • Understanding campus policies and state laws

  • Becoming familiar with campus resources

Many students choose to not drink, and we support that choice. Alcohol-free programming and other late night events will give you options to engage with peers without the presence of alcohol.

Sexual Health

Kenyon uses a harm-reduction approach with sexual health initiatives. Sexual activity can and should be a positive experience. We want you to understand:

  • Your own anatomy

  • How to talk to your partner(s)

  • Consent

  • Options for barrier methods and how to use them

  • Options for birth control 

  • Risks associated with sexual activity (STIs and unwanted pregnancy)

  • Bystander intervention

  • Campus resources

Nutrition

Nutrition is so much more than food. We promote a healthy relationship with food by educating you to:

  • Eat food that makes your body feel good

  • Listen to your body and honor what it is telling you

  • Eat a variety of foods

  • Drink water

  • Incorporate more fruits and vegetables

  • Build sustainable habits

  • Share meals with others

  • Strengthen your food skills (cooking, gardening, etc.)

  • Recognize disordered eating patterns 

  • Know when to seek help

  • Use campus and community resources

We do not encourage or promote:

  • Calorie or nutrient counting

  • “Good” and “bad” foods

  • Restrictive diets

  • Fad diets

  • Weight loss programs

  • Earning food for working out or vice versa

Physical Activity

Our bodies were made to move. Movement should be an enjoyable experience, not just something else we have to do. We promote:

  • Trying new ways to move

  • Exercising for our overall well being, not solely for burning calories

  • Connecting movement to many other areas of our well being

  • Moving daily, but listening to our bodies when rest is needed

  • Using campus programs/resources

Mental Health

Mental health has been at the forefront of college student needs in recent years, and the pandemic only exacerbated that need. Health promotion professionals are not mental health counselors. We refer to our campus counseling services when needed; however, we approach mental health through a wellness lens. To help you build your capacity for stress management throughout your life, we promote:

  • Finding a sense of belonging

  • Forming strong friendships

  • Recognizing signs of high stress

  • Developing mindfulness skills 

  • Practicing gratitude

  • Spending time outside

  • Taking breaks (Rest is not something that is earned; it is essential.)

  • Coping skills