Health & Wellbeing

The implementation of Health and Wellbeing Representatives within each college and unit at Michigan State University aims to foster a participatory and flexible approach through the Engagement Liaison Model, with the aim to:

• Empower each college/unit with a dedicated advocate for health and wellbeing.
• Ensure support is tailored, timely, and effective.
• Develop college/unit health promotion strategies using shared agendas, frameworks, best practices, and evaluation methodologies to enhance collective action towards health and wellbeing outcomes.
• Create a robust and responsive network that enhances the effectiveness of health and wellbeing initiatives across the university.

Benefits for Students, Faculty, and Staff

• Coordination: Streamlined communications between University Health and Wellbeing (UHW) and their respective units, ensuring coordinated health promotion efforts.
• Tailored Strategies: Continuous consultation allows representatives to help develop strategies specifically tailored to the unique needs and challenges of their constituents.
• Access to Resources: Enhancing accessibility to health resources, programs, and service ensures that students, faculty, and staff know where and how to seek help.
• Reduce Disparities: Actively identifying and reducing health disaprities within the university community by ensuring equitable access to health and wellbeing services.
• Build Resilience & Social Support: Promoting and supporting initiatives that build resilience and foster a supportive social environment, enhancing the overall mental and physical health of the community.

Role of the Representative

• The College/unit representative will act as the primary connection point to UHW.
• Expected responsibilities would include:
  • Communication
    
    • Serve as the point of contact for college/unit regarding health and wellbeing strategies, programs, services, and support.
    • Maintain regular contact with the assigned UHW Engagement Team point of contact.
    • Disseminate information about health and wellbeing programs, initiatives, services with students, faculty, and/or staff in college/unit.
  • Consultation and Support
    • Consult with the UHW Engagment Team point of contact on specific needs and opportunities for growth within college/unit.
    • Connect stakeholders with campus or external partners based on support needs.
  • Accountability and Reporting
    • Conduct one-on-one meetings at least twice a semester with UHW Engagement Team point of contact to review progress and challenges.
    • Schedule additional check-ins as needed, based on health and wellbeing needs of students, faculty, and staff.
  • Promotion and Engagement
    • Promote active engagement in health and wellbeing programs with students, faculty, and/or staff within college/unit.