Administrators and Staff

Simple actions administrators and staff can take to enhance student well-being:

  • Review the current data on ASU student wellness

    • Promote positive ASU student norms:
      • 46% of ASU students don’t drink alcohol, according to annual surveys of our students. Why is this important?
      • This information corrects misperceptions about student drinking.
      • These data reinforce positive norms, and affirm that there is a significant proportion of students who socializing without alcohol.
      • Students in recovery from alcohol and other drugs, and those who choose not to drink, will be happy to learn that their decisions are aligned with other students and they are not alone. 
        • Start by believing.
          • Stressful personal situations are not uncommon.  During the past 12 months, ASU students experienced the following:
            • 16.4% experienced the death of a family member or friend,
            • 19.2% experienced homesickness.
            • 23.8% experienced roommate difficulties.
            • 27.4% experienced relationship difficulties.
            • 31.5% had family responsibilities such as taking care of family members, chores, or support family finances.
            • 40.2% had been sick with a cold, the flu, or a sore throat.
            • 40.3% experienced family problems such as financial, legal, health or relationship problems.
            • 47.1% dealt with commiting and transportation issues.
            • 52.7% experienced sleep difficulties.
          • Most students find positive and effective ways to manage stress. However, there may be times when it seems too much to handle. They may benefit from your support.
            • When students share about their situation with you, or ask for modifications, a little understanding will go a long way to helping them to get through their personal crisis.
            • Ask and learn what kind of support the student would like from you.
            • Ask what the student plans to do to cope with the situation.
            • Refer the student to the Dean of Students, ASU Health Services or ASU Counseling for assistance with their situation.
          • Encourage sleep through words and actions.
            • While encouraging students to attend activities and assume leadership roles, keep in mind that sleep is also important.
            • Remind students that a good night’s sleep supports their success.
            • Refer students to sleep information on the Live Well @ ASU website.
            • Take breaks during trainings and meetings.
              • Encourage students to get up and walk around during breaks.
              • Lead group stretching or movement breaks to get their blood flowing and enhance brain function for the remainder of the session.
              • This practice sets the model for the meetings and trainings they plan for their peer groups.
            • Invite wellness educators to help plan ways to provide education and skill building experiences in areas of wellness of interest to your student groups.

            • Require student leaders and student employees to take wellness assessments and trainings available online, including:
          • Be a healthy role model.
            • Join the Sun Devil Fitness Complex and exercise there.
            • Speak up to stop negative comments or poor choices—students can learn how to stop negative behaviors in others by watching your example!
            • Take care how you talk about risky choices you have made. If you choose to share such experiences, discuss what you learned or changed as a result.