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:
    • 40% 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 enjoy activities that don’t involve alcohol.
      • Students in recovery from alcohol and other drugs, and those who choose a sober lifestyle for other reasons, will be happy to learn that they are a large proportion of the student population.

  • Start by believing.
    • Stressful personal situations are not uncommon.
      • 16.1% of ASU students reported experiencing the death of a family member or friend in the past 12 months.
      • 40.3% have been ill with a cold, the flu, or a sore throat.
      • 43.9% of ASU students reported experiencing family problems such as financial, legal, health or relationship problems, within the past 12 months.
    • When students share about their situation with you, listening with a little understanding will go a long way to helping them to get through their personal crisis.
    • Refer students to the Dean of Students office, 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 to sleep tips at Wellness@ASU .

  • 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.