For Student Leaders

Simple actions student leaders can take to enhance student well-being:

  • Review 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 enjoy socializing without alcohol.
      • Students in recovery from alcohol and other drugs, and those who choose choose not to drink, will be glad to know 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 your student shares about experiences with you, listening will go a long way to helping her or him to get through a personal crisis.
        • Ask and learn what kind of support your student would like from you.
        • Ask what your student plans to do to cope with the situation.
        • Refer your student to the Dean of Students, ASU Health Services or ASU Counseling for assistance with their situation.
    • Encourage your club, organization, or committee to participate in healthy activities like:
      • Community service projects – there are many options available through ASU. Check out the opportunities and commit to action as a group.
      • Participate in Outdoor Recreation, Group Fitness Classes, Triathlons, Weight lifting and other programs offered through Sun Devil Fitness.
      • Plan a potluck or attend a cooking class together.
      • Start your meetings with chair yoga or Tai Chi.

    • Change up your meetings:
      • Take exercise or stretching breaks.
      • Do a walking meeting or an outdoor meeting during good weather.
      • Start the meeting with “A High and A Low” activity. This is an activity in which each person shares one high and one low they experienced since the past meeting.

    • Ask group leaders or the group to participate in online wellness education modules. Host discussion about the content during meetings.

    • Put up wellness posters in your meeting space and common areas. Host a discussion about the poster issues.

    • If you are an overcommitted student, take time for yourself. Relax and rejuvenate over the weekends, holidays and school breaks.