The Health and Wellness Symposium returns for its second year with more offerings for faculty, staff and students. Co-chairs Ashley Pick and Melanie Reed worked to bring together experts and passionate presenters for a wide range of breakout sessions for the Feb. 2 (8:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Memorial Union) event.
Attending?
Those interested in attending the symposium can register online. Same-day registration also will be available.
"The focus this year is 'welcoming, belonging and well-being,' which highlights the importance of encouraging students, faculty and staff to incorporate self-care practices into their personal and professional lives. We want to create a deep connection to welcoming and supportive spaces to practice that self-care," said Reed, student wellness, mental health promotion and suicide prevention strategy specialist.
Associate director of the student health center Pick, who helped organize last year's event, was encouraged by the strong turnout of 350 participants a year ago and hopes for 500 this time. She said the free event already has had more people register than at the same point a year ago.
"A big focus is on peoples' well-being and how to support yourself and others," Pick said.
Breakout sessions
Attendees will choose from more than 20 breakout sessions spread over three 45-minute presentation periods. Topics range from the wellbeing options available on campus to embedding wellbeing in learning. Each session is led by a faculty or staff member, a student, or an expert from outside of ISU.
"Last year, we had a waitlist of people who wanted to take part, so we wanted to provide more availability," said Pick of the increased number of breakout topics. "These sessions are designed to give participants more information to help them do some skill building."
Reed said it was easy to identify experts across campus who showed a willingness to present impactful information. For sessions participants are unable to attend, materials -- including slide decks -- will be available to download. Some sessions are available to employees and students by appointment outside of the symposium.
Welcome
The day will begin with registration and a student poster session followed by video welcome from President Wendy Wintersteen and an in-person greeting from senior vice president for student affairs Toyia Younger.
One of the few changes from last year's schedule was to move up the keynote speaker from the end of the event to during lunch. Shawnte' Elbert is a public health and well-being administrator and a pioneer in college health and wellness. She champions equitable health care access and strives for safer college campuses. Elbert is currently the chief health equity officer for Columbus Public Health in Columbus, Ohio.
"I attended a conference in January 2023 and heard her speak and she is amazing," Reed said. "She has an extensive background in health and wellness, and has spent 18 years dedicated to student well-being and success. She is a powerful and impactful speaker."
A campus member and campus department will be honored for their work of going above and beyond to support health and well-being.
Fun and community
The symposium will conclude with all participants invited to CyBowl and Billiards to take part in fun, games and food. It also provides time for people to talk about things learned or actions to implement to help themselves or others.
