University Well-Being

“I loved being a part of the well-being days on campus and knowing that I was actively helping students in a time when mental health struggles are present more than ever.”

- Megan Rutter, Asst. Director Disability Services

“Maintaining social wellbeing in the workplace is often challenging for university faculty, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. For me, the well-being days were a needed opportunity to socially gather with colleagues, many of whom I have not seen face to face in almost two years. It was great to see engage over breakfast, lunch, and social activities without the pressure and time constraints of a committee meeting.”

- Steve Lem, Department Chair, Philosophy and Government

“It was one of the most joyous experiences I’ve had in my 20 years being at KU. I got to share a personal part of me, my Southern culture. There needs to be more activities like this to bring faculty, staff, and students together at KU in a relaxed, fun, and culturally-inclusive atmosphere.”

- Thomas Robinson, Assistant Professor of Psychology

“It was so nice to see other faculty in such a positive environment. I connected with old faculty friends and met new faculty, which there is rarely an opportunity to do these days.”

- Dina Hayduk, Associate Professor Sport Management & Leadership Studies

“Well-being days are a missing piece in the puzzle of wellness. Our day-to-day lives are so full of tasks and deadlines that we often forget that giving ourselves a break is, in fact, one of the ways we can stay healthy and thrive. Well-being days provide the ‘permission’ to many people who believe taking breaks is a sign of weakness, when in fact, it is a sign of strength. The strength to say, I need some time to decompress, create, rest, eat, and have a little fun, and in doing so, have a better outcome when they step back into their busy schedule.”

- Amanda Volkert, Executive Director of Health and Wellness

“Well-being days are a great opportunity to have fun, to make connections, and build relationships. I get to interact with students, staff, faculty, and administration on a more relaxed level. After a well-being day I feel more relaxed and energized about my job”

- Erica Stratton, Administrative Assistant to the Dean of Students

“I have been at KU for almost 24 years and the concept of Well-being Days is one of the best initiatives I have seen come out of the institution.  They are a data driven approach that have allowed the University to meet students, faculty and staff where they are and fulfill their fundamental needs in ways that are engaging and meaningful.  They are an excellent representation of what we can do when we come together to rally around our campus community.”

– Desiree Reasoner, Executive Director of Housing and Dining