St. Edward’s Effectively Engages Students in Wellness
Undergraduates at St. Edward’s University, a private, Catholic liberal arts university located in Austin, Texas, eagerly participated in a branded interactive health and wellness information program developed by EducationDynamics. Dubbed “Hilltopper HealthQuest,” the pilot program engaged 43 percent of the campus population with welcome information on issues such as body image, self-esteem and managing stress.
The online program’s six modules helped students build relationship skills to improve the quality of their academic endeavors and their personal lives. Quizzes and self-tests that imparted important information in fun ways grabbed the attention of participants at an unprecedented rate.
Between January and May 2009, St. Edward’s students were invited to take advantage of information about physical and mental health issues that impact their academic performance and quality of life, resulting in a 43 percent campus engagement rate, 80 percent of whom said they found the content enjoyable as well as helpful. Additionally, 89 percent said they would likely recommend Hilltopper HealthQuest to their friends.
Customized specifically for St. Edward’s, the "Hilltopper HealthQuest" health and wellness program incorporated six interactive online modules, offering information and resources in the following areas:
- Maintaining positive relationships
- Improving mood and self-esteem
- Managing stress and anxiety
- Addressing eating and body issues
- Coping with trauma
- Cultivating a healthy lifestyle
The content engaged students through quizzes and self-tests, providing fun and informative tips on subjects such as “Making Friends: Where to Start?” “Am I Just in a Funk or Do I Need Help?” and “Will I Ever Be Happy with My Body?” The goal was not to diagnose or offer medical advice but to provide preventative health information, resources and referrals to campus support services for further evaluation if necessary.
“Too often, students do not know where or how to seek help for physical and mental health issues,” says Dr. Adam B. Troy, director of research at EducationDynamics. “Furthermore, most students experiencing distress do not seek help due to stigma or lack of awareness of campus resources. When schools recognize and proactively address these stumbling blocks as St. Edward’s did, they improve both the lives of students and the overall health of the institution.”
Program evaluation results indicated that students increased knowledge of relationship skills, stress and anxiety management, healthy lifestyle skills, and enhanced mood and self-esteem. Additionally, 80 percent of users reported finding the content enjoyable and helpful and more than 89 percent were likely to recommend the program to their friends.
“St. Edward’s is committed to educating and cultivating the whole person,” says Dr. Sarah H. Porter, staff psychologist and Wellness & Outreach Services program director. “A deliberate focus on the health and wellness of our students is part of that commitment.”
The Hilltopper HealthQuest program was marketed to the school’s 4,900 undergraduate and graduate students using a variety of channels, including an e-messaging campaign incorporating design elements that branded the program with the look and feel of St. Edward’s; stories in student newsletters; referral cards distributed by health and counseling services staff; giveaways at all outreach programs; and monthly peer health education events showcasing each module.
Should you be interested in learning about innovative student health and wellness programs that promotes physical and psychological health and wellness, educates students about the consequences of excessive drinking, or assesses overall student wellness and drives students to key support services on campus, email us at pulse@educationdynamics.com.