A Focus on Student Health and Wellness

Research shows that students who engage in positive health behaviors like managing stress, eating nutritious foods, engaging in regular physical activity, and limiting substance use earn higher GPAs. MTSU Health Promotion, a division within Health Services, strives to create an environment where healthy choices become more natural choices for students. These efforts happen through media campaigns, campus health events, and individual student appointments and consultations.

Not “Animal House”

Contrary to the depictions of college life in movies like Animal House and Old School, most MTSU students do not frequently engage in the high-risk practices that make up college stereotypes. In fact, the alcohol consumption of MTSU students is about half the national average (2 drinks a week for MTSU students on average compared to 3.8 for college students nationally), with approximately 30% avoiding alcohol altogether.

Health Promotion staff share this data with students to limit the pressures they may feel in their efforts to live what they perceive to be the true college experience. 80% of MTSU students say it is easy to make friends without drinking alcohol, so students don’t need to compromise their values or to engage in risky behaviors fit in.

You can support your student by reinforcing these messages and having candid conversations with them about substance use before and during their time in college.

Finding Your “Fit”

MTSU is a great place for healthy-minded students, whether they have already established healthy behaviors, or they are looking for ways to improve. Any given time of year, there are multiple programs and special events taking place that are focused on health.

Campus Rec offers fitness classes, outdoor trips, aquatic programs, sports clubs, etc., as well as programs like Raider Fit, which groups first-year students with a personal trainer and nutrition mentor. Health Promotion provides special programming in various locations across campus for events like National Nutrition Month, National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week, Spring Break Safety Week, and Wear Red Day. There is even a semi-annual Destress Fest to encourage students to relax and take some time for themselves before final exam week begins.

Please encourage your student to check out these offerings and to value their health holistically.

Personalized Care

Even with the best health behaviors, there will still be times when students need professional care for their health. Health Promotion offers free individual sessions with a health coach to work on developing goals and plans and then providing accountability to the student clients. Additionally, students have access to free appointments with a dietitian for concerns around healthy eating. Counseling Services sees students for mental health needs and helps connect them with services on and off campus to meet those needs. Lastly, the doctors and other providers in Health Services see students when health care is needed. There is no charge to see a doctor for a sick visit, and labs and other services are offered at a low cost designed to meet student budgets.

All of the resources are in place to help students thrive physically and mentally during their time at MTSU. The connection between mind, body, and academic success is real, and by working together, we can help give your students a strong base on which to stand. Check in with your students often to gauge how they are feeling, and recommend these services when you think they could help.

Resources to Support Your Student’s Health and Wellness

Counseling Services Location: Keathley University Center Room 326-S Office Hours: 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (Monday–Friday) *For after hours emergencies call Mobile Crisis (800) 704-2651 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Student Health Services Location: Student Recreation Center Office Hours: 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (Monday–Thursday); 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (Friday) Appointments can be scheduled online by students at mtsu.edu/healthservices.

Health Promotion Location: Student Recreation Center Phone: (615) 494-8704

Campus Recreation Location: Campus Recreation Center *Hours change throughout the year. Please have your student consult the website frequently to see when the rec center is open. Phone: (615) 898-2104