Shaw Wellness Institute

The Shaw Wellness Institute is a centralized location for health and wellness resources on Colgate’s campus.

About the Institute

The Shaw Wellness Institute educates, connects, and inspires members of the Colgate Community to lead their best well-balanced lives — now and in the future. Offering proactive, student-centered directives, it approaches wellness holistically. It connects the mind, body, and spirit, and awakens the deepest potential in each person.

The institute collaborates with campus partners to provide exceptional evidenced-based programs and resources. In a safe, inclusive environment, the institute offers wellness support on a continuum, from prevention and education through treatment and recovery. Shaw Wellness staff also work to develop and participate in cutting edge research in an effort to facilitate best practices in wellness education across college campuses, worldwide. 

With a conference room, a full kitchen, and a spacious lounge including a library of resources, board games, puzzles, and art supplies, Shaw is a great location to escape from the stress of daily life and focus on self-care. 

The Eight Dimensions of Wellness

The Shaw Wellness Institute’s mission, vision, and programming are guided by SAMSHA’s eight Dimensions of Wellness:

Eight Dimensions of Wellness

Emotional — Coping effectively with life and creating satisfying relationships
Environmental — Good health by occupying pleasant, stimulating environments that support well-being
Financial — Satisfaction with current and future financial situations
Intellectual — Recognizing creative abilities and finding ways to expand knowledge and skills
Occupational — Personal satisfaction and enrichment from one’s work
Physical — Recognizing the need for physical activity, healthy foods, and sleep
Social — Developing a sense of connection, belonging, and a well-developed support system
Spiritual — Expanding a sense of purpose and meaning in life

Shaw Wellness is committed to engaging in a life-long process of cultural awareness and sensitivity. Following ACHA guidelines, we “support all initiatives that create a healthy campus climate guided by the values of inclusion, respect, equality, and equity.” Our work acknowledges the negative impact of all forms of discrimination, including but not limited to those based on age, country of origin, ethnicity, gender identity, physical and mental ability, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. Through open and honest communication, Shaw Wellness strives to recognize, respect, value, and support student and staff needs. We recognize the institutional barrier of health disparity for underrepresented or underserved populations and work diligently to provide resources to the entire campus community. Shaw Wellness provides a safe environment, where the unique qualities and heritage of all people are recognized, celebrated, and valued. Staff members regularly participate in cultural competency trainings in an effort to increase cultural awareness and sensitivity, and to collaborate with campus stakeholders to develop strategies for increased inclusion at Colgate University.

Shaw Wellness posts tons of information about all things wellness on our Instagram. Follow us @shawwellnessinstitute!

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