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:
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
For more information on the eight dimensions, visit SAMSHA’s 8 Dimensions of Wellness. Looking to increase wellness in your own life? Check out this online publication to learn about strategies for increasing wellness in each of the eight dimensions.
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.
Wellness Library
The Wellness Institute Library is a central feature of the wellness lounge area. The various materials may be checked out by any student or employee with a valid Colgate ID. The library has over 250 books, CDs, DVDs, pamphlets and other media related to the eight wellness dimensions. We even have biofeedback software that plays like a game for you to use.
Topics include anxiety, depression, occupational wellness, stress management, sleep hygiene, alcohol and other drugs, nutrition, body image, eating disorders, relationships, self-esteem, sexual health, meditation, mindfulness, and spirituality. Please drop by during office hours and peruse our library with a warm cup of tea, or drop by during an event and stay after to see what's available.