Mission, Vision & Focus Areas
Mission
The Center for Health Education and Wellness strives to improve the health and well-being of our campus through evidence-informed strategies. We work to empower all Vols to make informed decisions about their well-being and adopt lasting healthy behaviors. Through advocacy and collaboration, we work to develop an environment that supports the community’s decisions.
Vision
The Center for Health Education and Wellness aims to foster an environment for individual and community well-being for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville community.
Focus Areas
The Center for Health Education and Wellness is dedicated to a community model that is embodied in the “Vols help Vols” commitment: We are all Volunteers. We look out for each other.
General Health and Wellness
Students will do their best when they feel their best, and that is why we provide general information and resources for students. From sleep, nutrition, stress management, or other basic health and wellness components, students can develop health-building skills and techniques through guided activities and programs.
Students can also learn about the 8 Dimensions of Wellness and a holistic approach to well-being, plus connect with community and campus resources for both mental and physical health.
Alcohol & Other Drug Risk Reduction
Helping students make decisions that promote safe, healthy behaviors and prevent alcohol and other drug misuse is one way that we support health on campus. Educational options are available for students to appraise themselves accurately regarding current alcohol and other drug use and access campus or community resources.
Relationship & Sexual Violence Prevention
We create educational and health-promoting opportunities for students to pursue health in their relationships. Students can develop skills and knowledge to make informed decisions related to consent, sexual health, and relationships. Education also focuses on helping students understand sexual misconduct and learn how to prevent it by practicing consent and being an ACTive bystander.
Vols 2 Vols Peer Health Educators
Vols 2 Vols are peer health educators on campus who work to:
- Demonstrate ethical decision-making skills per the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators Peer Educator Code of Ethics.
- Describe the consequences of risky behavior on students’ emotional and/or physical wellness and academic success.
- Explain the role of peer educators in contributing to a healthy and sustainable campus community.
- Create a healthy and sustainable campus community through peer health education outreach activities.
Rocky Top Recovery
The Rocky Top Recovery program is UT’s collegiate recovery space for students in recovery or students who desire to serve as allies to individuals in recovery. Individuals can be in recovery from alcohol misuse, substance use disorder, process addictions (shopping, pornography, gambling, etc.), disordered eating, or other addictions.
Rocky Top Recovery programs provide educational opportunities for students to learn how recovery and resilience relate to mental health, substance use, and suicide prevention. Recovery-friendly events are part of the campus community calendar, and Rocky Top Recovery works to combat stigma as it relates to substance use disorder and mental health. The Center for Health Education and Wellness also works to help campus community members understand their perception of addiction and mental health disorders.
Be Well, Employee Wellness
The Be Well program at UT creates opportunities for faculty and staff to pursue health and wellness. Through engaging events and educational workshops, employees can enhance their individual relationship to the 8 Dimensions of Wellness and develop an awareness and understanding of health-promoting skills.