The Okanagan Charter: The Role of Exercise Science Units in Advancing Well-Being on Canadian Campuses

• In Event: Equitable Education Systems and Comparative Organizational Perspectives

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the ways in which exercise science academic units are advancing wellbeing on Canadian campuses, using the Okanagan Charter as a foundation for contributing to a systemic approach to wellbeing. Using a case study methodology, data was collected from 23 academic leaders. Emergent themes include: curricular initiatives involving students in healthy campus projects, an increased focus on supporting mental health through physical activity, the importance of providing integrated supports in more inclusive ways that honor the vast array of student, faculty and staff needs, the crucial role of collaboration and integration of resources among units, and the opportunity for exercise science units to be subject-matter experts and wellbeing champions on campuses.

Authors

• Chad London, Mount Royal University

• Matt Dolf, University of British Columbia

• Tanya Forneris, University of British Columbia

• Vicki Squires, University of Saskatchewan