To be well at the George Washington University is to honor the dynamic process of change and growth that involves building resilience, persistence, and positivity in the face of challenges. Raise Up GW is our initiative dedicated to helping students engage in a comprehensive well-being experience across campus. We empower our students to actively engage in well-being activities that are supportive of holistic lifestyles. Through this initiative, students will gain an understanding of resources and learn how to help others in need.
The goals of Raise Up GW are to:
- Provide opportunities for students to engage in comprehensive and holistic well-being experiences
- Promote a culture that encourages students to engage in help-seeking behaviors related to well-being
- Foster well-being practices that are inclusive and accessible to all students
- Prioritize student well-being as a factor in institutional decision-making
Dimensions of Well-being
We are still dedicated to helping you prioritize your well-being during the virtual learning period. As you browse through these dimensions of well-being, you will have the ability to identify virtual campus services, virtual programming, and online well-being resources to aid you in finding a healthy balance during this time.
Well-being Summer Series
The Raise Up Summer Series encourages you to think about your holistic well-being and connect with the GW community throughout the summer. Each week, you can meet a member of the Capital Peers, learn tips and tricks to engage your well-being, and contribute to a weekly playlist created by GW students! Make sure to follow @StudentLifeAtGW so you can #RaiseUp all summer long!
Campus Recreation Summer Programs
The Lerner Health and Wellness Center is committed to providing a variety of virtual programming options this summer. Learn more about virtual group fitness classes, personal training consultations, and a 2nd run/walk challenge. Be sure to follow @GWCampusRec for physical wellness tips, at-home workouts, fitness resources, and other virtual activities.
We want to hear how you are maintaining your well-being during this virtual learning period! Tell us your well-being story to be featured on our website.
Sarah Lawrence
Hometown: Staten Island, NY
Dimension: Emotional Well-being
During COVID-19 I’ve made focusing on my mental health a top priority. Moving out of school, being away from friends and family, and hearing news of our current situation can be stressful and upsetting. I’ve been making an effort to take time out of each day to focus in on my feelings and recognize that they are okay. I’ve also been trying to be open with those around me about my emotions and found that many friends and family are feeling the same. Being open about my emotions has made this time a little less overwhelming.
Defne Aybar
Hometown: Annapolis, MD
Dimension: Cultural Well-being
This past month I observed the Islamic holy month of Ramadan...I feel that the spirit of Ramadan could not have come at a better time. Being at home has allowed me to practice self-discipline in a way I could not before. It has abled me to set daily goals and push myself. While Eid celebrations (marking the end of Ramadan) were cancelled this year, whether Muslim or not, we should focus our attention on Zakat, or charity, at a time when this country faces massive food shortages and unemployment. Ramadan is about breaking bad habits and improving one’s character, and I hope that once we are able to come together again, we are renewed and thankful for our health and well-being!
Sophie Hirshfield
Hometown: Marlton, NJ
Dimension: Emotional Well-being
Every day I make sure I go outside for at least a few minutes, whether it be to take a walk, ride my bike, or just sit on the porch and think. Being physically inside all day makes me feel emotionally confined too, so getting out into the fresh air allows me to think through my stressors and achieve emotional clarity.
2020-2021 Initatives
American College Health Assessment - National College Health Assessment
ACHA-NCHA is a web-based survey used to assess student health behaviors including alcohol use, sexual health behaviors, interpersonal violence experiences, nutrition behaviors, and physical activity. This data will be used to inform well-being programming, services, policy recommendations, and continued research.
Student Well-being Certificate Program
This non-degree certificate program will provide training workshops across each of the 8 dimensions of well-being. Students will have the opportunity to better understand the importance of each dimension to their success and make better connections to campus services to offer referrals to and positive interactions with campus well-being services.
Raise UP Challenge
Units within the Division for Student Affairs will be asked to select a SMART objective that align with the goals of Raise Up GW. Objectives should be completed by the end of the academic year.
Resources
Counseling and Psychological Services
Lerner Health and Wellness Center, Campus Recreation
