EWU’s ‘Thrive’ to Support Student Wellbeing

Column written by Tricia Hughes, senior director of EWU Counseling and Wellness Services.

This fall, Eastern Washington University is launching Thrive EWU, a key initiative within EWU’s strategic plan that is designed to bring visibility, connection and coordination to the important wellbeing work already happening across campus.

By coming together under a shared framework, Thrive EWU can help students more easily discover experiences and resources that support their success — both inside and outside the classroom.

Why Wellbeing Matters

Student wellbeing has a direct impact on learning, engagement and success. When students are connected to their community, know where to seek support and are afforded opportunities to develop healthy habits, they are better positioned to thrive academically and personally.

Today’s students face increasing challenges related to mental health, financial stress and often tenuous social connections. Research continues to show that wellbeing is not simply the absence of distress but a holistic concept that encompasses the many factors that help people flourish and reach their full potential.

A Holistic Approach to Wellbeing

The first phase of Thrive EWU focuses on student wellness through a comprehensive 10-dimension wellbeing model. This framework recognizes that wellbeing extends beyond physical and mental health and includes the many interconnected aspects of students’ lives.

After facilitating a campuswide stakeholder group, the Wellness and Counselling Services team adopted Thrive’s 10-dimension wellness model after deciding it was comprehensive and strengths-based.

Throughout the year, Thrive EWU will feature events, educational resources, campus stories, and practical strategies that support each dimension of wellbeing. We invite you to be part of this effort by sharing your work, connecting students to opportunities, and helping foster a culture where wellbeing is a shared responsibility.

Each month, the campus community can expect:

• Events and activities connected to a specific wellbeing dimension.
• Student, faculty and staff stories that highlight wellbeing in action.
• Awareness campaigns and educational resources.
• Opportunities to learn practical strategies for supporting wellbeing.

What’s Already Underway

Several Thrive EWU strategies are already taking shape.

• The new Instagram account, @thrive_ewu, is live and sharing wellbeing resources, events and campus stories.
• A dedicated Thrive EWU website is also in development and will make it easier for students to find wellbeing activities, programs and support services across campus.
• We’re also launching a wellbeing engagement badging program, allowing students to explore different dimensions of wellbeing through participation in campus events and activities.
• A new Wellbeing Hub in Tawanka provides a welcoming space where students can connect with resources, programming and opportunities to support their wellbeing.
• EWU will also implement the American College Health Association (ACHA) Wellbeing Assessment, helping guide future wellbeing efforts and ensuring they are responsive to our students.
• EWU faculty members developed resources focused on supporting wellbeing in academic spaces, providing practical strategies for fostering engagement, belonging, and student success. Faculty will have opportunities to learn more during a training session offered through the Faculty Commons in October.
• Creation of a network of Thrive Champions across campus. These champions will serve as wellbeing ambassadors within their departments and areas, helping share resources, highlight existing wellbeing efforts, and connect students with opportunities.

We All Have a Role to Play

Thrive EWU exists to celebrate your contributions, connect efforts across campus, and create a shared vision for student wellbeing. Stay connected through @thrive_ewu, watch for additional updates, and look for opportunities to participate in upcoming wellbeing activities and initiatives.

Together, we can help every Eagle thrive.