Fit. Green. Happy.TM How Maryville College is revolutionizing the promotion of health on campus. Jenny Oody, Kate Liggett & Jackie Eul

Outline Introductions What is Fit.Green.HappyTM What experiential learning opportunities does it provide our students? How is being integrated on our campus? What aspects of student life, curriculum, and career preparation are involved? What is the campus influence of Fit.Green.HappyTM? What are the ongoing metrics to measure FGH outcomes?

Fit.Green.HappyTM Began as a mindset Evolved into a campus-wide initiative that emphasizes three main pillars: Fitness, Environmental Sustainability, and Happiness. Includes a variety of experiential programs and curriculums across all stages of the undergraduate experience Prepares Maryville College graduates to be champions of both human and environmental health.

Maryville College Maryville College is a liberal arts institution and professional preparation in partnership with others. Founded in 1819, Maryville is the 12th oldest college in the South and maintains an affiliation with the Presbyterian Church (USA). Located just outside of Knoxville, TN “Maryville College prepares students for lives of citizenship and leadership as we challenge each one to search for truth, grow in wisdom, work for justice and dedicate a life of creativity and service to the peoples of the world.”

Mountain Challenge Housed within the Division of Education, Mountain Challenge program is an opportunity for people to explore the self while exploring the outdoors. Functions as our current “wellness center” “Whatever the situation, the Mountain Challenge program is a chance to face challenges head on, to struggle through some difficult and unfamiliar tasks, and to experience the thrill of achievement. The only requirements for these events are a willingness to try new experiences and a commitment to do ones best.” Led by Bruce Guillaume and is entirely staffed by Maryville College students

Introductions Jenny Oody Kate Liggett Jackie Eul

Experiential Education At Maryville The learner is an active. It involves active and sustained participation by the student. It is a kind of experience that the student has not had before. It requires the student not only to do something new but to stand back from the activity, assess its significance, and draw conclusions about it. It provides opportunities to test these conclusions (or, in the case of a skill-oriented course, to demonstrate increased mastery). It has as a major goal some modification in attitude or outlook, some change in personal perspective, and some deepening of insight regarding oneself and others or oneself and the world. Taken from the Maryville College Academics Mission

Where is Fit.Green.HappyTM? General Student Body Specific Opportunities Orientation First Year Studies Courses Get Out and Play! Energize! Come On, Get Happy! An Introduction to the History of the Smoky Mountain National Park General Curriculum Students who participate in five different Mountain Challenge events earn 1 PHR credit. Up to 3 can be earned. Exercise Science and Outdoor Studies/Tourism Curriculum Significant Practical Experience All Maryville College students complete a 135 hour SPE Senior Study All Maryville College students complete a 2 semester senior thesis

Assessing Fit.Green.HappyTM Outcomes The Fit.Green.HappyTM cohort study was developed to answer the following questions: What are the general physical activity, green literacy, and happiness outcomes of each Maryville College incoming freshman class? How do physical activity, green literacy, and happiness change through a student’s college career? How does Fit.Green.Happy.TM programming contribute to a student’s physical activity, green literacy, and happiness outcomes? Online surveys are administered at orientation and at the conclusion of the spring semester.

How are Fit, green, and happy experiences influencing Our students? The Fit.Green.HappyTM cohort study was developed to answer the following questions: What are the general physical activity, green literacy, and happiness outcomes of Maryville College incoming freshman classes? How do physical activity, green literacy, and happiness change through a student’s college career? How does Fit.Green.Happy.TM programming contribute to a student’s physical activity, green literacy, happiness outcomes, and academic performance outcomes?

Outdoor Physical Activity Outdoor physical activity was self-reported by students.

Outdoor physical activity

Childhood experiences in Nature

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OUTDOOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND TIME IN WILD NATURE IN GIRLS

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OUTDOOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND TIME IN WILD NATURE IN GIRLS

Why this matteRs? Certain sub-populations of students may need additional or tailored programming to increase physical activity and health outcomes. It is important to understand the early outdoor experiences of our students to best develop programs and enhance curriculums.

GREEN LITERACY

How Important was sustainability in your decision to attend Maryville College?

Happiness Happiness was evaluated using questions from the Oxford Happiness scale

Life is good.

I feel Fully Mentally Alert.

I feel I have a great deal of energy.

Why this matteRs? Ultimately, we want our Maryville College students happy and healthy. By understanding how outdoor physical activity can contribute to mental health, alertness, and energy, we can promote activities that may improve student outcomes in and outside of the classroom.

Where is Fit.Green.HappyTM? Senior Junior Wright Family Game Sophomore Apollo Game Freshman Forest Bathing

Why Forest Bathing? “Going Analog” Promotes physical and mental health

General Rules No phones No talking Find a spot and chill