1. Continued Wellness: A discussion of resources
Bonner Fall Directors’ and Coordinators’ Meeting
The Claggett Center
November 6, 2017
Caroline Twiggs, Mars Hill University, and Ashley Cochrane, Berea College

2. Agenda Welcome Goal for session: On our campuses:
Identify and share resources to promote wellness in our programs
On our campuses:
Defining wellness and identifying current wellness initiatives
Identifying connections:
Bonner Common Commitments and dimensions of wellness
Addressing wellness in our programs
Case studies
Bonner Foundation wellness resources
Gallery sharing: Strategies, tools, and resources
Next steps
For our programs
For Bonner Foundation

3. On our campuses …
How is wellness defined on your campus?

4. Berea College Thrive! www.Berea.edu/thrive/overview/
8 dimensions of wellness
Emotional
Financial
Intellectual
Occupational
Physical
Social
Spiritual
Sustainable

5. On our campuses …
What wellness initiatives exist on your campus?

6. Berea College FRESHStart
Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) focused on wellness:
First-Year Residential Experience Supporting Health (FRESH) Start
Curricular and co-curricular programs

7. Defining Wellness in the Bonner Network
Well-Being: Refers to characteristics of positive mental health that are measured by purpose in life, supportive social relationships, feelings of efficacy, and optimism for the future (Checkoway, 2011)
Thriving: Refers to well-being in multiple areas—physical, social, emotional, and psychological. It involves wisdom, appreciation of wonder, and being able to bring purpose and compassion into your life (Huffington as cited in Hayes, 2015)
Resilience: The process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or significant sources of stress—such as family and relationship problems, serious health problems, or workplace or financial stressors (American Psychological Association, 2017)

8. Why is wellness important to the Bonner Network?
In order for students to commit fully to the mission of the Bonner Foundation, they need to be mindful of their own well-being and need for self-care. Wellness is important to the Bonner Network because our students must learn how to balance their lives, prioritize their academic, civic, and personal responsibilities, and model productive behaviors in the settings in which they learn and serve.

9. Wellness and Bonner (adapted from Eric Hearst)
Six Dimensions of Wellness
Common Commitments
Occupational
Civic Engagement
Physical
Community Building
Social
Social Justice
Intellectual
International Perspective
Spiritual
Diversity
Emotional
Spiritual Exploration

10. Addressing Wellness in our Programs
Case Studies

11. Case Study 1 (adapted from Eric Hearst)
Colby is a rising sophomore in your program. They have been volunteering with an after-school program in the local community. The student has really enjoyed having a positive impact on the children.
Recently one of the children told the Colby that she has been having a hard time at home. She said that she nor her siblings have been physically abused, but that they are worried that their father is going to kill their mother. Colby told the program director and the organization is contacting Child Protective Services.
The student’s disclosure has caused Colby to reflect on their own past and childhood trauma. They have not previously disclosed the events of their childhood (verbal abuse and physical altercations between parents) and have never received therapeutic services to deal with the associated pain.
Colby used to cut theirselves on their arms to cope with the stress of the home environment. Learning about the student has triggered some deep seeded emotions and they have started cutting again. Colby values your relationship and approaches you to talk about what is happening.

12. Case Study 2 (adapted from Eric Hearst)
Taylor is a third year student who is very involved on campus and in the community. They are a Junior Bonner Intern, president of the Rotaract Club, Teacher’s Assistant and tutor for supplemental instruction, officer in SGA, and work on the weekends at the local supermarket. Taylor is clearly overcommitted. They have recently begun exhibiting behaviors that are not consistent with their character, e.g. skipping classes, dropping the ball on big service projects, failing grades, and an increasingly disheveled appearance.
You are concerned about Taylor and request a meeting. During your conversation, Taylor discloses that they are suffering from depression and are overwhelmed by stress. You offer to help them find resources and assistance on campus. Taylor thanks you for your concern but refuses to accept your offer.

13. Bonner Foundation Resources

14. Addressing Wellness in our Programs
Gallery sharing: Practices, tools, resources
In your program/center, how do you address wellness with staff?
In your program/center, how do you address wellness with students?
Be specific! Share:
Trainings
Modeling/practices
Readings/videos/blogs/etc.
Referral resources
Stated policies

15. Next steps
What is one next step that you will take for your program to promote wellness?

16. Next steps
What are specific ways that the Bonner Foundation can support the promotion of wellness in our programs?