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Strategic Plan

Students smiling at University Welcome Day

Over the last several years, concern about student well-being has become top of mind for educational institutions across the nation. Biola is no different. Whether through an increase in student needs in the classroom or exponential growth in office traffic among those addressing some aspect of student well-being, we have seen and Biola students have affirmed that their emotional, physical and relational well-being impacts their ability to engage in a Biola education.

The Office of Student Wellness operates under three guiding principles:

  1. College student well-being is a complex social problem that requires a layered response. We work cohesively and collaboratively across campus and with students, staff and faculty to support the well-being of Biola students. The SHAWC Collaborative and SHAWC Steering Committee typify cross-campus partnerships.
  2. We focus on proactive and preventative strategies to foster student well-being. Biola has traditionally done well in responding to high-risk needs among students. We also seek to “work upstream” in building and implementing strategies and programs that are preventative and proactive across the spectrum of well-being, both in and out of the classroom.
  3. Our work is guided by Biola’s working definition of well-being, developed by the Student Health and Wellness Committee in ‘18-’19, comprised of 35 students, staff and faculty:
Well-being is an active, intentional process of personal and communal choice to foster resilience and flourishing in the midst of daily life. Our well-being begins with discovery of both individual and community needs and strengths. We cultivate well-being by stewarding physical, spiritual, intellectual, emotional, relational, and culturally diverse aspects of our whole person. Well-being does not mean freedom from illness, trials, challenges or suffering; instead, in cooperation with the Holy Spirit, these are the very things that can form us in Christ-like character, wisdom, and maturity (James 1:2-8, Colossians 1:28).

Learn more in the Student Wellness Strategic Plan Executive Summary and case study detailing assessment findings and research during Student Wellness’ inaugural ‘18-’19 year.