Building a Healthier Pack

Healthy life skills are important to student success

Learning to balance the responsibilities of being a college student takes work, and managing stress can be tough for students. The Division of Academic and Student Affairs is committed to helping our students achieve success, and we know that personal wellness plays a big role in overall success. The division is the home of many of the on-campus programs and services that are available to support the physical and mental health needs of students.

Counseling Center

On a campus of over 42,000, it’s hard to imagine feeling alone while surrounded by so many people. But with the pressure to succeed in the classroom, the uncertainty of being away from home, and the stress elicited by everyday life, students may find themselves feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and unsure of where to turn for help.

Counseling services are offered on an individual and group basis, for those struggling with substance abuse, and to provide academic and career counseling. Through counseling, students develop the positive coping skills they will need to support themselves and thrive during their time on campus, and in the future. It’s never easy to ask for help, but during 2015- 16 more than 4,500 students sought support from the Counseling Center.

The Counseling Center collaborates closely with partners on campus, bringing crucial messaging to students across the university. The #StopTheStigma campaign invites students to share stories of resilience when faced with issues related to suicide. Campaign videos were viewed over 7,000 times. The Counseling Center has also increased efforts to reach students in need, regardless of their physical location. Counselors working within Centennial Campus, Athletics, and the College of Veterinary Medicine provided 2,073 appointments to students. In the wake of tragedies impacting the campus community, counselors also went directly to affected organizations, classes, and departments to provide “post-vention” debriefing sessions to 2,893 members of the campus community.

Student Health Services

Board certified physicians, licensed clinical professionals, specialty medical services, and an on-site pharmacy comprise Student Health Services (SHS), the top ranked student health center in North Carolina. During the 2015-16 academic year, SHS primary care and women’s health services completed a combined total of over 32,000 patient appointments.

This year, SHS expanded its public health and disease prevention initiatives and outreach efforts, bringing services to individuals on Centennial Campus and at the College of Veterinary Medicine. A partnership with Campus Smiles made NC State the first student health center in North Carolina to provide dental care to students, faculty, and staff. Thirteen flu clinics were held across campus, with a total of 3,500 flu vaccines and 54 flu mist treatments administered.

Learn how NC State is creating a culture of wellness at wellness.ncsu.edu

University Recreation

Finding a balance between work and play is important. Students are encouraged to stay active with University Recreation’s group fitness classes, team sports, and outdoor excursions. The classes, facilities, and intramural teams are all designed to help students achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Over the past year, 29,965 individuals utilized University Recreation programs, services, and facilities, for a total of 1,001,438 visits.

University Recreation continues to be the largest student employer at NC State, employing 1,068 students in 2,269 positions during the past year. The 2015-16 academic year also marked the inauguration of the Moonlight Howl and Run, a signature event of Wolfpack Welcome Week. More than 4,000 students participated in the two-mile midnight fun run at the Belltower, later celebrating their success with snacks, games, and music on the Brickyard.

Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Education

Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Education completed its first year operating under a new name. Seeking to aid students in succeeding academically, professionally, and personally by reducing the negative results of substance misuse, the program provides outreach and education opportunities to students on campus. During the 2015-16 academic year, the Howl for Help initiative was among the program’s primary focal points. Howl for Help teaches students to spot the signs and symptoms of alcohol poisoning, and how to respond if faced with such an emergency. This year marked a 69% increase in the use of the service by students.

Health and Exercise Studies

The Department of Health and Exercise Studies (HES) supports the health, wellness, personal growth, and development of NC State students. During the 2015-16 academic year, over 600 classes and more than 13,500 seats were available. The department continues to focus its efforts upon creating new course offerings to better meet student interests. A new dance minor has been approved, with courses beginning in Fall 2016. Courses in pickleball and fitness kickboxing have also been added. This year also marked the first HES course offering at the NC State Prague Institute.

Nutrition

Maintaining a balanced diet and positive self image are essential components of physical and personal wellness. Campus Enterprises takes care to provide healthy dining options for all students, collaborating with campus partners to bring support and resources to the campus community. Working with NC State Dining, Nutrition provided a Food Allergy Support Group to support those students with dietary restrictions.

This year, two years ahead of schedule, NC State became the first institution to complete its commitment to Partnership for a Healthier America’s Healthier Campus Initiative. The university implemented 23 guidelines centered around nutrition, physical activity, and programming. Highlights included providing a Dietitian’s Dish wellness meal at breakfast, lunch, and dinner; offering healthier fare in food and beverage vending machines; and combating food insecurity on campus through the Feed the Pack Food Pantry