The WE in Wellness

When you think about student success, what comes to mind? Are you picturing your student studying at Cowles Library? That can be part of student success, but at Drake, we believe it’s much more than just studying. When students prioritize their overall well-being, they have more energy to focus on their academics. A small change in one area of wellness, can enhance overall well-being. At Drake, we focus on six areas of wellness:  

1. Emotional  
2. Intellectual  
3. Physical  
4. Social 
5. Occupational  
6. Spiritual  

This fall, we’re offering a new opportunity to students, WEllcon23, our wellness conference to be held on Wednesday, October 25 from 3-6 PM. WEllcon23 will serve as an opportunity for learning tools that will be helpful in achieving success throughout the semester and beyond. Encourage your student to attend and explore how they can prioritize their wellness.  

As you’re talking with your students, we encourage you to ask questions beyond, “How are classes?” Consider asking them questions that encompass more areas of wellness, such as:  

• Are you connecting with your classmates outside of class?  
• What careers are you learning about and thinking you might want to explore?  
• What are you noticing on campus as you travel to class?  

These questions might help you learn more about your student’s Drake experience. They also might encourage your student to share more about challenges they’re facing on campus.  

Drake has many great academic resources for your students, one of which is Access & Success. Access & Success offers academic coaching to students, tutoring, and disability services.  

Students can schedule academic coaching to talk through study strategies, learn how to manage their time better, work on setting achievable goals, and get help preparing for exams. 

Tutoring is available in Accounting, Actuarial Science, Biology, Chemistry, Economics, Math/Computer Science, and Physics. Additionally, the Speaking Center and Writing Center can help students with assignments in many subject areas. 

Access & Succes also facilitates academic accommodations and services for students with disabilities to ensure everyone has equal access to educational opportunities. Equal access to education is achieved when barriers to learning are removed. Our staff are here to help work with students, alongside faculty and staff, to ensure the success and inclusion of all students. 

We hope these tips will help you connect with your students about their academic experience and equip you with a few more resources to share with them, too.