K-State HD

Creating a Campus-Wide Health Initiative

K-State HD (healthy decisions) premiered on the K-State campus in spring 2008. Student volunteers handed out free Life Water donated by Pepsi and K-State HD water bottles to hundreds of students and campus visitors in Bosco Student Plaza. The Union Courtyard was bustling with push-up competitions, campus exhibitors displaying services available to students, free food, and other prizes.

In spring 2006, 75 students and some faculty and staff started discussions about how to help students make healthy decisions in college, especially first and second year students. They decided to develop a specialized program to help enhance our educational environment and retain students, called K-State HD. The program is designed to focus on helping students make better decisions in every aspect of life, not just diet and exercise, Sarah Tedford, graduate assistant with K-State HD, said.

“We didn’t necessarily create a new service. K-State HD is more about unifying the options already available to students on campus,” Tedford said. “We want to decrease the stigma of going for help and create community awareness on campus to be actively involved in fellow students’ lives as well as their own.”

The K-State HD program is designed to target students in their first few years in college, help students avoid feeling distressed, and help them develop healthy habits. Parents can be confident that campus-wide initiatives like K-State HD will provide their student healthy resources and options after leaving home.

For more information, visit the K-State HD’s Web Site

-Rachel Dorsey
New Student Services Intern

A letter from the graduate assistance for K-State HD

Dear K-State Parents and Families:

K-State HD is a new initiative that is designed to help enhance the lifestyle of K-State students. Our mission is to aid students in making healthy decisions in order to be successful in college and after they graduate from K-State.

As your student enters into a new time in his or her life, there are going to be a lot of exciting changes and challenges. College is a time for students to develop in all aspects of their lives and learn to make decisions independently. However, it can be difficult for some students to make healthy decisions, and unhealthy decisions can cause stress in students’ lives. Fortunately, there are a number of resources on campus that provide services that can help keep students on the right track to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and succeed in college.

Through collaborative efforts made by K-State’s student services, organizations, and faculty, K-State’s students can stay connected to their campus and peers. Commitment from these services, organizations, and faculty provide support and enhance the lives of K-State students. K-State HD will be promoting the resources that are available to students a number of different ways including a Student Speakers’ Series, information tables, events, and more.

Recommendations for your student:

• Within the first two weeks of school, students should meet their professors during office hours to begin establishing a positive relationship. If students need help later, the professor will already have a connection.
• If students are having a hard time with their classes, the academic assistance center has free tutoring. Students should request a tutor right away. Getting help early will help lead to better preparation for midterms and finals.
• Involvement in one or two student organizations – academic or non-academic based - in which the student is interested. Watch getting overextended by taking on too many commitments.
• It is okay to be uncertain about majors or career choices. If students are unsure about their options, the Academic & Career Information Center or Career & Employment Services can provide support in finding possibilities.
• If your student is feeling overwhelmed and stressed about life, they are not alone. Professionals in Counseling Services, a faculty member, an advisor, or someone else that they trust are good sources of help.
• Eating right and exercising can always be a difficult task in college. There are many services on campus that provide options and resources for healthy eating and exercise.
• While it may seem impossible at times, students should be sure to add enough sleep to their schedule to be attentive and productive during the day.
• College is a great time to meet new people. Having a diverse set of friends will broaden their horizons and deepen their experiences at K-State.

These are just some recommendations for your student to lead a healthy and successful life. If you or your student would like more information about resources on campus and in the community, contact Sarah Tedford at stedford@k-state.edu, visit the Office of Student Activities and Services in 809 K-State Student Union, call (785) 532-6541or visit K-State HD’s Web site at www.k-state.edu/hd.

Sarah Tedford
Graduate Research Assistant
K-State HD (healthy decisions)
Office of Student Activities & Services
785-532-7290
stedford@ksu.edu

There are three phases, or prime focuses, for K-State HD in the 2008-2009 academic year. Have your students mark their calendar for these important K-State HD dates starting fall 2008: