Just released: updated inter-association wellbeing definition

NIRSA is excited to share that an updated version of the inter-association wellbeing definition is now available! The definition, which was first published in May 2020, now features—in response to member feedback—a supplementary table that further exemplifies community wellbeing. The articulation of the definition has evolved in some places as well—both in response to member feedback and to the changing world around us. One key example is ensuring the language reflects that our campus communities extend well beyond physical space.

Read the Full Definition

The inter-association wellbeing definition is one outcome of the Health and Wellbeing in Higher Education: A Commitment to Student Success’ research summits, subsequent conference presentations and feedback sessions, and the dedicated work of volunteers across the commitment’s signatory associations.

This definition, and its supplementary material, is meant to be foundational, and provide members of all our associations a common understanding of wellbeing in higher education so they can better work together. We hope a shared understanding can be a steppingstone to systemic change. This document is, of course, not exhaustive.

We would like to offer a sincere thank you to the many members who lent their expertise to the collaborative and review of this definition, including attendees of the research summits hosted by NIRSA, NASPA, and ACHA, as well as all the groups who have provided subsequent feedback.

Thank you

We would also like to give a very special thanks and acknowledgement to the work group that has been the main driver and author on both editions of the definition. A sincere thank you to:

Gina Abrams, Director of Research and Program Evaluation/Associate Professor, International Institute for Restorative Practices
Stacy Andes, Director of Health Promotion, Villanova University
Nicole Brocato, Director of the Wellbeing Assessment Study, Wake Forest University
Stacy Connell, SLC Wellbeing, LLC

We are very grateful for their commitment to this work and their willingness to lend their time and significant expertise to this work.

Learn more

Join us to celebrate the launch of this seminal work and hear from the work group members themselves about the evolution of the definition. The 15 signatory associations on the Health and Wellbeing in Higher Education: A Commitment to Student Success will be co-sponsoring a webinar on Thursday, December 17 at 9:00am PT/noon ET. Register today!