Oklahoma State University's 2012 Certified Healthy Departments announced

Friday, March 30, 2012

Oklahoma State University has named its first Certified Healthy Departments as part of the university's initiative to promote wellness and health across the campus.

Experts at the Seretean Wellness Center certified each department according to specific guidelines, focusing on physical activity programs in the department, mental health, stress management and nutrition. The program recognizes departments that already have health-related policies as well as those who choose to implement new policies.

"I am pleased to see so many OSU Certified Healthy Departments for 2012," said Ann Hargis, OSU's first lady. "Offices are making an effort to create a healthier environment for faculty, staff and students. I commend them for joining us on the journey, as we strive to be America's healthiest campus."

There are two tiers of qualification, silver and gold. Twenty-four departments qualified for gold status, while three departments qualified for silver status. Certified are:

Gold

Agricultural Education, Communications and Leadership

Budget and Asset Management, Career Services

Career Services

College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources

Center for Executive and Professional Development

College of Engineering Dean's Office,

DASNR Administration Group Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources

Design, Housing and Merchandising

Entomology and Plant Pathology

Fire Protection Publications

Grants and Contracts Financial Administration

Housing and Residential Life

Human Resources

Institute for Teaching and Learning Excellence

International Studies and Outreach

Office of Multicultural Affairs

Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid

Office of the President

Student Union

Undergraduate Admissions

University Counseling Services

University Health Services

University Research Compliance

Vice President for Student Affairs

Silver

Associate Vice President and Controller

Athletic Marketing

Risk and Property Management

Every OSU department was eligible to participate and apply. As an ongoing health initiative, certifications will be awarded yearly. Any department that did not qualify this year can apply for the award in January of 2013. Certified departments are presented with a framed certificate and the use of a Certified Healthy Department logo. The logo can be used on all department communications.

"Our mission at OSU is to create a healthier campus and a healthier culture for OSU faculty, staff and students," Mary Talley, Employee Wellness Program Manager, said. "One way is to start with each department and encourage healthy behavior in those areas that will then serve as a role model to the rest of the campus community. We are proud of these departments for making health and wellness a priority and for joining us on the journey as we strive to be America's healthiest campus."

The OSU Seretean Wellness Center's mission is to help people achieve a balance of physical and mental health. The Center supports this mission by housing the Employee Assistance Program, O-Zone Fitness Center, and by offering a variety of services including nutrition counseling, massage therapy, health risk assessments and many more. For more information about the Certified Healthy Department program, contact Talley at 405.744.WELL (9355) or mary.talley@okstate.edu.