Structure
Cornell's Community of Practice
About the CoP
Cornell has formed a Community of Practice (CoP) to support the Health Promoting Campus initiative. The CoP is managed by a Student Wellbeing Council and a Workplace Wellbeing Core Advisory Group, each representing a wide range of constituents and informed by campus and community stakeholder engagement. Membership in the CoP is based on role at the university and intended to be fluid over time.
The Student Wellbeing Council provides leadership and momentum to advance efforts related to student wellbeing and is comprised of six sub-committees, which were proposed as a result of extensive campus conversations and listening sessions. The six groups currently include:
- Research and Evaluation
- Policies and Practices
- Supportive Environments
- Belonging and Connection
- Personal and Professional Development
- Services and Resources
The Research and Evaluation Committee is charged with developing and implementing a plan to measure the collective impact of health-promoting campus work on student health and wellbeing over time. The work of this committee is grounded within the purpose, Calls to Action, and Guiding Principles of the Okanagan Charter, which calls on institutions to (a) use evidence-informed approaches to develop and test effective health-promoting programs, policies, and practices, (b) replicate and disseminate these findings across institutions and the community for real-world, public health impact, and (c) revise action based on emerging evidence.
Membership
Departments represented:
- Institutional Research and Planning
- College of Engineering
- Office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education
- The Graduate School
- The Law School
- Skorton Center for Health Initiatives
Progress
- Reviewed, selected, and embedded key wellbeing indicators (e.g., psychological distress, belonging, flourishing) within existing and new campus-wide surveys to monitor for changes in student wellbeing over time in the context of becoming a health-promoting campus.
- Designed and implemented a comprehensive, tiered research and evaluation model for assessing the collective impact of health-promoting campus work on student wellbeing and health equity at the program (Level 1), policy (Level 2), and population level (Level 3). View these on the Health Promoting Campus toolkit webpage under HPC Guidelines.
- Published a peer-reviewed article outlining the research and evaluation model with corresponding research questions, case examples, and key indicators that can be adopted at other institutions to provide a flexible approach to monitoring campus health and wellbeing over time.
- Administered a Student Wellbeing Survey (Spring 2023) to collect baseline data on psychological distress, flourishing, and health inequities among Cornell undergraduate, graduate, and professional students and presented findings to campus stakeholders, at national conferences, and submitting an article for publication (currently under review).
- Administered a near-census, dedicated Student Well-being Survey (Spring 2024) to examine key wellbeing indicators, health inequities, and drivers of health inequities among Cornell undergraduate, graduate, and graduate students to inform the development of health promoting initiatives, policies, and culture change.
- Provided consultation with campus partners on best practices to evaluate the outcomes of health-promoting programs and initiatives on student wellbeing.
Next steps
- Analyze and disseminate results of Student Wellbeing Survey to monitor the state of student wellbeing, health inequities, and identify modifiable drivers of health inequities to inform evidence-informed action.
- Compare results with other health-promoting institutions that embedded the same key wellbeing indicators nationally and internationally.
- Serve as consultants to campus partners who are involved in researching and evaluating the effectiveness of health-promoting programs and policies and/or would like to become a Level 1 or 2 case study under the Research and Evaluation model.
Contact
If you are interested in receiving consultation in evaluating the impact of a health promoting program, policy, or initiative, or would like to become a Level 1, 2, or 3 case study under the health-promoting campus evaluation model, please reach out to Co-Chairs of the Research and Evaluation Committee at asd442@cornell.edu or jdh293@cornell.edu.
The Policies and Practices committee is charged with researching best practices and develop guidelines to consider when creating new/revising current policies and/or practices to include attention to student health, wellbeing, and sustainability; ensure all planning and decision-making takes account of and supports the flourishing of people, campuses, communities, and our planet; serve as a thought partner to campus partners who come to this group with policies/practices to discuss potential implications. The work of this committee aligns with the Okanagan Charter Call to Action 1.1: embed health in all campus policies.
Membership
Departments represented:
- Campus Sustainability Office
- Centers for Student Equity, Empowerment, and Belonging, Dean of Students
- College of Engineering
- Office of Graduate Student Life
- Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, Dean of Students
- Physical Education & Athletics
- Skorton Center for Health Initiatives, Cornell Health
- Student Disability Services, Cornell Health
- The Cornell Commitment, Student and Campus Life
Progress
The Policies and Practices Committee has:
- Researched and discussed characteristics and components that contribute to making policies health promoting in nature and those that detract from health and wellbeing.
- Reviewed existing health policy and health promotion tools, frameworks, guidelines and evidence-based recommendations for embedding health in all policies.
- Developed a set of guiding principles and guidelines to help campus stakeholders develop, implement, and evaluate health promoting policies.
- View committee guidelines on the Health Promoting Campus toolkit webpage.
Next Steps
Contact
Alec Brown (ab2777@cornell.edu), Program Coordinator, Rawlings Cornell Presidential Research Scholars and Laura Santacrose (lbs65@cornell.edu), Associate Director, Skorton Center for Health Initiatives serve as the Co-Chairs for the Policies and Practices Committee.
The Supportive Environments committee is charged with researching best practices and developing resources that include tools to study and support student health and wellbeing, promote supportive culture, and support sustainability and flourishing in the built environment. The work of this committee is grounded in enhancing the health and wellbeing of students by thinking critically about skills and tools needed to guide the creation of supportive campus environment, aligning with the Call to Action 1.2: create supportive campus environments in the Okanagan Charter.
Membership
Departments represented:
- Brooks School of Public Policy
- Campus Activities
- Centers for Student Equity, Empowerment, and Belonging
- College of Engineering
- Cornell Athletics
- Cornell Career Services
- Cornell Dining
- Cornell Outdoor Education
- Cornell Retail Services
- Learning Strategies Center
- Skorton Center for Health Initiatives
Progress
The Supportive Environments committee has:
- Reviewed and applied research related to fostering supportive environments from a systems-level view, utilizing the framework of the Social Ecological Model.
- Engaged with partners across campus to understand the practices and resources that exist on Cornell’s campus related to creating supportive environments to align efforts and reduce duplication of efforts.
- Defined “Supportive Environments” and types of environments that exist at Cornell.
- Developed guidelines and tools for cultivating supportive environments among students in various settings of the University, such as classroom settings and student organizations.
- View committee guidelines on the Health Promoting Campus toolkit webpage.
Next Steps
- Develop tools to accompany the guidelines for faculty, staff, and student leaders.
- Disseminate guidelines and tools across campus to enhance supportive environments.
- Serve as thought partners for 1-2 campus stakeholders annually who are interested in implementing the guidelines and tools into their work.
Contact
Contact Information: Taylor Bouraad (tb533@cornell.edu), Assistant Director, Community Engagement, Skorton Center for Health Initiatives.
The Belonging and Connection committee is charged with researching best practices and developing resources that include tools to create empowered, connected, and resilient campus communities; fostering an ethic of care, compassion, collaboration, and community action; and increasing sense of belonging and connection among students. The work of this group aligns with Call to Action 1.3: generate thriving communities and a culture of wellbeing in the Okanagan Charter.
Membership
Departments represented:
- Campus Activities
- Centers for Student Equity, Empowerment, and Belonging
- College of Engineering
- Cornell Fitness Centers
- Office of Graduate Student Life
- Housing and Residential Life
- Learning Strategies Center
- Office of Academic Diversity Initiatives
- Office of Global Learning
- Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards
- Skorton Center for Health Initiatives
- Tatkon Center for New Students
- The Cornell Commitment
Progress
The Belonging and Connection committee has:
- Reviewed and applied research related to belonging and connection for college students and applied findings to Cornell.
- Learned what practices and resources exist on Cornell’s campus related to belonging and connection to align efforts and reduce duplication of efforts.
- Developed guidelines for cultivating belonging and connection among students in various settings of the University.
- View committee guidelines on the Health Promoting Campus toolkit webpage.
Next Steps
- Develop tools to accompany the guidelines for faculty, staff, and student leaders.
- Disseminate guidelines and tools across campus to enhance belonging and connection across campus.
- Identify campus partners to collaborate with our committee as we transition to thought partner role.
Contact
Taylor Bouraad (tb533@cornell.edu), Assistant Director, Community Engagment, Skorton Center for Health Initiatives, and Julie Paige (jlp10@cornell.edu), Director, Co-Ops and Off Campus Living, serve as co-chairs for the Belonging and Connection committee.
The Personal and Professional Development committee is charged with researching best practices and developing resources that include tools to build student resilience, competence, personal capacity, and life-enhancing skills.
The work of this committee is grounded in enhancing the health and wellbeing of students by thinking critically about the skills and tools that students need to flourish, achieve their full potential, and become engaged local and global citizens. The work of this group aligns with Call to Action 1.4: support personal development in the Okanagan Charter.
Membership
Departments represented:
- Campus and Community Engagement
- Graduate School Administration
- Student Conduct
- Cornell Commitment
- Athletics
- College of Engineering
- Career Services
- Learning Strategies Center
- Skorton Center for Health Initiatives
Progress
- Considered existing programs that support students’ personal and professional development, in particular the efforts of the First Year Sophomore Experience (FYSE) Committee, Learning Strategies Center, and Career Services.
- Drafted Guidelines for Personal Growth and Professional Development, a student-facing resource that adapts the GROW coaching model to support students in making a personal development plan that supports their growth and success in various aspects of life.
- View committee guidelines on the Health Promoting Campus toolkit webpage.
Next Steps
Contact
Jennifer Fee, Assistant Director of Curriculum and Training Development, Skorton Center for Health Initiatives, jms327@cornell.edu
The Services and Resources committee is charged with researching best practices and developing resources that include tools to support equitable access for students and enhance student wellbeing. Furthermore, the group is charged with creating an inventory of resources that exist to reduce duplication and increase students’ awareness of available services and resources. This committee considers best practices in communicating services and resources and integrates student feedback on their experience navigating Cornell’s resources. The work of this group aligns with the Call to Action: 1.5. Create or re-orient campus services in the Okanagan Charter.
Membership
Departments represented:
- Campus Activities
- Centers for Student Equity, Empowerment, and Belonging
- College of Veterinary Medicine
- Cornell Commitment
- Cornell Dining
- Cornell Health
- Cornell Retail Services
- Learning Strategies Center
- Office of Academic Diversity Initiatives
- Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment
- Physical Education and Recreational Services
- Skorton Center for Health Initiatives
- Student and Campus Life Communications
- Student Conduct and Community Standards
- Student Disability Services
- Student Support and Advocacy Services
Progress
The Services and Resources committee has:
Next Steps
- Develop tools to accompany the guidelines for faculty, staff, and student leaders.
- Identify campus partners to collaborate with our committee as we transition to thought partner role.
Contact
Contact: Taylor Bouraad, Assistant Director, Community Engagment, Skorton Center for Health Initiatives, and Stephen D’Angelo, Communications Lead: Health and Well-being, Student and Campus Life, serve as co-chairs for the Services and Resources committee.
The Workforce Wellbeing Core Advisory Committee provides leadership and momentum to advance efforts related to faculty and staff wellbeing.
Charge
The Workforce Wellbeing Core Advisory Committee (WWCAC) will partner with the Student Wellbeing Council to create an institution-wide vision and mission related to wellbeing at Cornell. The committee will issue key recommendations related to workforce wellbeing at least annually to Executive Sponsors, Christine Lovely, Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), and Avery August, Deputy Provost. In between recommendation cycles, the committee will provide timely and ongoing insights, feedback, and smaller scale suggestions. Executive Sponsors will review recommendations and determine next steps.
Much work is occurring across the university in support of workforce wellbeing. The committee will seek to understand Cornell’s current workforce offerings, the impact of said offerings including inclusivity and accessibility, and make recommendations as needed to best align workforce practices with those outlined in the Okanagan Charter. Of equal importance, the committee will seek to understand and issue recommendations related to the root causes of unhealthy work and personal campus environments, regardless of location.
Understanding the experiences of faculty and staff is critical to developing informed recommendations. WWCAC will regularly receive data from HR Analytics in the Division of Human Resources (DHR) to receive workforce insights. Additional data sources and input will be pursued as needed to ensure the committee makes objective and informed recommendations. While not charged with developing an institutional workforce wellbeing strategy, the committee’s efforts will inform the development of said strategy by DHR.
Membership
Chair:
- Director, Workforce Wellbeing, Division of Human Resources (DHR): Michelle Artibee
Executive Sponsors:
- Deputy Provost: Avery August
- CHRO and Vice President, DHR: Christine Lovely
Committee Coordinator:
- Program Coordinator, Work/Life, DHR: Amy Layton
General Members:
- Assist. Director of Administrative Services, Communications, Cornell Health: Jennifer Austin
- Sr. Consultant, HR Analytics, DHR: Veronica Banks
- Sr. Director, Benefit Services and Administration, DHR: Eric Biegler
- Assoc. Director, Health and Welfare, Benefit Services and Administration, DHR: Emily Brousseau
- Wellbeing Program Director, College of Veterinary Medicine: Kate Buckley
- UAW Peer Representative, Staff and Labor Relations, DHR: James Dannic
- ADA Coordinator, Facilities and Campus Services: Andrea Haenlin-Mott
- Sr. Director, Employee Experience, DHR: Linda Croll Howell
- Director, Skorton Center for Health Initiatives, Cornell Health: Julie Edwards
- Sr. Director, Strategic Initiatives, DHR: Ashley Fazio
- Sr. Assoc. Athletics Dir. of Physical Ed. & Dir. of Recreational Services, Cornell Athletics: Jen Gudaz
- Director, Cornell Wellness: Kerry Howell
- Sr. Project Manager, Flourish, Weill Cornell Medicine: Michael Lardner
- Sr. Associate Vice Provost, Office of Faculty Development and Diversity: Yael Levitte
- Assoc. Director, Master of Public Health Program & Professor of Practice: Gen Meredith
- Program Manager, Work/Life, DHR: Ruth Merle-Doyle
- Assoc. Vice President, Department of Inclusion and Belonging: Sonia Rucker
- Manager, Sustainability, Facilities and Campus Services: Meredith Rutherford
- Diversity and Inclusion Learning Consultant, Dept. of Inclusion and Belonging: Erin Sember Chase
- Director, Faculty & Staff Assistance Program, DHR: Wai-Kwong Wong
Additional Sub-Committee Members
- Lead Clinical Administrative Assistant, Faculty and Staff Assistance Program: Jasmine Jay
- Community Programming Specialist, Cornell Wellness: C. Lucas
Subcommittees
Sub-committees are established to focus on specific areas identified by WWCAC for the semester or year. Limiting the number of sub-committees and being strategic about the amount of time granted to develop recommendations for leadership is intentional. This model ensures attention and resources are devoted to the focus areas so that recommendations and associated actions can be taken more swiftly. After issuing recommendations to WWCAC’s Executive Sponsors, the sub-committees may cease and new sub-committees will be established to work on other focus areas.
Fall 2023 Sub-committees:
- Workload & Boundaries
- Mental Health
- Healthy Spaces
Alignment with Okanagan Charter
Cornell's Community of Practice aligns with the Okanagan Charter's Guiding Principles and Calls to Action.
Specifically:
- It aligns with three of the Charter's Guiding Principles:
- Use settings and whole system approaches
- Ensure comprehensive and campus-wide approaches
- Develop trans-disciplinary collaborations and cross-sector partnerships
- It supports two of the Charter's Calls To Action:
- 2.1: Integrate health, wellbeing, and sustainability in multiple disciplines to develop change agents.
- 2.3: Lead and partner towards local and global action for health promotion.
