Current status of wellness residence halls

Universities are challenged by the goal of providing opportunities for student development in residence halls. One popular approach is based on wellness and, to date, no formal assessment of this approach had been completed.This study assessed the current status of wellness residence halls (WRHs) to summarize trends. A self-designed questionnaire was sent to residence life departments who were identified as having WRHs. The survey focused on program size, budget size/source, programming model, and staffing. Participants were asked to indicate departments which supported WRHs, what made WRHs unique, the relative success of their WRHs and what inhibited or contributed to that success.This instrument collected useful demographic data related to WRH programs; however, there were no discernible patterns indicative of a homogenous WRH movement (as special interest halls) taking place in this country. It is seemingly the commitment of staff and students which guarantees the success of wellness residence halls.Fisher Institute for WellnessThesis (M.S.