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Well-being has long been part of the Â鶹Çø’s culture—and this month, the University is formalizing that commitment by signing the Okanagan Charter: An International Charter for Health Promoting Universities and Colleges.

On Oct. 15, DU joins a growing movement of higher education institutions committed to advancing the health and well-being of their communities, becoming part of the U.S. Health Promoting Campuses Network (USHPCN).

DU is one of 40 institutions across the country that have adopted the Charter, a framework that guides colleges and universities in embedding health into all aspects of campus culture, through academics, administration, and campus life, while leading health promotion efforts locally and globally. DU is the first private institution in the region to adopt the Charter.

"I am delighted DU is joining higher ed institutions across the globe by signing the Okanagan Charter," says Chancellor Jeremy Haefner. "It builds on the work we have been doing here for many years, such as the nationally recognized supportive services offered by our Health and Counseling Center, the many opportunities for students—especially first-year students—to develop strong social connections, and the plentiful resources for physical well-being, including the Coors Fitness Center."

A global movement for well-being

The Okanagan Charter was created in 2015 at the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan campus in Kelowna, Canada, following the International Conference on Health Promoting Universities and Colleges. Scholars, practitioners, administrators, and students from 45 countries—including representatives from the World Health Organization, Pan American Health Organization, and UNESCO—collaborated to develop the Charter’s shared vision and calls to action.

The charter encourages institutions to embed health into all aspects of campus culture. This includes integrating well-being into administration, operations, and academics, ensuring that policies, programs, and practices consistently support the physical, mental, and social health of students, faculty, and staff.

Additionally, the charter calls on universities to take a leadership role in health promotion. By fostering collaboration both locally and globally, institutions can share knowledge, implement innovative practices, and contribute to broader efforts that advance health, equity, and well-being in their communities and beyond.

Its guiding principles emphasize whole-system approaches, student and community engagement, cross-sector collaboration, innovation, and respect for Indigenous and local contexts—all in service of advancing health, equity, sustainability, and the public good.

In addition to the 40 American colleges and universities that make up the USHPCN, 15 national and regional networks form the International Health Promoting Campuses Network, fostering collaboration and shared learning around the world. In Canada, 52 campuses and eight organizations have adopted the charter.

Advancing the 4D Experience

Adopting the Okanagan Charter builds on DU’s holistic approach to education and aligns closely with the 4D Experience, emphasizing the personal, intellectual, and professional development of every student. The charter complements DU’s ongoing work to promote health, belonging, and sustainability across campus and provides a coordinated framework to enhance those efforts.

The charter also reinforces collaboration across disciplines and divisions, encouraging partnerships with local and global organizations to advance research, teaching, and engagement around health and sustainability.

DU’s adoption includes commitments to:

• Integrate well-being and sustainability into university policies and planning.
• Foster connected and supportive campus environments.
• Encourage personal development for students, faculty, and staff in the DU community.
• Orient campus services to support equitable access and enhance health and well-being.
• Integrate health, well-being, and sustainability into curricula across the disciplines to develop agents of change.
• Advance research, teaching, training, and knowledge exchange to enhance health and well-being.

By joining this international movement, the University strengthens its ability to foster a supportive and inclusive environment, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, and create innovative programs that benefit students, faculty, staff, and the broader Denver community.