Furman University has adopted the Okanagan Charter, an international framework designed to integrate health and wellbeing into all aspects of campus life. Developed by public health leaders from 45 countries in 2015, the charter addresses challenges related to health, sustainability, and community welfare.
As one of 33 U.S. institutions to adopt the charter, Furman is advancing its commitment to holistic wellbeing for students, faculty, and staff. The charter emphasizes embedding health into all facets of campus culture and leading collaborative health initiatives locally and globally.
“It goes beyond saying we’re going to have classes and programs,” said associate professor of health sciences and committee co-chair, Meghan Slining, “This is a statement of our philosophy and values that says wellbeing is not just an individual responsibility, it’s the responsibility of the community.”
Building on wellness efforts launched by the university in 2019, Furman has already undertaken program assessments, renovated its counseling center, and upgraded its Physical Activities Center. Adopting the charter enhances these efforts by shifting from individual programs to a comprehensive, systemic strategy.
Led by the Wellbeing Strategy Committee, Furman’s goal is to embed wellbeing as a shared campus value. Joining a network of universities across the country, Furman will share strategies and insights to foster a healthy, inclusive society.
“There are things we can do structurally and as a community that will support everyone’s wellbeing,” Slining said. “Naming that and committing to that out loud is really powerful.”
