Northern Michigan University President Brock Tesman speaks Friday at the dedication of the campus’ new well-being center.
Written by Alexandria
Bournonville
journal staff writer
MARQUETTE — Northern Michigan University’s new Wellbeing Center has officially opened its doors to a holistic approach to wellness for all students.
NMU Board of Directors Chairman Steve Young said: “When the Board and Management considered our wellbeing needs, we determined that overall wellbeing – mental and physical balance – are intertwined and need to be addressed comprehensively. Did.”
Before construction of the new building, students and staff had to receive medical care at the university health center and psychological care at two separate locations. By merging the two services, Northern joins other Michigan schools in advocating for strong student health.
Greg Toutant is CEO of Great Lakes Recovery Centers, Inc. in Marquette County.
The center said it will strengthen its values that uphold the way it prioritizes care for the most vulnerable among us.
“This is more than just a facility. The creation of a comprehensive center that addresses the physical, mental, emotional, and social health and well-being of students is what makes students feel engaged here and want to stay here.” It will help you a lot.” Toutant said. “This allows us to make our time on campus as meaningful and healthy as possible. It is heartwarming to see the university putting the health and well-being needs of its students first.” is.”
NMU President Brock Tesman said that while the new center is easily accessible to students due to its location right next to the university dining hall, it is the people who make this facility special.
“The people at Northern University will ultimately make the biggest difference when it comes to promoting health across campus.” Tesman said.
He noted that the university leverages the Okanagan Charter, an international charter for universities and colleges that promote health promotion. “The Okanagan Charter is about an integrated and comprehensive approach to local and global well-being, so we don’t just think about mental health, behavioral health and well-being in that sense; We also think about wellbeing when it comes to campus” culture, diversity, inclusion and belonging. We think about well-being in terms of environmental sustainability in the natural environment. It’s an ambitious project. ”
NMU President Gwen Famster and others praised the university’s efforts to put mental health at the forefront.
“Improving mental health services on campus has been on our minds for several years now, and we are here today to dedicate the building and demonstrate how the university is proactively engaged in these efforts. I’m so happy to be able to show you how brutally honest being a student is really hard. Being human is hard, but doing both at the same time can be very can be stressful and difficult. We are at a time in our lives when there is a lot of stress, change and self-discovery. It is important that you have confidence in your university’s mental health and physical health services. is.” Femster said.
“I want my students to know that there is no shame in not feeling okay. Feelings are always valid and students are always loved, even when it seems like they are not.” I am.”
To learn more about the services offered by the new Wellbeing Center, visit nmu.edu/wellbeing, which includes links to online therapy.
To contact the Counseling Center, please call 906-227-2980.
Alexandria Bournonville can be reached at 906-228-2500, extension 600. 506. Her email address is abournonville@miningjournal.net.