What is Live Well NAU?

Live Well NAU is a framework that creates a more comprehensive, coordinated wellness strategy at NAU. It aims to centralize campus resources into one easily accessible area for students. 

Live Well NAU was created after a campus wide needs assessment revealed the need for a more cohesive and highly visible approach to wellness across campus. We heard from students that you need support and resources to help you thrive at NAU because healthy students are successful academically-they have higher GPAs and are more likely to graduate on time.

According to results from the 2021 National College Health Assessment, NAU students report several health issues were impediments to their academic success: (N=1,050)

• Stress (44.4%)
• Anxiety (37.8%)
• Depression (30.5%)
• Sleep Difficulties (26.6%)

Purpose and mission

Our solution to support a healthier campus are the 8 dimensions of wellness and Live Well NAU.

The 8 Dimensions of Wellness were identified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to identify key areas of wellness that optimize health.  This holistic view on wellness recognizes that wellness is a dynamic concept, influenced by many dimensions that build off each other. Healthy Campus Coalition adopted this model and synthesized the concepts into a colorful pinwheel graphic to help students easily identify wellness-oriented events on campus. 

Development of Live Well NAU

Live Well NAU was developed with the input and support of campus partners, students, and best practices from other institutions of higher education. The development process included:

1. Health promotion needs assessment: Interviews with key campus partners to collect feedback about improving campus wellness.
2. Healthy Campus Coalition (HCC): Used needs assessment information to guide project development, including creating a graphic icon,. a centralized online resources, and a structured incentive plan.
3. Review of existing models: Wellness wheel frameworks from SAMHSA and others were considered.
4. Student focus groups: Feedback on concept was gathered from ASNAU, HS200 classes, SHAC, UCAN health coaches, and international students.
5. Stakeholder interviews: Staff, faculty, and subject matter experts were interviewed to inform project development.
6. Best practice consultation: Phone calls with other schools using similar frameworks.
7. Branding and marketing discussion: Met with University Marketing and branding professionals to ensure brand cohesion.