Student Well-Being

The focus of student wellness at OU is to empower students to lead healthy lifestyles and make positive decisions regarding personal health and well-being. The wellness team collaborates across campus to provide relevant, high-quality health and wellness programs and educational opportunities to all students. Interested in bringing a health and wellness program to your class, student organization, student employee group and more?  Contact [email protected] to submit a request for a program.

Wellness workshops and programs can be requested by resident assistants, academic peer mentors, advisers, academic instructors, student groups, etc. Programs, workshops and events are open to all.

Bright Light Therapy

All currently enrolled students and other Recreation Center patrons are eligible to reserve and check out a bright light therapy box. This is an evidence-based practice that can be beneficial for seasonal depression, sleep and mood regulation. Bright light therapy typically runs from October through March. 

Pet Therapy

Pet therapy is offered to the Oakland University community for free on a regular basis every semester to benefit one's mental, emotional and physical health. A full schedule of when the therapy dogs will be on campus and their locations is available both online and on signage throughout campus.

Mental Health First Aid Training

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), created by the National Council for Behavioral Health, teaches individuals how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders in adults.  The training provides skills needed to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis.  Oakland University provides MHFA for students, faculty and staff for FREE!

Student Wellness Coaching

Student Wellness Coaching is currently only available virtually, and is a free service offered to currently enrolled OU students who are wanting support when making healthy lifestyle changes. Submit a request for wellness coaching by emailing [email protected].

>For personal counseling, please contact the OU Counseling Center at 248-370-3465<

The goal of wellness coaching is to help you make positive changes in your life and help you take control of your health and well-being in areas such as managing stress, balancing time commitments, reaching fitness and nutrition goals, and sleep management. The coach will help you along the way by providing you with strategies to achieve your goals.

8 Dimensions of Wellness

The student wellness team uses the 8 Dimensions of Wellness model to educate the campus community on the various ways one can improve their overall health and wellness.  These dimensions include: Physical, Emotional, Spiritual, Occupational, Financial, Social, Intellectual, and Environmental.