Amanda Griesser
akg001@marietta.edu

Health-conscious students have undoubtedly taken advantage of the newly constructed Dyson Baudo Recreation Center. Many others, however, have never set foot through its doors.

Residence Life is attempting to establish a Student Wellness Program in order to attract people to the facility and encourage healthful habits.

The Faculty and Staff Wellness Program of Marietta College has been active for several years. It was not until last spring, however, that the program became seriously coordinated.

The program is a product of the joint efforts of the Recreation Center and Human Resources. Vicki Ford, Director of Human Resources, is at the head of the program, aided by several other faculty members.

At a recent Trustees’ Meeting held during Homecoming Weekend, Ford gave a presentation on the current Faculty and Staff Wellness Program. It was suggested a Student Wellness Program be implemented. Many trustees were in favor of the idea, and student representatives were also supportive. Since the establishment of the Faculty Wellness Program, students have been interested in being a part of a similar group.

The program would likely mirror many of the sessions offered through the Faculty Wellness Program. A nearby institution, Cuyahoga Community College, has had great success with student wellness activities, and Marietta College wishes to follow suit. The structure of the program will depend on who manages it. No person has been given the task of spearheading the project as of yet.

The Dyson Baudo Recreation Center has been offering a variety of scheduled activities and classes for students. Attendance of such activities has been less than impressive. Karen Glowacki, the women’s crew team coach, informed the Marcolian that, of nearly 1,800 students and faculty on campus, only a small portion takes advantage of the facilities.

When asked if there is a need for a student wellness program, Glowacki replied, “Yeah! There’s definitely a need.”

“This age group now is considerably heavier and less active.”

Young people have become notorious for their poor eating habits and exercise regimens, especially upon going to college. “People get away from their normal routines,” Vicki Ford notes.

The aim of the wellness program is to offer students a healthy alternative to such a lifestyle. It is being considered whether or not the dining services on campus can contribute to this effort.

In addition to promoting good health, the program will likely offer incentives to students such as gift certificates. The logistics of this endeavor are still in the very early stages of development, but organizations on campus are working to make it a reality.

Mailing address: Marietta College Box A-20, Marietta, Ohio 45750-4000
Physical address: McKinney Media Center, 508 Putnam St, Marietta, Ohio
Phone: (740) 376-4555
E-mail: marc@marietta.edu