UF to host Building Healthy Academic Communities National Summit in April

bhaclogoOn April 6 and 7, the University of Florida will host the National Consortium for Building Healthy Academic Communities’ third summit on best practices in promoting and sustaining wellness in academic settings. The biannual conference, launched in 2013 at The Ohio State University, brings together transdisciplinary leaders, faculty, students and staff from academic institutions of all sizes, as well as policy makers from professional organizations and academia who are committed to improving health and wellness outcomes in institutions of higher learning and their surrounding communities.

A call for abstracts and posters may be found on the Building Healthy Academic Communities (BHAC) website, and the deadline for submissions is Dec. 2.  Cutting-edge research and innovative wellness strategies for faculty, staff and/or students as well as systematic and integrative reviews on interventions to promote wellness in academic settings are welcome.

BHAC is a rapidly growing organization for academic institutions that facilitates and supports optimal health and wellness in faculty, staff and students through innovation, collaboration and evidence-based programming. Multiple studies show that strong wellness cultures and programs in organizations lead to reductions in healthcare costs and health insurance premiums and, most importantly, healthier and more engaged faculty, staff and students.

“UFHR is excited to be a partner with BHAC and to serve as the host for this conference,” said Jodi Gentry, vice president for UF Human Resource Services.  “We all benefit from a healthy environment, and exploring evidence-based practices helps us better understand the impact of programs and approaches on our university community, culture and climate. As a preeminent university, we are proud to take a leadership role in furthering these efforts.”

Keynote speakers for the 2017 summit to date include:

 

 

Online registration is now open to interested faculty, staff and students.  Please note: A group discount is available to faculty and staff attending from the same institution.  If you are interested in attending the 2017 summit or if you would like more information, please contact Angie Brown, assistant director for HRS Communications and Wellness, or Kim Holton, UF HRS health promotion specialist, at (352) 392-4626, or email hrs-wellness@ufl.edu.