One Team Highlights: Collaborating Across Campus
Collaboration with campus partners amplifies impact, strengthens innovation, and ensures initiatives are more inclusive, responsive, and aligned with the evolving needs of the Spartan community. By working together, we transform shared goals into meaningful action that drives campus-wide wellbeing.
MSU Becomes Health Promoting University
In February, President Guskiewicz signs the Okanagan Charter at the University Health and Wellbeing Summit, which had more than 300 attendees. The Charter inspires MSU to embed wellbeing into their everyday operations, business practices, and academic mandates to transform the health and sustainability of current and future societies, strengthen communities, and contribute to the wellbeing of people, places, and the planet.
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Spartan Wellbeing Collective Implements University Health and Wellbeing Plan Priorities
As Michigan State University evolves into a health promoting university, we know it cannot be accomplished by a single unit or department, but something we collectively create as a community. To develop a holistic, campus-wide approach, we’ve launched the Spartan Wellbeing Collective, an interdisciplinary group of approximately 300 students, faculty, and staff who implement and support our University Health and Wellbeing plan, grounded and guided by the Okanagan Charter. Five workgroups make up the Collective, including one for each priority, as well as a Data and Evaluation Workgroup.
MSU Recognized as One of Michigan’s Best and Brightest in Wellness, Wins Elite 2025 Best of the Best Large Business
For the first time, Michigan State University was recognized as one of Michigan’s Best and Brightest in Wellness, Elite Winner 2025, an honor presented by the National Association for Business Resources. Winning in the Best of the Best Large Business category, this award celebrates organizations that are leading the way in supporting the physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental health in the workplace.
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UHWs Role Grows with Integration of Lead Physician and Public Health Responsibilities
UHW grew its role on campus by integrating responsibilities such as generating and distributing policies and information on emerging health-related topics to the university community, collaborating with local and state public health officials to prepare for and respond to public health emergencies, sending seasonal health updates and vaccination reminders, supporting Study Abroad through risk and security assessments, and collaborating with the Emergency Management Advisory Committee to enhance preparedness and respond to campus emergencies.
Launched You Are Not Alone Suicide Prevention Campaign
This student-led initiative, supported by UHW, Department of Police and Public Safety, and the MSU ID Office, placed the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline directly on every Spartan Card, along with a QR code linking to a centralized hub of campus crisis resources. It also placed signage in MSU parking garages. Both carry the message "You Are Not Alone”, a simple phrase that helps reduce the stigma around mental health and normalizes seeking help.
Embedded CAPS Counselor Provide Support Where Students Learn and Live
Three CAPS counselors work directly within colleges and departments to make mental health care more visible, accessible, and culturally responsive for students. Their presence within the daily life of academic units helps build trust, reduce stigma, support faculty and staff through consultation, and address student concerns early. This work is strengthened by the partnership and investment of the colleges and departments that host embedded counselors. Their commitment ensures that mental health support is integrated where students learn, engage, and belong—advancing a shared vision for student wellbeing across the university.
Artist in Residence Project Highlights Mental Health
The Artist in Resident projects focused on developing art in the community. A new art installation by Detroit-based abstract artist India Solomon now welcomes visitors to the Olin Health Center lobby. Created in collaboration with MSU Arts and Collections, Vice Provost Judith Stoddard, and Dr. Bree Holtz, the 10-panel canvas piece was inspired by Solomon’s time spent with CAPS counseling group clients and reflects the healing work that takes place in those spaces. Rooted in themes of dignity, design, and community, the installation reinforces UHW’s commitment to fostering wellbeing through creative expression and inclusive engagement.
Aligning Services with University Budget Goals
In response to university-wide budget reduction directives driven by internal pressures and evolving federal policies, UHW conducted a comprehensive review of service utilization and explored partnership opportunities with MSU Health Care. Based on this analysis, UHW recommended transitioning physical therapy and psychiatry services to MSU Health Care. While the university approved the transition of physical therapy, the psychiatry transition was paused to allow newly appointed leadership time to review the recommendation.
“One team. That’s a maxim I strive to live by as a leader. It traces back to my experiences playing football and other sports. Although I spent more time injured than healthy, steering me toward a career in sports medicine, I’ve always remembered the camaraderie and encouragement that comes from working as a team — and how we can reach new heights of accomplishment when we stand together in unity.” - President Kevin Guskiewicz