NASPA Online Learning Community

Building a Shared Commitment to Well-being (Fall 2026)

Includes a Live Web Event on 11/05/2026 at 1:00 PM (EST)

Dates: October 5 - November 5, 2026

Description

This short course is designed to guide student affairs professionals through a comprehensive understanding of holistic well-being. Focusing on fostering a shared commitment to well-being in educational environments, particularly through the integration of research-based strategies that support mental, emotional, physical, and social health, the course includes interactive discussions, reflection activities, and actionable insights aimed at enhancing campus and community engagement. Through this course, participants are encouraged to cultivate an inclusive culture that prioritizes the health and well-being of the entire campus community.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Define the concept of well-being within the context of higher education.
  2. Analyze and apply the principles outlined in the Okanagan Charter to guide health promotion efforts in academic settings.
  3. Evaluate and integrate various health promotion models and theories to inform the design and implementation of comprehensive well-being programs.
  4. Recognize the roles and responsibilities of key team members, including administrators, faculty, staff, and student leaders, in promoting well-being on campus.
  5. Understand and apply the Collective Impact framework as a collaborative approach to addressing complex social issues within the college context.
  6. Assess and evaluate the effectiveness of well-being programs.

Course Outline

Section 1 - Understanding Well-being in Higher Education

Section 2 - Roles, Collaboration, and Collective Impact on Promoting Well-being

Section 3 - Developing a Comprehensive Well-being Strategy on Campus

Section 4 - Cultivating a Well-being Culture

Section 5 - Assessing and Evaluating Well-being Programs for Sustainability and Long-Term Planning

Course Live Session Dates

Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET (Not recorded, mandatory attendance for completion credit)

Course Commitment and Expectations

The course will require 1-2 hours per week with assignments, engagement, and live sessions. All participants are expected to contribute to discussions and be present during live sessions. The course requires participants to have access to a computer, wifi, and webcam. All live sessions will be via Zoom. 

Whitney O'Regan, EdD

Whitney O'Regan, EdD

Senior Director, Safety and Prevention Initiatives

NASPA

Whitney Platzer O’Regan, Ed.D., serves as the senior director of safey and prevention, under the research, policy and student success team at NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. Dr. O’Regan received her doctorate in educational leadership and policy from Peabody College at Vanderbilt University where her doctoral research focused on student sense of belonging and engagement through a public health lens. Dr. O’Regan has significant experience working to reduce high risk substance misuse on college campuses with functional area expertise in student affairs, policy, student conduct, crisis response, peer education, and health promotion.

This content will not be available until 10/05/2026 at 12:00 AM (EDT)