Center for Well-Being

A graphic of four puzzle pieces coming together to form a heart with various forms of well-being illustrated within them.

The CWB takes a holistic approach to well-being that empowers individuals to foster a sense of vitality (managing cognitive, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual energy), meaning and purpose, enjoyment, connection, and community. The CWB also utilizes comprehensive and coordinated initiatives that encompass peer advocacy, academic initiatives, population-based interventions, individual and small group training, and culture change.

Our evidence-based approach is informed by research and theory:

Martin Seligman’s theory of flourishing (PERMA, which includes positive emotion, engagement, positive relationships, meaning, and accomplishments/achievements)
The six dimensions of wellness (occupational, physical, social, intellectual, spiritual, and emotional) developed by the National Wellness Institute
Longitudinal research on health and aging (such as the Harvard Study of Adult Development, which began in 1938)
Learning science
Research on student success

Our ultimate goal is to give all members of the WPI community the support and resources they need to craft their own wellness stories and journeys. This quote from Desmond Tutu inspires our work: “Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”

Coming Soon: The Student Wellness Card Sort

The Student Wellness Card Sort by Balanced Card Sorts is a simple drag-and-drop card sorting activity to help you get clear about your mental health and wellness priorities and needs, connect with needed resources, and make small changes to improve your overall health.

The card sort includes 35 wellness priorities, which students sort and rank based on what they want more of, what they already have enough of and what they currently don't want/need in their day-to-day life. It also includes a Workbook with a series of structured follow up questions to help them:

reflect upon the meaning and importance of their top wellness priorities
look for connections and themes across those priorities
choose one specific priority to start working on
identify things that might be getting in the way of incorporating that priority into their life
set a related goal and implement small steps they can take to move toward their goal, building more balance and wellness into their life

WPI is excited to partner with Balanced Cart Sorts to help students think and talk about what they need to take care of themselves, build purposeful and satisfying careers, and take meaningful action toward their career, wellness, and work-life balance goals. To learn more about Balanced Card Sorts go to balancedcardsorts.com.

CWB is now open in Daniels Hall Room 102/Morgan Wedge!

The CWB is now open on the first floor of Daniels and Morgan Halls. Starting in January 2023, the CWB will be co-located with Student Health Services, some counseling rooms for clinicians from the Student Development & Counseling Center, and WPI’s registered dietician.

The CWB offers a beautiful, supportive, safe oasis of calm and peace, with community spaces ideal for a wellness break and cup of tea, quiet spaces for meditation or reflection, and gathering spaces for group programming. Stop by and enjoy the new space soon!