Progress: Strengthening Systems and Institutional Impact
Progress during the reporting year focused on strengthening institutional infrastructure, expanding assessment efforts, and advancing systems-level approaches to health and well-being.
Strategic Communication and Institutional Storytelling
Partnerships with DCM continued strengthening institutional well-being communication efforts across campus. This work increasingly focused on moving beyond event promotion toward strategic storytelling that highlights institutional impact, student and employee experiences, and the broader role of well-being in supporting student success and campus culture.
In the Spotlight
Wildcat Pause Day Outcomes
Wildcat Pause Day continued demonstrating the value of institution-wide well-being initiatives designed to support rest, belonging, and academic resilience. More than 6,400 students and faculty participated in Wildcat Pause Day assessment efforts. Survey findings showed students reported increased happiness, reduced stress, and stronger feelings of social connection following participation. Faculty feedback also reflected strong support for the initiative and reinforced the importance of creating intentional space for restoration and balance within the academic experience.
New and Notable
One K-State Funding: WellCAT Well-being Challenge
K-State was awarded funding through the One K-State Fund to launch the WellCAT Well-being Challenge in October 2026. The initiative is designed to increase student engagement with campus well-being resources through accessible, incentive-based participation opportunities that encourage proactive and preventative approaches to well-being. The Well-being Challenge represents an important next step in strengthening coordinated, systems-level approaches to student well-being while increasing visibility and utilization of campus support resources.