WellCAT Well-being Challenge encourages students to explore campus resources

October is Health and Well-being Month at Kansas State University, and students have a new opportunity to explore campus resources, try activities and make their well-being a priority.

The new WellCAT Well-being Challenge, taking place Oct. 1-31, encourages students to discover resources available across campus and find activities that support their physical, mental and emotional well-being.

Explore campus resources through the WellCAT Well-being Challenge

Throughout October, students are encouraged to complete three well-being activities. Options include taking the PERMAH survey, completing a Technogym assessment, using Recreational Services, scheduling an appointment at Lafene Health Center or attending a workshop hosted by Counseling and Psychological Services.

The first 60 students who complete three of the well-being activities will receive a $50 gift card to the K-State Student Union. Details about participating and tracking progress are available on the WellCAT Well-being Challenge webpage and OrgCentral.

Austin Drake, project administrator in the Morrison Family Center for Student Well-being, said the challenge is designed to introduce students to resources they may not have explored before.

"We tried to intentionally partner with resources across campus that students may not be familiar with," Drake said. "Getting a physical at Lafene, completing a Technogym assessment at the Rec or checking out a kayak at the Outdoor Rental Center are resources students may not know about. Our hope is that the Challenge gives students a chance to explore new resources across campus and take time to intentionally prioritize their well-being."

Additional activities and opportunities throughout Health and Well-being Month are available at k-state.edu/hpu.

Understanding student well-being beyond October

While October provides an opportunity to explore campus resources, K-State is also working to better understand students' experiences and how the university can support their well-being throughout the academic year.

As part of that effort, K-State is participating in the WISHES Launch Lab, hosted by the Action Network for Equitable Wellbeing. WISHES, which stands for Wellbeing Improvement Survey for Higher Education Settings, is designed to help universities better understand student experiences and identify opportunities to strengthen well-being.

The initiative brings together more than 20 institutions nationwide to examine survey data, interpret findings and develop strategies to support students.

"Student voice is essential to understanding what well-being truly looks like at K-State," said Kathleen Hatch, Morrison Family associate vice president for student well-being. "Our students are the experts in their own experiences, and listening to them helps us better understand what is working, where gaps may exist, and how we can create an environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive."

As part of the initiative, K-State will administer the WellCAT Well-being Survey four times during the 2026-27 academic year. The first survey will be conducted Oct. 19-30, with a random sample of 5,000 students invited to participate by email. Additional surveys will take place in December, February and April.

"We are administering the survey four times throughout the school year to understand how well-being fluctuates for students," Hatch said. "Different points of the semester bring different stressors for students. We hope to use the data we receive from each administration of the survey to develop timely strategies and actions to strengthen student well-being. We want students to see that their voices are not only being heard, but they are helping shape where we go next."

— Submitted by Austin Drake