Certified Healthy Department
With the launch of Oakland University’s Certified Healthy Department (CHD) we aim to promote, maintain and sustain employee health and wellness. Through a strong collective effort, a CHD can create a cohesive workspace where employees are energized and encouraged to live safer, healthier lives. This certification also highlights a department’s dedication to upholding the nine pillars of health and wellness: physical, social, spiritual, emotional, intellectual, environmental, financial, cultural and occupational. Accomplishing even one of the recommended criteria shows a department’s commitment to its staff and student employees’ well-being.
With heart disease being the leading cause of death in Michigan, Oakland University is striving to ensure the health of its employee population. This program is modeled after Certified Healthy Oklahoma which began in 2003. Since its launch, the program has certified 43 college campuses across Oklahoma and reached more than 167,000 staff and students. Of the more than 167,000, 61% believe the certification will improve their overall health and wellness. Oakland University strives to be the healthiest campus in Michigan by supporting a culture of well-being and individual pursuits of health through programs, services, learning, teaching and work. Participating in the CHD program will bring us one step closer to achieving this goal as well as increasing total health and well-being among staff, students and faculty.
The criteria and sub-criteria for a CHD have been benchmarked by other universities and organizations from around the nation. The Healthy Campus Committee as well as other key stakeholders have had input on what constitutes a healthy department. Criteria and sub-criteria are subject to change annually.
- Leadership Support and Organizational Commitment - Leadership consistently articulates the value and importance of health and advocates for healthy workplace culture. Healthy behaviors are modeled by department leaders and staff are supported to also make healthy decisions.
- Department Culture of Wellness - The workplace's social norms cultivate an environment of well-being that promotes and provides healthful options. Individuals are supported and valued for making healthy choices that enhance their well-being.
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion - Managers, faculty and staff embrace a diverse and equitable community that values inclusiveness.
- Physical Health and Activity - Various opportunities for physical activity are available. Managers, faculty and staff are encouraged to move often and take hydration breaks.
- Mental and Emotional Wellness - Managers, faculty and staff support each other in maintaining good mental health practices such as departmental social engagements and healthy work/life balance resources.
- Built Environment - The physical workplace provides the accessible infrastructure in support of healthy eating, exercising, stress management and safety in the workplace.
- Safety and Ergonomics - The department prioritizes emergency preparedness, safety and a hazard-free work environment. The department supports the health and well-being of faculty and staff.
Awards:
- One year of certification
- Certified Healthy Department window cling
- Email signature graphic
- Signed certificate
- Recognition TBD
Awards:
- One year of certification
- Certified Healthy Department window cling
- Email signature graphic
- Signed certificate
- Recognition TBD
Awards:
- Two years of certification
- Certified Healthy Department window cling
- Email signature graphic
- Signed certificate
- Recognition TBD
Step 1: Review the Certified Healthy Department page in its entirety. Once you have completed that and are interested in having your department participate, email Caitlyn at [email protected]. She will send over a Google Drive that includes all resources needed to help you complete the CHD Application.
- The application must be completed by at least two representatives from your department.
Step 2: Work with your department to meet the criteria for your desired level of certification (Bronze, Silver, Gold).
- If you have questions on how to complete certain criteria, you will find resources throughout the application.
Step 3: You can begin filling out the application once you receive the Google Drive from Caitlyn Hennings. Be sure to email your completed application to Caitlyn Hennings at [email protected] before the application closes on July 10th.
- Email the completed application to [email protected]
- Falsification of criteria will eliminate you from the program
- The application must be completed by at least two representatives from your department
Step 4: Your application will be reviewed and you will be contacted if additional information is needed.
- You may be asked to verify items from your application
Step 5: You will be notified on September 5th of your department's award status.
Key Dates
- Application Closes: July 10th
- Notified of Award Status: September 5th
- Career and Life Design Center - Gold Status
- College of Arts and Sciences Advising - Gold Status
- e-Learning & Instructional Support - Gold Status
- First Year Advising Center - Gold Status
- Human Movement Science - Gold Status
- Internal Audit Department - Gold Status
- School of Engineering and Computer Science Advising - Gold Status
- School of Nursing - Gold Status
- University Housing - Gold Status
- University Recreation & Well-Being - Gold Status
- Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning- Silver Status
- Office of the President- Silver Status
- Undergraduate Admissions - Silver Status
- Veterans Support Services - Silver Status
- Student Financial Services - Silver Status
- University Technology Services - Silver Status
- Career and Life Design Center - Gold Status
- College of Arts and Sciences Advising - Gold Status
- e-Learning & Instructional Support - Gold Status
- First Year Advising Center - Gold Status
- Human Movement Science - Gold Status
- Internal Audit Department - Gold Status
- School of Business Administration - Gold Status
- School of Engineering and Computer Science Advising - Gold Status
- School of Nursing - Gold Status
- University Housing - Gold Status
- University Recreation & Well-Being - Gold Status
- School of Business Administration - Gold Status
- TBD
