Wellbeing

Creating a healthy and engaged community at Emory

At Emory, sustainable living means implementing practices that improve the health and happiness of everyone in our community. Wellbeing initiatives recognize the intrinsic worth of all members and provide programs that support the long-term health of students, faculty, and staff.

Emory is committed to creating a healthy living community in which members have access to recreational, nutritional, and fitness resources, feel a sense of connection to this space, are treated equitably, and are engaged in projects that lead to sustainable development in the greater Atlanta region.

So Far

  • Emory University is one of the founding leaders of the Regional Centres of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development (RCE) Greater Atlanta. RCE Greater Atlanta is a regional sustainability network associated with the United Nations, committed to implementing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals at the local level.
  • Emory is a leader in sustainable building and has 37 LEED certified University and Healthcare buildings. Sustainably-certified buildings are linked to better testing performance and improved health outcomes.
  • Sustainable food supports environmental health, workers’ rights, and proper nutrition. Emory is committed to providing sustainably-sourced food to its cafes and dining halls campus-wide. Emory is also committed to bringing sustainable food to the community through the Emory Farmers Market, the Educational Garden Project, and the annual Sustainable Food Fair. 
  • Emory University is known for its abundant plant life and biodiversity. Plants positively affect the environmental health of our community, and access to nature improves the individual health of Emory’s students, faculty, and staff. In 2014 Emory became the first campus in the country to adopt a pollinator protection plan, banning the use of certain pesticides.
  • Emory faculty and staff can participate in the Healthy Emory initiative that engages and supports healthy physical lifestyles for individuals through programs focused on recreation, nutrition, and fitness.
  • In 2019, Emory opened the PATH at Emory, a bicycle and pedestrian trail, through a partnership with the PATH foundation. The Souther Peachtree Creek trai links Emory’s Clairmont Campus to North Druid Hills Rd., providing a safe and scenic commuting option. Check out the PATH app for more trails and information. 
  • Student Health Services, Counseling and Psychological Services, the Office of Student Success and Services, and the Faculty Staff Assistance Program offer counseling, referral, and wellbeing services to all students, staff, and faculty.
  • In order to promote the health of all of those who use campus, Emory is tobacco-free.

Tomorrow

Emory is committed to creating sustainable, healthy, and equitable practices for the students, staff, faculty, and place of Emory University.

By 2025, Emory will:

  • Support and extend efforts for social equity and economic opportunity; connect sustainability strategic goals with recommendations of Class and Diversity Committee to enhance access for all students and staff, regardless of means, to the full benefits of the Emory experience.
  • Work with local municipalities and partners to develop a resilience assessment and plan for the greater Emory community that addresses health, personal well-being, and climate adaption practices.
  • Complete the PATH at Emory to provide a scenic trail that connects Emory’s Clairmont Campus to its surrounding community and offer a sustainable commuting option.

Additional Resources

  • There will be regular meditation events at Emory School of Medicine and Cannon Chapel this year.
    • Cannon Chapel Meditation:
      • Mondays, 12:30-1pm Mindfulness Meditation (room 106 – basement level)
      • Wednesdays, 12-12:15pm Midweek Musical Meditation (Zoom: https://bit.ly/OSRLMidWeekMusic)
      • Wednesdays, 5-6pm Compassion Meditation Group, for more information, contact religiouslife@emory.edu
  • The Faculty Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) has a wealth of wellbeing-focused resources.
    • FSAP seeks to put Wellness Champions in departments across Emory, who act as ambassadors for Emory Health & Wellness and other Healthy Emory programs.
    • FSAP has staff members who are specifically trained in wellness practice and study.
    • FSAP also has grief support and counseling for individuals and families.
  • Employee Resource Groups and Identity Spaces are available to interested staff, faculty, and students.