Health Promotion Working Group

The Health Promotion Working Group (HPWG), formed in December 2019, is charged with coordinating efforts that help students prioritize their well-being by practicing healthy habits and seeking support when needed. The HPWG accomplishes this by providing world class student support, educating about health and well-being, promoting well-being within the academic environment, and activating physical spaces that support well-being. The membership includes a diverse group of staff from across the Institute.

Charge

The cornerstone of an MIT education is our commitment to hands-on learning, both inside and outside the classroom. Fundamental to that commitment is the health and well-being of our students. As articulated in MIT’s Values Statement, “attending to our own and each other’s well-being in mind, body, and spirit is essential.” We envision a culture that allows all students to flourish holistically—both intellectually and personally—in an environment where academic rigor and personal well-being are equally valued. We want to make MIT known for its culture of well-being and belonging.  

Since its formation in December 2019, the Health Promotion Working Group has played a crucial role in establishing a collaborative, coordinated, and clearly defined approach to student well-being. Through the development and use of shared language and the implementation of a strategic framework, the group has made significant progress in shaping a culture that prioritizes student well-being. On behalf of the the Vice Chancellor for Student Life and Chief Health Officer, the HPWG will:

  • Coordinate efforts across the Institute to improve student well-being through enhanced communication and collaboration 
  • Collect and utilize well-being data to prioritize efforts that impact student well-being and measure our progress 
  • Promote a culture of well-being at MIT by offering health-promoting physical programs and spaces and fostering well-being within the academic environment

Current Priorities

  • Continue to develop and improve the DoingWell website
  • Expand the menu of training options on the DoingWell website 
  • Research assessment tools and recommend an instrument for evaluating the well-being of MIT students 
  • Develop guide for “how to prioritize well-being in your space”
  • Provide recommendations and share best practices for promoting well-being in the academic environment
  • Develop a shared language around health and wellbeing that includes identifying and defining key terms.
  • Inventory all well-being related programs on campus, including initiatives taking place in academic departments, that advance students’ development of mind, body, relationships, and purpose.
  • Identify opportunities to promote health and well-being across campus, including in academic departments.
  • Research promising practices and health promotion models at peer institutions.
  • Provide specific recommendations on ways to coordinate and execute health promotion efforts across campus.

Key Accomplishments

  • Brought together key stakeholders involved in student well-being and established six work streams: Training/Education, Peer to Peer, Communications, Academic Environment, Data/Assessment, Physical Spaces
  • Created student well-being inventory of programs and initiatives at MIT 
  • Participated in focus groups and conversations to help develop DoingWell and the four well-being pillars: MIND, BODY, RELATIONSHIPS, PURPOSE
  • Presented to various campus partners within and outside of the HPWG to increase awareness of the HPWG
  • Developed the well-being training menu
  • Developed resources for faculty and staff 
  • Implemented National College Health Assessment (NCHA) survey in October of 2022
  • Helped launch the Wellbeing Lab

Membership

  • Erica Aguiar, Student Financial Services
  • Suraiya Baluch, Office of Graduate Education, GradSupport
  • Betsy Boyle, Undergraduate Practice Opportunities Program 
  • Ike Brochu, Disability and Access Services
  • Nicholas Collura, Office of Religious, Spiritual and Ethical Life
  • Dan Debowy, Student Mental Health and Counseling Services 
  • Grace Conte-Bennett, Office of Student Wellbeing
  • Nia DeYounge, Sloan School of Management
  • Nelson Feliciano, Graduate Residential Life
  • Ray Feller, Student Support Services
  • Mario Fernandez, Support, Wellbeing, and Belonging 
  • Laura Harvey, Undergraduate Advising Center
  • Kat Howell, Residential Education
  • Liz Jason, Fraternities, Sororities, and Independent Living Groups 
  • Sarah Johnson, DAPER Physical Education & Wellness (co-chair)
  • Caitlyn McCourt, Community Wellness 
  • Cheryl Mottley, Undergraduate Advising Center 
  • Simi Ogunsanwo, Institute Discrimination & Harassment Response
  • Rose Poyau, Violence Prevention & Response
  • Robyn Priest, Alcohol and Other Drug Services (co-chair)
  • Janet Rankin, Teaching and Learning Lab
  • Akunna Rosser, Career Advising and Professional Development
  • Stephanie Smith, DAPER Recreation

Page updated on September 29, 2025.