Colorado College leadership is excited to announce that CC will adopt the Okanagan Charter as a member of the United States Health Promoting Campuses Network, which calls on institutions of higher education to embed health and wellbeing into all aspects of campus culture. The official signing ceremony of the Charter happens this Friday, Sep. 26, from 1:15–2 p.m. on Tava Quad, outside of Shove Chapel during the Health & Wellbeing Fair.

Named after the Okanagan Nation in British Columbia, where the Charter was first created, a key principle is to honor the contexts, perspectives, and priorities of local and Indigenous communities. To that end, a smudging ceremony will precede CC’s signing at 1 p.m. in front of Shove Chapel. By joining 42 other institutions—including CU, CSU, and MSU Denver—CC demonstrates its active commitment to sustaining healthier campuses and communities.

The Okanagan Charter, developed by representatives from 45 countries at the 2015 International Conference on Health Promoting Universities and Colleges, reflects a global call to embed health and wellbeing into every aspect of higher education. At CC, this means recognizing that physical, mental, spiritual, social, and environmental health are interconnected and essential to thriving. Research shows that holistic wellness not only enhances productivity and learning, but also strengthens belonging and community—outcomes that are central to the CC experience.

“We are honored to join an extensive network of health promoting institutions of higher education. The Okanagan Charter naturally aligns with CC’s values, and the adoption recommits our resources towards supporting a culture of wellness and a campus of care,” said Associate Vice President of Wellness Janelle Taylor. “We are proud that over the past year, we have increased student and employee access to physical and mental health services, strengthened collaborations with campus partners, and enhanced our health and wellbeing programming.”