Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) has affirmed its commitment to fostering a culture of wellbeing by signing the Healthy Campus charter.
The signing took place on Tuesday 25th March on TUS Athlone campus by TUS President Prof. Vincent Cunnane, Vice President for Student Education and Experience, Frances O Connell and Vice President for People and Organisation, Marian Duggan.
The Healthy Campus charter, developed in a collaboration between Higher Education Institutions, the Department of Health, and the HSE, aims to promote health and wellbeing across Irish universities.
By signing the charter, TUS has demonstrated its dedication to creating a supportive and healthy environment for all students, staff, and the wider community.
In signing the Charter, President of TUS, Prof. Cunnane, stated: “The signing of the Healthy Campus charter is a testament to our ongoing efforts to create a supportive and healthy campus culture. This initiative aligns with our TUS Strategic Plan 2023-2026 and our stated core values, particularly our dedication to being supportive by caring for the wellbeing of our community. Through our Strategic Objectives, we are committed to providing opportunities and supports that nurture capabilities, promote wellbeing, and inspire the growth, development, training, and mobility of our people.”
Vice President of People, Culture and Organisation, Marian Duggan, emphasised the positive impact this commitment will have on the university community, noting: “Adopting the Healthy Campus charter and associated framework are important steps in our journey towards enhancing the wellbeing of our university community. By signing up to this Charter, we are not only acknowledging the importance of health promotion but also actively working to integrate it into our daily practices. We are committed to fostering a supportive environment where everyone at TUS feels valued and cared for.”
Caroline Mahon, the HEA’s National Healthy Campus Coordinator, also highlighted the importance of this commitment, saying, “TUS’s Charter signing event demonstrates the strong commitment in support of student and staff health and wellbeing. The Charter includes key areas such as a focus on a whole campus approach, action to create empowered, thriving campus communities and wellbeing through teaching and learning. The HEA look forward to continuing to work with TUS on this important agenda.”
Jimmy Browne, Vice President Capital Development and Campus Services, added: “We are proud to be part of this important commitment to creating a healthier campus. By thoughtfully designing and maintaining our campus spaces, we aim to create an atmosphere that promotes physical, mental, and social wellbeing. Our commitment to a healthy campus is reflected in the ongoing improvements of our campus facilities and in the design of future builds. These efforts ensure that our community can thrive in a setting that supports their health and wellbeing, aligning with our Strategic Plan and core values.””
The Vice President for Student Education and Experience, Frances O’Connell, shared her thoughts on how this charter will benefit students and took the opportunity to spotlight the breadth of fantastic work already happening in health promotion for students at TUS, stating: “A healthy campus is crucial for enhancing the student experience in several ways including the impact it can have on our students’ academic, personal and social lives. We support the student’s physical, social, and mental wellbeing through dedicated services, which directly impacts their ability to focus, learn, and perform academically. We are very conscious that a healthy campus environment supports the holistic development of our students, including their intellectual, social and emotional growth. Overall, prioritising campus health creates a nurturing environment in TUS where our students can thrive”.
