Oregon State is committed to being a health promoting university.
A health promoting university takes a holistic approach to the well-being of its students, staff and wider community. In alignment with Prosperity Widely Shared, Oregon State University culture, policies and practices aim to enhance the physical, mental and social well-being of community members, across our campuses and locations. We know that a healthier community creates a more supportive environment for students to thrive — where they can find connection, access resources, persist on their educational paths and graduate.
Read below for examples of how OSU promotes health and well-being. Interested in joining a work group? Complete our interest form to learn more.
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Beavers Belong: Creating student connections
Anguish from reading the daily news, isolation born from people keeping to themselves and pressure to perform well in classes. When it comes to dealing with the daily stressors of being a college student, McKenzie Unger says one of the best ways to keep your mental health in check is to connect with your peers. In high school, she found acceptance and purpose by participating in peer support programs. So she jumped at the chance to be a student leader of the Beavers Belong Support Network, a new peer support program designed to help students form meaningful connections and navigate the challenges of college life. Launched in 2025, the program is an example of OSU’s ongoing efforts to improve well-being by empowering students to build skills, improve resilience and prevent distress. “Talking to someone about the problems you’re dealing with, even if you don’t get them solved, can be such a weight off of your shoulders,” Unger says.
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Helpline: Supporting rural communities
One example of OSU Extension's commitment to building local relationships and enhancing Oregon communities is demonstrated through the creation of the AgriStress Helpline, a free, 24/7 hotline for Oregon's agricultural and forestry communities. Farmers, ranchers, loggers and commercial fishers face high levels of stress due to unpredictable weather, injuries and other setbacks. At an alarming rate, rural men are more likely to die by suicide. Working with the College of Health and community partners, OSU Extension launched the AgriStress Helpline in September 2023. The helpline is staffed by certified suicide preventionists with additional training in issues specific to Oregon’s agriculture and natural resource communities. This is just one of several OSU initiatives to implement evidence-based strategies that promote mental health and reduce substance use in rural Oregon.
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Engaged leadership: Leading from a health perspective
Oregon State University leadership recognize the importance of healthy communities to support the well-being of faculty and staff, create community and a network of support for students, and make a positive impact on the lives of Oregonians across the state. Supporting all Oregonians, we provide expert guidance on reducing wildfire risk, planting sustainable gardens, and enhancing mental well-being, plus we offer programs like Team Oregon, which aims to reduce motorcycle fatalities. From statewide services that increase community health, to an emphasis on creating family-friendly campuses, to resources that help students be active, embrace mindfulness and find support when facing challenges, OSU is committed to being a health promoting university in alignment with the Okanagan Charter.