Strategic Priorities
The Strategy behind Clemson Well-being
Clemson Well-Being was established as a key action of executing Clemson University’s strategic plan, “Clemson Elevate,” specifically to assure well-being and a sense of belonging for all as a part of the Clemson Experience (Pillar 1, Action 2). Additionally, well-being supports our goal of Transforming Lives (Pillar 3) to improve health outcomes for our community and the state of South Carolina.
To elevate well-being, Clemson is committed to creating a culture of well-being that grows thriving individuals, whether staff, students, faculty, our extension offices, innovation campuses, or communities, to transform the world into a better place. The elevate well-being strategy is executed with the Chief Well-Being Officer and the Clemson Well-Being Council.
Mission
The Clemson Well-being Council foster’s a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach to well-being, providing guidance and resources tailored to the diverse needs of our entire university community (students, faculty and staff).
Vision
The vision for well-being at Clemson University is to create a culture of wellness where every member of our community feels supported and empowered to thrive.
Values
The values of the well-being program are the same as the values of Clemson University (integrity, respect, diversity, patriotism, excellence and self-reliance). We recognize that our values contribute to our sense of personal well-being, wholeness, and ability to thrive. Clemson’s values are integrity, respect, diversity, patriotism, excellence, and self-reliance.
In addition, Well-Being values caring and compassion. We recognize that wholeness does not occur in a vacuum. We recognize that humans are creatures of community and that without caring for each other, we can have no sense of connection.
Key Priorities
As we analyzed the state of health and well-being at Clemson University, mental health and well-being were a key theme facing all members of our community. However, the strategic planning process identified key priority areas that need to occur to advance health and well-being and drive our work:
- Systematic Survey and Assessment Process to understand the health and well-being of all members of our community.
- Improve access and use of resources to improve usability, self-agency, and promote health seeking behaviors.
- Strengthen Communication about well-being across the community.
- Training and Leadership Development to advance a culture of well-being.
- Develop Wellness Ambassadors and Champions to advance the Voice of the People, a sense of belonging, and a culture of well-being.
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Whole community well-being image description
The image above is a circular framework diagram representing "Whole Community Well-Being." The central ring labeled "Whole Community Well-Being" connects to several key components.
- The Voice of the People: The Voice of the People Pillar focuses on establishing a multidisciplinary and collaborative coalition and communication framework to advance, discuss, and advocate for the health and wellness needs of the whole population.
- Monitoring, Evaluation and Research: This pillar ensures constant quality improvement, surveillance of population health needs, and advancing initiatives that support the universities research goals.
- Physical and Mental Health and Safety: Individuals need to have their physical and mental health and safety needs met in order to advance their personal wellness. This pillar ensures the clinical, infrastructure, the built environment, and safety functions of the organization meet the needs of the community.
- Culture, Connection and Community: Culture, Connection, and Community are critical drivers in the community’s well-being that advance belonging, mattering, and well-being to develop trusting relationships, and foster collaboration and teamwork.
- Opportunities to Grow: Whether staff, student, faculty, extension offices, or the communities we serve, people need opportunities, training, education, and resources to grow in the dimensions of wellness that contribute to overall individual and organizational well-being.
The outer ring highlights the eight domains of well-being as defined by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA, 2016).
- Emotional
- Financial
- Social
- Spiritual
- Occupational
- Intellectual
- Environmental
- Physical
Each represents aspects of community and individual well-being. The colors and circular flow suggest an interconnected approach to fostering well-being.
