The American College Health Association distributes a National College Health Assessment (NCHA) survey every year that attempts to gauge student trends regarding some general health topics.
Rollins College students are urged to participate in the survey in order to help the college—specifically the Wellness Center—recognize areas in which staff can focus on improving services and offering support through wellness programs.
All survey responses are completely anonymous; participation is voluntary and all information provided by students remains completely unidentifiable. All received data transmissions are encrypted, and Rollins College does not have access to any of the raw data provided until the ACHA compiles all the information sent in.
The ACHA also ensures that responders’ identities reamin anonymous by permanently destroying any and all records that include the e-mail addresses of students who choose to participate.
Cristelle Garnier, the Health Promotions Coordinator at Rollins, discussed the objectives of the survey and the importance of student participation in bettering the Wellness Center’s offerings on campus.
“The Health Promotions Department’s goal is to promote holistic well-being to the students through the nine dimensions of wellness. . .We have used the data we found to create programming, such as block parties, tabling fairs, and trainings, for students around those topics.”
Last year, only twenty percent of the Rollins student population participated. Still, the the information collected in the survey from Fall 2015 offered some insight into student needs. In response to those results, the Wellness Center is creating four targeted campaigns around improving body image, sleeping habits, suicide prevention, and alcohol moderation in the Rollins community.
Questions on the current survey range from students’ sense of physical safety at Rollins, to their general knowledge of necessary nutritional intake, to more serious questions about the use of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs.
While the survey is not too long for busy students to take, it will take a few minutes to complete. It is crucial that responses are specific and honest so as to be of use in identifying unhealthy behavior trends among the student body.
There are personal benefits of completing the survey as well. Some new students remain unfamiliar with the nine dimensions of wellness; this survey can be eye-opening in helping rookies identify important areas of wellness that they might be struggling with in particular. Sometimes, it can be difficult to quantify one’s own unhealthy behavior or select areas in need of extra attention; the NCHA is an accessible tool for those who need a nudge in the right direction.
As an added incentive for student participation, thosewho complete the survey will be eligible to win a $200 Visa gift card, which can be used on starting a nutrient-rich diet, vitamins, gym clothes—anything to kickstart your new healthy lifestyle!
Garnier explained that “this survey is a great opportunity for students to share their realities, opinions, and experiences so that we can work to ensure that every student has the opportunity to fully enjoy their years at Rollins.
“Our goal is to provide students with the guidance they need to live happy, healthy lives.”
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