October 2023

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Oct. 2, 2023—Santa Clara University has launched “The Initiative for Student Well-Being,” a comprehensive program that equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to prioritize their health and wellness during college and beyond. The Initiative is funded through a $1.5 million gift from a Bay Area philanthropist.

Grounded in the Jesuit value of cura personalis, or “care for the whole person,” hope and joy permeate the Initiative, uniquely addressing all eight dimensions of wellness–intellectual, emotional, physical, social, environmental, occupational, spiritual, and financial. It has been thoughtfully designed in collaboration with regional experts in psychiatry, learning differences, and neurodiversity to address the evolving needs of today’s undergraduate students. As the University expands proven programs to meet the needs of its growing community and enhance the student experience, it is introducing new resources and programming including:

Therapist In Residence Program

The Therapist in Residence Program places professionally trained mental health clinicians in residence halls to address the mental health needs of students. Having therapists living in the residence halls increases awareness, availability, and access to counseling services on-site.

Broncos in Recovery Program

The Broncos in Recovery Program provides a supportive community where students recovering from substance abuse, and those in hope of recovery can achieve academic success during their college experience. Programming includes student-organized and student-led peer support group meetings, sober social activities, service opportunities, and educational programming. 

Basic Needs Care Coordinator

The Basic Needs Care Coordinator will provide leadership, guidance, and support to students experiencing basic needs crises such as food, housing, and technology insecurity. The coordinator will refer students to the appropriate on- and off-campus resources to support their needs.

The First-Year Experience 

Santa Clara University is developing a unique curriculum to build resilience through life’s challenges. Activities, guided discussions, and practical exercises targeting each of the eight dimensions of wellness will equip students with skills to help them respond and adapt to challenging situations and potential setbacks effectively.

“The Jesuit educational philosophy has long focused on developing and caring for the whole person—mind, body, and spirit,” said Jeanne Rosenberger, vice provost for student life and dean of students. “The Initiative for Student Well-Being wraps around our students the moment they step on campus to support them in their educational journey.”

The Initiative for Student Well-Being was recently launched with incoming undergraduate students through the “Beginning Your Bronco Journey” program during Welcome Weekend.

About Santa Clara University

Founded in 1851, Santa Clara University sits in the heart of Silicon Valley—the world’s most innovative and entrepreneurial region. The University’s stunningly landscaped 106-acre campus is home to the historic Mission Santa Clara de Asís. Ranked among the top 15 percent of national universities by U.S. News & World Report, SCU has among the best four-year graduation rates in the nation and is rated by PayScale in the top 1 percent of universities with the highest-paid graduates. SCU has produced elite levels of Fulbright Scholars as well as four Rhodes Scholars. With undergraduate programs in arts and sciences, business, and engineering, and graduate programs in six disciplines, the curriculum blends high-tech innovation with social consciousness grounded in the tradition of Jesuit, Catholic education. For more information see www.scu.edu.

Media Contact

Lisa Robinson | SCU Communications | lrobinson2@scu.edu | 408-551-3601