Creating Healthier Places

Bucknell University

2016 Progress Report

Year Committed: 2015

Length of Commitment: 3 years

Select a Progress Report:

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Committed to meet guidelines—developed by PHA in collaboration with some of the nation’s leading nutrition, physical activity and campus wellness experts—around nutrition, physical activity, and programming on campus.

Verified Results

Implementation Date
September 2017
Reporting Date
November 2016

Commitment Element
Offer on the menu a minimum of one (1) wellness meal at each breakfast, lunch and dinner meal (if served).
Progress To Date

Bucknell University offers at least one wellness meal at breakfast, lunch and dinner that meets PHA nutrition criteria. The meal is promoted with the Bucknell Wellness Logo healthy icon on the menu and a sample wellness plate flyer indicating food components and portions. The "Bucknell PHA Initiative Brochure" also helps students construct alternate wellness meals with proper meal requirements and portion sizes of healthy food choices.
Implementation Date
September 2017
Reporting Date
November 2016

Commitment Element
Offer a minimum five (5) types of fruits, five (5) types of vegetables and two (2) 100% whole grain products at both lunch and dinner (if served).
Progress To Date

Bucknell University offers a range of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, with at least five types of fruits and vegetables and two whole grain options at both lunch and dinner meals.
Implementation Date
September 2017
Reporting Date
November 2016

Commitment Element
Offer and identify as healthier at point of presentation at least three (3) desserts at both lunch and dinner that have no more than 150 calories as served.
Progress To Date

Bucknell University offers and identifies at least three healthier dessert options in each of its three dining venues. Desserts options include frozen yogurt, sorbet, pudding, fruit bars, low-fat yogurt and cookies that all contain 120 calories or less as served.
Implementation Date
September 2017
Reporting Date
November 2016

Commitment Element
Offer a plant-based food option at every platform serving meat.
Progress To Date

Bucknell University offers a variety of plant-based options at lunch and dinner meals. A plant-based entrée or side is available at every platform serving meat.
Implementation Date
September 2017
Reporting Date
November 2016

Commitment Element
Implement a local food procurement program that increases procurement of local and sustainable foods.
Progress To Date

Bucknell University began an initiative to increase local procurement in 2005. In 2015, Bucknell Dining purchased 22% of all foods and beverages from sources located within 150 miles of the University.
Implementation Date
September 2017
Reporting Date
November 2016

Commitment Element
Make free water available in all dining, recreational and educational facilities.
Progress To Date

Free water is available in all dining, recreational, and educational facilities through a combination of water fountains, bottle filling stations and quench stations.
Implementation Date
September 2017
Reporting Date
November 2016

Commitment Element
Offer a bicycle share/rental program and/or a subsidized bicycle purchase program for all individuals on campus.
Progress To Date

Bucknell operates Bison Bikes, a community based, bike-sharing program and learning lab. Bison Bikes provides free daily, weekly and semester bike rentals for students and staff. Bison Bikes has also partnered with the Bucknell Cycling team to provide road bikes for team members in need. This partnership has increased participation on the team, especially among women.
Implementation Date
September 2017
Reporting Date
November 2016

Commitment Element
Provide at least one outdoor running/walking track that is open and available for use to individuals on campus and the community for at least three (3) hours per day.
Progress To Date

The Christy Mathewson Memorial Stadium (Track) is open from dusk to dawn with access for students, faculty, staff and the broader campus community.
Implementation Date
September 2017
Reporting Date
November 2016

Commitment Element
Offer at least one (1) free, organized and facilitated, outdoor physical activity/movement opportunity each week.
Progress To Date

Bucknell University Group Fitness offers a weekly outdoor yoga class, free of charge to students, faculty and staff.
Implementation Date
September 2017
Reporting Date
November 2016

Commitment Element
Offer a rental outdoor recreation equipment program for students.
Progress To Date

Bucknell University offers a wide range of outdoor recreation equipment rentals to students, faculty, staff, alumni and the community.
Implementation Date
September 2017
Reporting Date
November 2016

Commitment Element
Implement an integrated, comprehensive wellness program for individuals on campus that is provided annually.
Progress To Date

The Bucknell Healthy Herd Wellness Committee uses an integrated, comprehensive approach to wellness by focusing on physical, mental, environmental, social, occupational, academic, spiritual and multicultural dimensions. Activities are planned to enhance campus-wide wellness and promoted via social media, posters, videos, lectures and other techniques.
Implementation Date
September 2017
Reporting Date
November 2016

Commitment Element
Offer a rewards-on-benefits structured program that gives insurance premium discounts and/or rebates to individuals on campus who participate in a wellness program designated by the health insurer or campus.
Progress To Date

The Be Well Incentive Campaign offers up to a $200 per year incentive for participating in wellness activities including completing an annual personal health assessment, completing an annual physical and participating in wellness coaching and other University sponsored wellness events. At present time, approximately 25% of faculty and staff participate in the wellness program. The University is actively working to increase participation among faculty and staff and expand participation to eligible dependents.

Partner Statement

“Bucknell University was one of the inaugural 26 colleges and universities to initially sign on to a three-year commitment to adopt the PHA guidelines focused around nutrition, physical activity and programming. Since then, BU, along with 43 other universities across the nation, have pledged to uphold these guidelines designed to create healthy environments for students across America. By the end of 2016, BU implemented 21 guidelines, with two remaining in the review process. Our campus is eager to complete its commitment ahead of schedule.

‘The commitment of our University and the PHA board members is second to none. Their efforts alone to implement, create, and promote a healthier campus environment has meshed perfectly with the campuses overall goal of creating a space that fosters ‘health and wellness.’ We are honored to be part of this unique and cutting-edge effort to help educate and support our future leaders.’ -Tanya Williams MS, CSSD, RDN, LDN, Bucknell University Dietitian”