Creating Healthier Places

Oakwood University

2017 Progress Report

Year Committed: 2015
Length of Commitment: 3 years
Select a Progress Report:

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 2018

    Reporting Date

    November 2017

    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

    Oakwood University offers a wellness meal at each breakfast, lunch and dinner that meets PHA’s food and nutrition criteria. Wellness meals are advertised at the point of presentation in the cafeteria, via direct email to all students, faculty and staff and through campus-wide announcements. Oakwood University also is working in collaboration with its meal service provider, Thompson’s Hospitality, the University marketing team and Nutrition and Dietetics department on targeted marketing and evaluation initiatives to support the wellness meals.

  • Implementation Date

    September 2018

    Reporting Date

    November 2017

    Commitment Element

    Designate healthier food and beverage options using a healthy icon at the point of presentation.

    Progress To Date

    In 2017, Oakwood University implemented the Colors Matter healthy icon system to identify healthier choices at the point of presentation. Healthy icons in green, yellow and red help students select nutrient dense foods and beverages, which are lower in calories, fat and sodium.

  • Implementation Date

    September 2018

    Reporting Date

    November 2017

    Commitment Element

    Ensure that a minimum of fifty percent (50%) of vending machines offer only healthier food and beverage products or fifty percent (50%) of each vending machine content is healthier food and beverage products

    Progress To Date

    At least 50% of the food and beverage products offered from Oakwood University’s 12 snack and 16 beverage vending machines meet PHA’s food and nutrition standards for healthier foods and beverages.

  • Implementation Date

    September 2018

    Reporting Date

    November 2017

    Commitment Element

    Offer a minimum of three (3) types of fruits, three (3) types of vegetables, two (2) 100% whole grain products and no more than two (2) fried items on catering menus.

    Progress To Date

    Oakwood University offers a catering menu featuring a variety of healthier breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack selections. The menu exceeds minimum requirements and provides a range of fruit, vegetable and 100% whole grain options with only one fried item offered.

  • Implementation Date

    September 2018

    Reporting Date

    November 2017

    Commitment Element

    Make available Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) for personal nutrition assessments and counseling to all students.

    Progress To Date

    Oakwood University provides students with access to a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for weekly “Ask the Dietitian” office hours. The dietitian, who is also a Certified Diabetes Educator, will provide nutrition assessments and patient-focused coaching sessions on general nutrition, health and disease prevention.

  • Implementation Date

    September 2018

    Reporting Date

    November 2017

    Commitment Element

    Offer a bicycle share/rental program and/or a subsidized bicycle purchase program for all individuals on campus.

    Progress To Date

    The Oakwood University LifeCycle Bicycle program provides a fleet of 10 bicycles available for rent at no charge by students, faculty and staff. Bike users receive a helmet and bike lock to facilitate bike safety and security.

  • Implementation Date

    September 2018

    Reporting Date

    November 2017

    Commitment Element

    Offer at least one (1) organized and facilitated fifteen (15) minute activity break (e.g., instant recess) on each school day.

    Progress To Date

    Oakwood University offers 15-minute facilitated exercise breaks on campus closed circuit television two to three times per day, each school day. Activity breaks feature a variety of activities including stretching, running, HITT workouts, push-ups, sit-ups and planks.

  • Implementation Date

    September 2018

    Reporting Date

    November 2017

    Commitment Element

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

    Progress To Date

    Oakwood University's Oakwood Latino Association offers a weekly outdoor soccer game, which is open to students, staff, faculty and members of the community. Additionally, the University recently upgraded the soccer field facilities to support this activity for players and fans.

  • Implementation Date

    September 2018

    Reporting Date

    November 2017

    Commitment Element

    Implement a service learning program available to all students that focuses on food and nutrition and/or physical activity/movement and/or coaching.

    Progress To Date

    Oakwood University’s annual Agape Day offers the campus community the opportunity to join together for service learning projects throughout Huntsville, Alabama. Once per year, the full Oakwood University campus closes down to allow all students, faculty, staff and administrators to participate. Since the initiation of the Healthy Campus 2020 initiative, University has intentionally focused on integrating physical activity and nutrition education into service learning projects. Some examples of nutrition and physical activity oriented projects include planting community gardens at the local Burrit Museum, preparing a dinner meal for the downtown rescue mission, educating elementary students about the importance of good nutrition and physical activity, engaging students in activities such as playing Frisbee, jumping rope, dancing and helping children to build a healthy My Plate.

Partner Statement

“Oakwood University is elated to announce that 100% of the remaining 23 Healthier Campus Initiatives (HCIs) were completed January 2018. The completion of the remaining initiatives was due to ongoing collaborative efforts between the PHA team, Healthy Campus 2020, the Oakwood University Nutrition and Dietetics Department, Oakwood University Student Services, the Redi-to-Serve and Coca-Cola Vending companies, and Thompson’s Hospitality, the dining service provider.”