Creating Healthier Places

Northern Arizona University

2018 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 2018

    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

    Northern Arizona University offers at least one wellness meal at breakfast, lunch and dinner at the DuB Dining District and the Hot Spot dining facilities. Wellness meals are identified with signage illustrating "Today's Featured Healthy Campus" breakfast, lunch or dinner. Signage also demonstrates how customers can "Build Your Own" wellness meal using a MyPlate-inspired diagram and PHA portion guidelines.

  • Implementation Date

    September 2018

    Reporting Date

    November 2018

    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

    Northern Arizona University offers at least three desserts at both lunch and dinner that have no more than 150 calories as served. Healthier desserts are labeled at the point of presentation with "Lighten Up Your Dessert" signage identifying lower calorie dessert options and portion sizes.

  • Implementation Date

    September 2018

    Reporting Date

    November 2018

    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

    Northern Arizona University offers a healthier catering menu that features at least five different fruit options, 15 vegetable and salad options, six 100% whole grains and no fried items. All sandwiches, entrees and entrée salads meet Sodexo's Mindful nutrition criteria.

  • Implementation Date

    September 2018

    Reporting Date

    November 2018

    Commitment Element

    Offer, without a user fee, a minimum of one (1) monthly –'how to' physical activity/ movement class that introduces students to new activities.

    Progress To Date

    Northern Arizona University offers two different free clinics throughout the semester to introduce students to new physical activities. Free Top Rope Belay Clinics introduce students to basic belaying skills, equipment usage and safety checks, knot tying, and safety. Free TRX clinics provide students with an understanding of correct set-up and usage of TRX straps and knowledge of basic moves for a full body workout encompassing strength, balance, flexibility and core stability.

  • Implementation Date

    September 2018

    Reporting Date

    November 2018

    Commitment Element

    Implement an integrated, comprehensive wellness program for individuals on campus that is provided annually.

    Progress To Date

    The Healthy Campus Coalition was created to address nutrition and fitness concerns for all individuals at Northern Arizona University. The mission of the coalition is "Creating a culture of wellness at NAU." Membership of the Healthy Campus Coalition is representative of the campus community and includes representatives from housing and residence life, health services, recreation, dining, employee wellness, the Faculty and student body. The Coalition is responsible for planning and implementing wellness programming, providing training to Resident Assistants and advocating for change on the Northern Arizona University campus. The Coalition also coordinates an annual welcome week health fair to promote wellness and introduce students to available resources on campus.

Partner Statement

“Northern Arizona University remains committed to its goal of creating a healthy environment where students can thrive. During this year, we were able to wrap up our remaining commitments and submit them for verification. These components include offering wellness meals in both of our dining facilities, offer lower calorie desserts, creating a healthier catering guide, offering 2 monthly “how-to” activities in our Campus Recreation, and submitting the documentation of our Wellness Committee, the Healthy Campus Coalition.

"While we are proud of all of these accomplishments, we are especially proud of the work the Healthy Campus Coalition has committed to now that we are wrapping up our three year commitment to PHA. The most valuable lesson we learned was that our University already has a number of incredible health and wellness programs that meet all different aspects of wellness-from Meditation Mondays to Cooking Demos and more! The group is committed to making these programs visible and accessible for the entire community, and our work with PHA has served as a springboard for our future endeavors.”