Healthier Campus Initiative

Bethune Cookman University

2019 Progress Report

Year Committed: 2018

Length of Commitment: 3 years

Select a Progress Report:

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Committed to meet 23 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
April 2021
Reporting Date
June 2019

Commitment Element
Label food and beverage items offered with calories per serving at the point of presentation OR Designate healthier food and beverage options using a healthy icon at the point of presentation.
Progress To Date

Bethune Cookman University identifies all food and beverages with calories and additional nutrition information at the point of presentation. Items that meet nutrition criteria are also labeled with the Sodexo "Mindful" healthy icon.
Implementation Date
April 2021
Reporting Date
June 2019

Commitment Element
Provide marked walking routes on campus, one of which must be at least two (2) miles in length and have distance markers at regular intervals. A route map is made available to individuals on campus.
Progress To Date

The Bethune Cookman University "Walk for Faith" trail provides a one-mile walking trail on the University campus.
Implementation Date
April 2021
Reporting Date
June 2019

Commitment Element
Post signage at each designated or marked crosswalk on campus requiring cars to stop for pedestrians
Progress To Date

Bethune Cookman University has posted signage requiring cars to stop or yield for pedestrians at all three marked crosswalks on the University campus.
Implementation Date
April 2021
Reporting Date
June 2019

Commitment Element
Implement a bicycle and pedestrian accommodation program/policy (e.g., Complete Streets) or participate in a national bicycle or pedestrian recognition program (e.g., Bicycle Friendly University)
Progress To Date

Insufficient data for verification.
Implementation Date
April 2021
Reporting Date
June 2019

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

Bethune Cookman University formed its Healthier Campus Board as an extension of its original B-CU Health and Wellness Board, formed six years earlier. The new Healthier Campus Board includes staff, faculty, students and community partners who plan and implement integrated, comprehensive wellness programming. One program available for all members of the campus community is the Healthy Life Weight Management program. Healthy Life was developed based on the results of its annual student personal health assessment and engages participants in behavior modification, nutrition and activity promotion and provides expert advice. Bethune Cookman University also offers the Weight Watchers program on site, with 70% of the program costs covered for all students, faculty and staff. Resident Assistants receive training on all health and wellness initiatives by request.
Implementation Date
April 2021
Reporting Date
June 2019

Commitment Element
Implement a program/policy that supports and accommodates breastfeeding for individuals on campus.
Progress To Date

Bethune Cookman University approved its Breastfeeding Policy in May 2019 and established a breastfeeding and lactation room in the Odessa Chambliss Center for Health Equity. The policy ensures mothers are allowed a flexible schedule to breastfeed or pump for up to one year after the birth of their child. The lactation room provides a private space for mothers to directly breastfeed or pump breast milk to be stored for later use. The room is equipped with electric outlets, a table or desk, a refrigerator, a sink and comfortable seating.

Partner Statement

Going off to college signals a time of newfound independence for young adults, who are suddenly able to make their own choices about what they eat and how much activity they get – or don’t get. But college and university students, faculty and staff now find themselves in healthier environments thanks to the work being done by PHA partners like Bethune- Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida (B-CU).

B-CU joined the Partnership for a Healthier America since April, 2018 through their great Healthier Campus Initiative. B-CU has committed to implement a total of 23 guidelines in a period of 3 years that will create a positive and forward impact among students, faculty and staff. Clear and conclusive changes have since taken place to establish a new culture of health and wellness. Some of them are: changes in Wildcat Dining Hall that deliver healthier options, monthly walks, the hire of peer health educators that promote and impart healthier behaviors, and the development of new local partnerships to assist students to achieve their optimal health.