Healthier Campus Initiative

Illinois State University

2019 Progress Report

Year Committed: 2018
Length of Commitment: 3 years

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

    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

    Illinois State University offers more than five fruits, five vegetables and two 100% whole grain options at both lunch and dinner at the Watterson and Linkins Dining Centers.

  • Implementation Date

    April 2021

    Reporting Date

    June 2019

    Commitment Element

    Offer a comparable plant-based food option at every platform serving meat.

    Progress To Date

    Illinois State University offers a wide range of plant-based food options, with at least one plant-based entrée at every platform serving meat.

  • Implementation Date

    April 2021

    Reporting Date

    June 2019

    Commitment Element

    Offer tray-less dining in at least seventy-five percent (75%) of dining venues.

    Progress To Date

    Illinois State University implemented tray-less dining in the Marketplace at Linkins in 2008 and Watterson Commons in 2010.

  • Implementation Date

    April 2021

    Reporting Date

    June 2019

    Commitment Element

    Make free water available in all dining, recreational and educational facilities.

    Progress To Date

    Illinois State University makes free water available in all dining, recreational and educational facilities through a combination of water fountains, dispensers and bottle filling stations.

  • Implementation Date

    April 2021

    Reporting Date

    June 2019

    Commitment Element

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

    Progress To Date

    Illinois State University's Reggie Ride provides free bicycle use to members of the Student Fitness Center. All bikes are available on a first come, first served basis for daily rentals and equipped with a bike lock and solar powered bike light.

  • Implementation Date

    April 2021

    Reporting Date

    June 2019

    Commitment Element

    Offer a rental outdoor recreation equipment program for students.

    Progress To Date

    The Illinois State University Redbird Adventure Center offers a range of outdoor equipment for rental to students, faculty and staff and the community for a nominal fee. Equipment options include canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and fishing, hiking and camping gear.

  • Implementation Date

    April 2021

    Reporting Date

    June 2019

    Commitment Element

    Offer at least twenty (20) outdoor recreation clinics and/or trips during each academic year.

    Progress To Date

    Illinois State University offers a range of outdoor activities, clinics and trips through its Adventure program with more than 20 options available each academic year. Trip offerings include activities such as hiking, kayaking, climbing, skiing, backpacking and camping. Clinics offer training on critical outdoor skills such as navigation, setting up a campsite, cooking in the backcountry, kayak rescue, first aid and CPR.

  • Implementation Date

    April 2021

    Reporting Date

    June 2019

    Commitment Element

    Make available certified personal trainers for all students.

    Progress To Date

    Illinois State University provides students and members of the Student Fitness Center with access to at least 10 personal trainers who are certified or pursuing certification. Individual and partner personal training sessions are available at a nominal fee.

  • 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

    Illinois State University provides access to eight lactation spaces on campus. All lactation rooms are private spaces equipped with a door that locks, electricity, a chair and table. Breastfeeding mothers are provided with insulated bags and ice packs to store breastmilk and many departments have refrigerators that may also be used. The University maintains a policy requiring employee access to a lactation space and adequate break time to express breast milk. The University Health Promotion and Wellness office also offers multiple monthly breastfeeding support groups including Breastfeeding 101, Support for Nursing Mothers: Returning to Work or School and a Chat n' Chew group where mothers can learn about breastfeeding support and resources on campus.

Partner Statement

What an exciting year for Illinois State University (ISU), as first year partners with Partnership for a Healthier America. In our first year as partners, we were able to complete nine of the 23 commitments made in collaboration with Partnership for a Healthier America to create a healthier campus for students, faculty, staff, and community members through initiatives and environmental supports to promote complete mental, physical, and social well-being.

ISU assembled a Healthy Campus Committee comprised of representatives from Campus Recreation, Health Promotions and Wellness, Event Management, Dining and Hospitality, and the Office of Sustainability. This committee worked very hard to complete nine commitments for the 2019 year. ISU is committed to the well-being of the ISU community and we look forward to the upcoming 2 years, which look to be our best years yet. We have great plans in the works and can’t wait to see the positive and effective change on our campus!