OSU Institute of Technology has once again been recognized by the Oklahoma State Department of Health as a Certified Healthy Campus.

The university was acknowledged at the Certified Healthy Oklahoma luncheon and program on Feb. 13 in Norman. The organization recognizes certified healthy businesses, communities, schools, campuses and restaurants.

OSUIT began participating in the Certified Healthy Oklahoma program in 2009 and the next year was recognized as a Certified Healthy Business. Since 2011, OSUIT has been named both a healthy business and healthy campus.

“OSUIT’s wellness initiative began in the early 1990s through the creation of fitness and recreational facilities and programs on the OSUIT campus when the north and south wellness areas of Covelle Hall were opened.

Through the wellness program, group exercise classes, strength training classes and aerobic exercise classes are offered at Covelle Hall as well as cardio equipment, free weights and strength training machines, racquetball courts and basketball court.

“OSUIT values and understands the importance of wellness programs for the continuing health and productivity of our student body and valued workforce,” said James Byrd, director of Student Union and Auxiliary Services.

In addition, the university is committed to empowering its faculty, staff and students to make healthy lifestyle choices to reduce health risks and improve their overall quality of life through assessment, education, goal setting, and referrals.

The Wellness Program at OSUIT was created to help faculty, staff and students take charge of their lives by providing the tools by which they can achieve optimal health and wellness through educational programs and health screenings, Byrd said.

“Wellness is an active, lifelong process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a more healthy and fulfilling life. The road to good health begins with self-responsibility,” he said.

Throughout the year, a multitude of health screenings and workshops are offered on campus as well including cholesterol testing; blood pressure and heart rate monitoring; BMI testing; tobacco cessation workshop; and health risk appraisal.

“The vision of the OSUIT Wellness Program is to empower our faculty, staff and students with a better understanding of how to positively manage their health and well-being,” he said. “By creating an environment that supports practices and offers opportunities, our community learns the personal skills needed to optimize their overall quality of life.”