Nazareth University launches You at Naz, a new tool for total student wellness
Nazareth University has a new tool to help students manage their total wellness, from mental and physical health to friendships and finding balance. You at Naz, is a website-based platform that guides students to track and set goals for their well-being. You at Naz is a key initiative of the Well-Being Collective, Nazareth’s commitment to support students' mental health and wellness, funded by a three-year grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in 2023.
You at Naz was piloted to students in the fall 2024 semester, and the official launch is this fall 2025 semester.
“You at Naz is a well-organized and resourceful guide for students looking to start taking care of their health and wellbeing,” said Victoria Morgan, ’25, a biomedical sciences major. “It helps you with specific goal-setting, research, and exploration of practical advice for everything from anger management to sleep hygiene.”
Students prioritize where they may need extra help, whether with academics, health, or even friendships, and You at Naz offers helpful resources and actions to take. Students can also set goals within the platform to keep themselves on track.
You at Naz is also free to faculty and staff, and John Rigney, assistant director for wellness outreach & education, believes it is important for everyone on campus to play a role in the well-being of the Nazareth community.
“We’re trying to create a culture of well-being at Nazareth, and I believe this starts with our faculty and staff,” said John Rigney, Nazareth’s assistant director for wellness outreach & education. “I am excited that You at Naz is available for the whole campus. It will help individuals set wellness goals and support them with tips and resources to achieve these goals.”
Other key initiatives Nazareth has implemented with the federal grant:
- Created the Well-Being Collective on campus
- JED Campus participant (four-year program), a nationally-recognized higher education program from the Jed Foundation (known as JED) that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for teens and young adults
- Added a suicide prevention coordinator position
- Increased suicide prevention trainings for staff, faculty, and student leaders
- Hosted several mental health and wellness-themed speaking engagements in effort to combat mental health stigma and provide resources
- Doubled the number of suicide prevention trainers on campus, which includes faculty and staff members
- Established a peer educator program focused on the 10 dimensions of wellness
- Hosted Nazareth’s first-ever Fresh Check Day — info/screenings on suicide awareness
Contact
Julie Long | Chief PR Officer | jlong2@naz.edu | (585) 389-2456 | (585) 781-8186 (cell)
Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.
Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.
