SUNY Oswego recently adopted the Okanagan Charter and joined the United States Health Promoting Campuses Network (USHPCN), reinforcing a commitment to the health and well-being of the Laker family.

Health Promoting Universities are an international community that aspires to transform the health and sustainability of current and future societies, strengthen communities and contribute to the well-being of people, places and the planet. The action is rooted in evidence showing that people who are well are more productive, are better able to engage in deeper learning, have a greater sense of belonging and have a stronger sense of community.

President Peter O. Nwosu, joined by members of SUNY Oswego's Campus Health and Well-being Committee, made it official with a charter signing on Friday, Sept. 26.

SUNY Oswego was part of a cohort joining the network in September 2025. Membership and the charter’s aims support the Thrive driver of the university’s strategic plan, Transforming Lives, Igniting Possibilities.

“We know for the Laker family that taking care of yourself, in whatever way you can, is vitally important for being present and finding success,” said Brian Wallace, director of Campus Recreation and chair of the university’s Campus Health and Well-being Committee. “We have many students who study wellness, or are involved in related organizations, programs and efforts outside the classroom, so affirming our commitment confirms our current and future efforts.”

The USHPCN is guided by the Okanagan Charter: An International Charter for Health Promoting University and Colleges, which calls on higher-education institutions to embed health into all aspects of campus culture and to lead health-promotion action and collaboration locally and globally. Created in June 2015, the charter provides institutions with a common vision, language, principles and calls to action to become health- and well-being-promoting campuses. 

The network allows members to support each other and collaborate on the work of becoming a health-promoting campus. The establishment of this network is supported by the International Health Promoting Universities and Colleges network.  

By adopting the charter, each university is making institutional commitments to both the charter and its own strategic plan for how it lives out and implements health promotion on its campus and in its community. By doing so, health-promoting universities and colleges improve the health of the people who live, learn, work, play and love on their campuses and strengthen the ecological, social and economic sustainability of their communities and wider society. 

For more information, visit the United States Health Promoting Campuses Network website.