University of Richmond Recognized with National Award for Health and Well-Being Efforts

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND — The University of Richmond has received a gold-level award from Exercise is Medicine^® On Campus, a national health initiative by the American College of Sports Medicine dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the campus community through physical movement.

UR, who has participated in Exercise is Medicine^® On Campus since 2018, has received three gold awards — the highest recognition for efforts to make movement a part of campus culture.

As part of the program, the University’s Health and Well-Being unit assesses physical activity at student health visits and provides students with the education and tools needed to create healthy habits. Campus healthcare providers refer students, as appropriate, to certified fitness professionals as part of medical treatment.

“Regular physical activity provides significant benefits to overall well-being,” said Sarah Sheppard Lee, manager of fitness and facilities and a coordinator of the Exercise is Medicine^® program. “Our goal at UR is to ensure all students, faculty, and staff have access to the information and support they need to make movement a priority.”

“This recognition highlights a great example of what happens when we align our goals and collaborate within the Health & Well-being unit and across campus to ensure the continued vitality of our Spider community,” said Aesha L. Uqdah, a clinical psychologist and associate vice president of health and well-being.