Institutions of Higher Education in the US and its territories are invited to formally adopt the Okanagan Charter: An International Charter for Health Promoting Campuses.

In the US the adoption process is facilitated by the US Health Promoting Campuses Network as a way for campus leaders to strengthen and formalize their commitment to activating the Okanagan Charter’s Vision, Calls to Action, and Principles. Our shared adoption process demonstrates our commitment to the aspirations outlined in the Okanagan Charter.

We recognize that the specific activation and commitments around the Okanagan Charter will differ according to unique campus contexts.

The Okanagan Charter was a key outcome of the 2015 International Conference on Health Promoting Universities and Colleges. The Okanagan Charter provides a framework with a vision, two calls to action with key action areas, and overall principles that together guide the development of Health Promoting Campuses across the globe.

The Okanagan Charter was developed in collaboration with researchers, practitioners, administrators, students, and policy makers from 45 countries representing both educational institutions and health organizations. These included the World Health Organization (WHO), Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

At the conference, 380 higher education leaders and delegates, signed a pledge to bring the Okanagan Charter “back to their settings to inspire and catalyze further action towards the creation of health promoting universities and colleges.”

The Okanagan Charter has inspired universities around the world to take action in embedding well-being into their everyday operations, business practices and academic mandates.

Universities, colleges, and other higher education institutions are in a unique position to inform health and well-being knowledge, education, and research. Adopting the Okanagan Charter has many benefits:

• Demonstrate leadership: Formal adoption of the Okanagan Charter by senior leadership reaffirms your institutions commitment to furthering health, well-being, and sustainability and sends a powerful signal to the broader community.

• Engage your community: Use the Okanagan Charter as a way to generate dialogue and research to inform health and well-being initiatives on campus and in the broader community and nation.

• Support the well-being of your community: Guide and inspire action to help your faculty, staff and students achieve their full potential in teaching, learning, research, and engagement. Evidence shows that people who are well are more productive, better able to engage in deeper learning, have a greater sense of belonging, and a stronger sense of community.

• Join the movement: Become an active participant in the US Health Promoting Campuses Network, a network of institutions actively promoting health and well-being in higher education across the United States and internationally.

If you are an Institution of Higher Education in the United States and its territories (university, college or community college) you are eligible.

There is no cost to join.

There are several ways to engage with the U.S. Health Promoting Campuses Network (USHPCN), depending on your role and your institution’s interest in becoming a Health Promoting Campus.

Become a Member

Individuals working at Institutions of Higher Education are eligible to join as Members. Member institutions may have an unlimited number of participants involved in the Network. Members enjoy:

• Access to the USHPCN listserv and shared Google Drive

• Opportunities to attend monthly Network meetings, special sessions, and participate in functional areas

• The ability to vote in Network elections (one vote per institution)

Become an Adopter

Institutions that have formally adopted the Okanagan Charter can participate as Adopters. This level is ideal for campuses committed to advancing health‑promoting initiatives. Adopters:

• Approve having their institution listed on the USHPCN website

• Submit a signed Statement of Interest and institutional commitments prior to adoption

• Provide an Annual Report highlighting key health‑promoting campus activities

Engage as an Affiliate

Individuals not currently working at an Institution of Higher Education may join as Affiliates. Affiliates can:

• Contribute to discussions and knowledge exchange

• Participate in shared learning opportunities

Please note that Affiliates do not have access to the listserv or Google Drive and are not eligible to vote in elections.

No. Individuals not working for an Institution of Higher Education can join as an Affiliate. Affiliates are able to participate in shared learning opportunities and contribute discussions and the exchange of knowledge. Affiliates do not have access to the USHPCN Listserv or Google Drive and cannot serve as voting members.

The ability to connect and be in a shared learning community with other campuses engaging in systems and settings-based health promotion