University Worksite Health-promotion Programs: An Opportunity for Experiential Learning

Abstract

Worksite health-promotion programs (WHPPs) are prevalent in a variety of worksite settings, including universities, due to their numerous individual health and organizational benefits. Simultaneously, WHPPs provide many employment opportunities for kinesiology graduates. However, few students graduate with applied experience in worksite health promotion. The purpose of this article is to provide details on an innovative WHPP called the “Workplace Walk-off Challenge” (WWC), in which undergraduate kinesiology students are involved at all stages of the program in order to provide a valuable experiential education opportunity. The WWC is an annual, six-week walking competition open to all employees at a small California university. Employees assemble into teams of five and track steps with the use of pedometers. The WWC also includes several events, lunch-and-learns, and awards and prizes. Kinesiology students assist in designing, implementing and assessing the WWC as part of their learning experience in the Worksite Health Promotion course.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Lisa Leininger

Lisa Leininger ([email protected]) is an assistant professor, and Kent Adams is professor and chair of the Kinesiology Department at California State University, Monterey Bay in Seaside, CA.