Exercise Is Medicine on Campus Programs: A Descriptive Study

Abstract

Exercise is Medicine® on Campus (EIM-OC) calls upon campuses to promote physical activity (PA) through education, outreach, assessment of PA levels, and referral programs. Twenty-eight EIM-OC supervisors completed a survey examining the characteristics of existing EIM-OC programs. Survey results identify participation from and collaboration among Health and Counseling Services, Campus Recreation, Wellness and Kinesiology departments. The majority of responding EIM-OC programs include special events and outreach activities. Funding and staffing for EIM-OC programs comes primarily from Kinesiology departments but often in conjunction with Campus Recreation. Referral programs are primarily targeted at students, who are referred for sedentary behavior or existing mental or physical conditions. Referral benefits include waived or reduced fees, fitness and behavioral assessments, and individualized or group training. The majority of campuses indicate that their EIM-OC program has improved relationships among involved units and provides new opportunities for students as either participants or leaders.