The Future of Student Wellness: Belonging, Empowerment and Mindfulness

Recreation professionals are placing greater emphasis on elevating the student experience through thoughtfully designed programs and facilities. While traditional metrics like check-ins and participation still matter, the real measure of success lies in how students feel and the culture that they experience – particularly their sense of belonging, wellbeing and overall success.

To explore these evolving priorities, SmithGroup hosted a Client Advisory Board at NIRSA’s 2025 Conference and Campus Rec Expo in Orlando. The discussion centered on the unique role recreation departments play in shaping the student journey by fostering belonging, empowerment and mindfulness – values that not only reflect student needs but also support enrollment strategies and broader campus wellbeing initiatives.

Belonging

Recreation programs must create experiences that help students feel at home and contribute to the broader culture on campus. Recreation leaders are leaning into space updates like lounge renovations and informal game rooms, providing students with a place to socialize. Some campuses are repurposing outdoor spaces with creative use of turf in patio and playing spaces, creating pocket parks and making more space for informal sports activities.

Meanwhile, both competitive and casual esports programs continue to grow, offering inclusive communities where gamers of all skill levels can connect and thrive.

Recently, The University of Texas at Dallas opened Comets LANding, one of the nation’s largest academic esports facilities. This new addition to the student union enhances both competitive and recreational gaming, serving as a vibrant campus hub that unites and expands the student gaming community.

Activities like trivia nights, and informal experiences like hammocks and slackline zones go beyond traditional recreation to engage students in a broader way.  Students who feel like they belong develop resiliency to face the challenges of the collegiate experience and persist to graduation. As student demographics continue to evolve, a targeted approach to demonstrating the value of programs for enrollment management is critical.   

Many campus recreation departments are enhancing their facilities with brand identity campaigns and dynamic graphics to cultivate school pride and a stronger sense of connectedness to the university.

At Indiana University (IU), the Recreational Sports team launched a comprehensive branding initiative that infused recreation spaces with IU logos, spirited messaging and the university’s signature energy – transforming the built environment into a vibrant expression of campus identity. "We surveyed 500 students after the brand campaign was installed to determine if it was effective," said Chris Arvin, executive director of Indiana Recreational Sports. "Sixty percent of students surveyed said the effort increased their sense of IU pride, and 50 percent said it increased their sense of belonging at IU. Our hope was that these changes would help students feel like they are more deeply part of the IU community, and it seems to be working."

Empowerment

Today’s students prioritize both mental and physical wellbeing, viewing exercise as a path to strength and resilience rather than just aesthetics. As a result, demand is growing for dynamic strength training spaces and high-performance equipment. Today’s students are embracing a more holistic view of fitness – one that values strength training as part of an overall lifestyle that builds fortitude, confidence and personal growth, rather than the outdated focus on weight loss. They are seeking inclusive environments that cater to both beginners and experienced athletes, with equipment and facilities that mirror the quality and design found in collegiate athletic departments.

Programs now focus on building empowerment, resilience, and confidence, while also offering opportunities for skill development and personal growth. These experiences help students build personal agency and the confidence to navigate life’s challenges.  Jason Vlastras, Director of Campus Recreation at Texas State University, successfully partnered with Career Services to offer free haircuts in the Rec Center lobby as a creative kickoff to the career fair. “The event was a huge success with all slots being filled and served as a great way to support students and build confidence going into the career fair.”  

New programs focused on building lifelong skills are gaining momentum. Topics like container gardening, budgeting and pickleball basics are empowering students by encouraging the pursuit and mastery of new hobbies and practical skills. Flexible, dynamic spaces play a key role in supporting these evolving interests, allowing recreation programs to adapt to the ever-changing needs of the student population.

Mindfulness and Relaxation

Universities are repurposing recreation spaces to offer recovery and relaxation amenities like massage chairs, red light therapy and sensory deprivation. In response, vendors are providing more options such as infrared saunas, cryotherapy, cold plunges, and guided meditation tools for campus use.

Students are socializing and bonding over shared values around balance and whole person wellness activities.

Last fall, Moraine Valley Community College proudly debuted a dedicated Stretch Studio – an inviting space designed to elevate stretch coaching services.  “This studio allows us to help students, faculty, staff, and community members improve mobility, reduce tension, and enhance performance through guided flexibility training,” says Alex Rich, Director of Campus Recreation.  The University of Kansas has partnered with Counseling and Psychological Services to place massage chairs in the lobby of the rec center. Jason Krone, Director of Recreation Services says, “The initial reaction seems to be very positive with lots of smiles and relaxation.” In each case, the environment plays a crucial role. Some students are drawn to vibrant, social settings where they can connect with friends while others seek quieter, more private spaces for reflection and recharge. By offering a balance of stimulating and serene environments, recreation programs can support students’ well-being and help them find equilibrium in an increasingly fast-paced world.

Final Thoughts

Campus recreation is evolving to support organizational culture and student wellness activities as key components of student success and enrollment strategies. While these shifts present challenges, they also enhance the perceived value of recreation programs. The future lies in creative leadership, adaptable programming and inclusive amenities that create a healthy culture that fosters belonging, empowerment and mindfulness – meeting the needs of students in a rapidly changing higher education landscape.