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August 20, 2007
Fitness Across the Curriculum works to increase health and wellness on Greenville Tech campus

(GREENVILLE, SC) –Writing has made its way across the curriculum. Now two psychology instructors at Greenville Tech are working to change the college culture to one of fitness across the curriculum.

Elizabeth Purcell and Joe Hammond received a $2,500 grant from the Greenville Tech Foundation to fund the project. “Fitness Across the Curriculum” includes a number of initiatives.

The focus will be on changing attitudes and behaviors. Some students and employees drive from building to building and take the elevator rather than the steps. Fitness Across the Curriculum will encourage people to make healthy choices regarding activity, diet, and other aspects of behavior.

Health-related projects will be developed by departments culminating in a Health Fair. At the April, 2008 event, departments will present their projects, and prizes will be awarded. Departments may be asked, for example, to set up health screenings, to develop walking paths, or too bring healthy food alternatives to campus.  There will be a college-wide walking campaign as well.

Grant funds have allowed Greenville Tech to fund a Corporate Shield walking/running team. When employees participate in Corporate Shield events such as the upcoming BMW Performance 2 Miler on September 21, the college pays the entry fee, encouraging employees to run and walk.

Greenville Tech is also increasing partnerships through this initiative. For example, the nearby YMCA and the fitness facility agreed to waive their application fee for employees. The YMCA is developing a brochure for students at the various Greenville Tech campuses.  Greenville Tech is also partnering with the City of Greenville on the bike and pedestrian trail, a segment of which is planned to run along the college’s Barton Campus. Greenville Tech plans a beautification project along the trail as well as signage with distances, encouraging employees and students to use the trail. Finally, the American Heart Association will be working with Tech to make the college a “Fit-Friendly Company” based on healthy behavior change on campus.

Hammond has also created a new class related to the project. “Health Psychology” will focus on health and wellness.