Ramapo College of New Jersey recently received national recognition for well-being and mental health from Insight into Academia magazine, the school announced Tuesday.
The 2025 Excellence in Mental Health and Well-Being Award measures an institution’s individual programs and initiatives that significantly advances the core values of inclusive excellence and belonging through programs, initiatives, and many other campus priorities deserving of this national recognition.
Insight Into Academia magazine selected Ramapo College because it adopted a wellness philosophy for employees that aims to encompass financial, physical, emotional, social, intellectual, occupational and spiritual health.
Wellness initiatives are inclusive of the entire Ramapo campus community. The Center for Health and Counseling Services and People Operations and Employee Resources focus on creating, maintaining, and delivering resources and activities for students, staff and faculty.
CHCS director Judith Green explains the reasoning for these initiatives.
“The hard work we do to support the mental health of our students isn’t just for recognition,” she said. “We do it because we are helpers and advocates.”
These offerings include various campus activities such as social gatherings, wellness walks, meditation, yoga, strength training, swimming, tai chi, biometric screenings, wellness vaccines on premises and wellness days.
In addition, the wellness room for students which features relaxation activities, including yoga mats, coloring activities, a light therapy lamp, massage chair, weighted blanket and stress reduction pamphlets.
Owner of Insight into Academia magazine Lenore Pearlstien spoke on what recognition is intended for.
“We know that institutions are not always recognized for their dedication to well-being and support for students and employees,” she said.
“We are proud to honor these colleges to inspire other institutions.”
