Overview

WELL 1101: Concepts of Wellness is primarily an information-oriented course. It focuses on issues of attitude, change, adaptation to change, personal responsibility and happiness. In general, the course content increases awareness of the relationship between our thoughts and lifestyle choices and how they relate to health, fitness and effectiveness as well as an improved sense of meaning, purpose and well-being. The context in which this information is delivered will vary by instructor. A guide to some of the unique features of the course related to the instructor is most easily gleaned from an instructor's syllabus.

Requirements

This one-hour credit course is a graduation requirement for all students entering SMU. Although the content is ageless and timeless, the course is designed to help make the transition to college life smoother; therefore, it is recommended that CHOICES I be taken during the first year and preferably in the first semester of the first year. Grades will be determined on a pass/fail basis utilizing an attendance criterion. Because of the participatory nature of wellness, you are expected to be in attendance throughout the semester. More than four unexcused absences in a MWF section or more than three absences in a TTh section will result in a grade of failure. The class is meant to introduce you to a broad range of personal experiences within the seven elements of wellness (Social/Cultural, Physical, Environmental, Occupational, Intellectual, Emotional, and Spiritual) that the CHOICES for Living program addresses. The class features a series of discussions, personal assessments, visits to related on-campus facilities and services, and other action oriented activities. Students are also required to participate in a variety of out-of-class experiences. Although the class meets 3 hours a week, there is little outside work, which is why this is a one-credit class. Every Choices 1 class will be different based on the instructor; however, certain elements are required for every class. Common requirements include:

Participation and Attendance:
Attendance is essential in this class. Students complete the majority of assignments during class time. To pass the class, you must miss no more that 3 classes on a Tuesday/Thursday schedule and no more than 4 classes on a Mon/Wed/Fri schedule.

Out of Class Experiences:
All students will complete "Out of Class Experiences," or "OCE's." These assignments allow students to apply information from class to their lives and report about this. Students will be given days off class to complete these assignments.

Fitness Assessment:
All students will participate in a Fitness Assessment to learn more about their physical wellness as it relates to fitness. This test will measure blood pressure, cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and body composition.

Guest Speakers:
All Choices 1 classes will have the opportunity to learn about a variety of campus resources. As a part of this class, students will visit the Learning Enhancement Center, the Counseling and Testing Center, and will have guest speakers from the Center for Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Career Center, Multicultural Student Center, and the Women's Center.