Walktober Challenge
Stay fit and healthy with WSU’s WellCoug program. This comprehensive employee well-being program offers WSU employees and their families, including those who are Vancouver-based, a wide range of resources to support their physical and mental health. Find details about accessing education, identifying resources, developing skills and making healthy choices on the main WellCoug page. And check out some WellCoug benefits specific to the Vancouver campus.
Get your walk on!
The 2024 Walktober Challenge starts Oct. 1. Log your steps and other activities during the month of October to help WSU Vancouver win the annual competition among WSU Vancouver, Clark College and Lower Columbia College. The winner will be determined by each institution’s total number of steps divided by the number of faculty and staff participants. The institution with the highest step average wins.
All activity counts! Use this step-equivalent chart to make conversions. Download a log and track your steps Oct. 1 – 31. You can also pick up a step log, step-equivalent chart, and crimson Cougar pedometer from the HRS Vancouver office in Dengerink Administration Building, Room 126.
At the end of the month, total your steps and email your total to HRS Vancouver at van.hr.frontdesk@wsu.edu. You can also drop off your completed step logs in Dengerink Administration Building, Room 126.
Completed logs received by noon Tuesday, Nov. 7 will be considered for an incentive. The three individuals with the highest number of steps can win cash! (Paid to the winners as a one-time payment.)
- First place: $100
- Second place: $75
- Third place: $50
Stay fit
WSU Vancouver's fitness center, located in the basement of the library, is free to students, staff and faculty. The center is part of the Office of Student Involvement’s Recreation Program. This great benefit includes:
- Cardio equipment
- Strength-training equipment
- Day-use lockers
- Shower facilities
- Classes taught by trained personnel
- Access to a personal trainer
To learn more, attend a monthly group orientation session, or contact the fitness center: 360-546-9271 or van.fitnesscenter@wsu.edu.
Eat healthy
The menu at the Dengerink Administration Building Café offers an abundance of choices, including plenty of vegetarian, vegan and low-fat options, as well as a commitment to the health of the campus. See the fact sheets about nutrition and healthy choices.
Hit the trails
Getting around campus can be great exercise. WSU Vancouver’s 351-acre campus features more than six miles of walking, jogging and biking paths. The Cougar Trails Project includes designated jogging paths, all-weather interpretive trails and unimproved trails.
Get outdoors
Enjoy physical and social experiences with local and regional outings arranged through the Recreation Program. Regular outings include an annual ski trip to Mount Bachelor, an overnight camping and climbing trip to Smith Rock, whitewater rafting, hiking, kayaking and snowshoeing.
Fragrance awareness
A 2016 study found that 34.7% of the US population reports health problems when exposed to fragrance1.
VanCougs share the air. Please be fragrance aware. Be conscious of use of strongly scented office and cleaning supplies and personal grooming products.
- We Share The Air sign (PDF)
- We Share The Air hand bills (PDF)
1Steinemann, A. (2016). Fragranced consumer products: exposures and effects from emissions. Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health, Vol. 9 No. 8, pp. 861-866.
