As part of the expanded sustainability efforts, Umeå University is connected to the international certification Healthy Campus, where the well-being of both students and staff is the focus.
Umeå University is certified at the second highest level, gold, within the FISU Healthy Campus Programme.
Image FISUUmeå University has chosen to invest in a health profile through the international certification Healthy Campus developed by the International University Sports Federation (FISU). The university's ambition goes beyond just being certified. We want to be an attractive campus where both students and staff want to be and feel good. Therefore, a common vision for health-promoting work has been developed. Anchored in the university's vision and values, as well as the policy for work environment and equal conditions, the vision reads:
A university where health takes centre stage – for a sustainable study and work life.
To integrate the certification process with the university's structure, it has been linked to the overarching sustainability work at Umeå University. This enables a coordinated effort to promote sustainable development and strengthens the university's role in sustainability issues. By combining health-promoting measures with sustainability goals, the university can create a long-term strategy that benefits students, staff, and society at large.
Our Background to the Certification
Umeå University, through the School of Sport Sciences, has a close collaboration with the Swedish University Sports Federation (SAIF), which develops, coordinates, and represents Swedish student sports through competitions, education, and advocacy work both nationally and internationally. SAIF is a member of the International University Sports Federation (FISU), which is behind the Healthy Campus certification.
In 2020, the School of Sport Sciences' initiative "Health on Campus" was highlighted by SAIF as a good example of a health-promoting activity and was presented at a national conference. During the conference, SAIF informed about the possibility of being certified as a Healthy Campus by FISU. Interest was sparked, and preliminary work began internally at Umeå University. In 2022, the Vice-Chancellor decided that Umeå University would apply for the certification, and in December 2023, FISU designated Umeå University as the first institution in Sweden to be certified as a Healthy Campus.
Collaboration with IKSU
As part of the work for a healthy campus, the university collaborates with the Student Sports Club (IKSU), whose vision is "a healthier and stronger Umeå." They work to provide Umeå University's staff and students with opportunities for exercise, recreation, and sports activities. IKSU is also affiliated with SAIF, further clarifying the connection to the Healthy Campus certification.
Internal Organisation
As part of the work for a healthy campus, an interdisciplinary reference group has been appointed, consisting of representatives from the operations that work operationally within the identified areas.
The International University Sports Federation (FISU) Healthy Campus programme aims to improve all aspects of well-being for students and staff, with the goal of creating conditions for a healthy lifestyle. To meet the diverse needs and requirements of its target groups, FISU has identified seven areas as the most crucial to work on to increase the chances of achieving a healthy lifestyle. The certification includes 100 criteria distributed across these seven areas. Each institution is assessed based on these criteria and can be certified at five levels: Certified, Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum. Umeå University joined the certification in 2023 and met the requirements for the Gold level, the second highest level, in the same year. For each area, Umeå University has defined goals.
Healthy campus management
This area is concerned with how Healthy Campus is implemented, managed and evaluated across the University. The criteria include issues such as leadership, resources, strategies, stakeholders and format. The category provides a foundation and framework within which the following areas can operate.
Goal for Umeå University:
The intentions of Healthy Campus should permeate the University’s activities.
Physical activity and sport
This area aims to ensure that staff and students maintain or develop their physical health and well-being. A major focus is on internal and external collaboration to promote new methods and development in this area.
Goal for Umeå University:
To provide students and staff with the opportunity to engage in health-promoting and physical activities that are accessible to all.
Nutrition
This area pertains to how the University will provide nutritious meals in campus restaurants and cafés, offer nutritional advice and minimise the environmental impact of restaurant operations.
Goals for Umeå University:
Disease prevention
This area is about preventing, informing and providing support services to detect and counteract both communicable and non-communicable diseases, including through dental care, vaccinations and medical check-ups. The student health service at Umeå University is a complement to regular medical and dental care, therefore the University’s focus in this area is on preventive and supportive activities.
Goal for Umeå University:
To offer information and provide a wide range of activities that prevent disease.
Mental and social health
This area is about how the University should take responsibility and actively offer support and information to promote the mental well-being of students and staff.
Goal for Umeå University:
To offer information and a range of activities that prevent mental ill health.
Risk behaviour
The criteria in this area focus on factors that can have a negative impact on health. This includes the management of alcohol, tobacco, drugs, doping, violence, bullying and sexual health.
Goals for Umeå University:
To have an alcohol-, tobacco- and drug-free academic and work environment.
To provide information and activities that prevent sexual health problems.
Sustainability
The higher education institution will actively address the three dimensions of sustainability (ecological, economic and social) and collaborate internally and externally to achieve its goals. The criteria include creating attractive green spaces, promoting sustainable commuting and reducing food waste.
Goal for Umeå University:
To work for a sustainable society and achieve the goals of the 2030 Agenda.
