How SCU Student Services Supports Whole Health and Student Wellness

At Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU), the concept of Whole Health is not confined to the classroom; it’s built into the student experience.

On a typical week, students might step away from their academic schedules to participate in a yoga session, a stress management workshop, or a community-building activity. These offerings, often part of initiatives like Wellness Wednesday, reflect a broader effort to support students as individuals, not just learners.

Extending Whole Health Beyond Academics

As an integrative, Whole Health university, SCU emphasizes the connection between physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. Student Services plays a central role in translating that philosophy into practice.

“At SCU, Student Services brings Whole Health to life in the student experience,” said Shelby Gugel, Associate Vice President of Student & Alumni Services. “We support students not only academically, but also emotionally, socially, professionally, and personally.”

Through services such as tutoring, counseling, disability support, life coaching, peer mentoring, and career development, the department provides a framework designed to support students throughout their academic journey.

A Broader Definition of Student Wellness

Rather than focusing solely on academic performance, SCU defines student wellness through a wider lens.

“Student wellness means looking at the whole student, not just the academic experience,” Gugel said.

That approach is reflected in how programs and services are designed—intentionally addressing academic, emotional, physical, social, and professional needs. From orientation onward, students are introduced to this model as a core part of their experience.

Programs Designed for Connection and Balance

Programs like Wellness Wednesday were developed in response to the demands of graduate and professional education, where academic rigor can often overshadow personal well-being.

Offerings have included yoga, sound baths, fitness classes, nutrition demonstrations, and workshops focused on burnout prevention and test-taking anxiety, as well as hands-on activities that encourage connection and community.

“These programs help students feel more connected… and more equipped with practical strategies for managing stress and maintaining balance,” Gugel said.

Student Services has also expanded programming to support specific populations, including parent support groups for students balancing academic and family responsibilities.

Support Systems for Real-World Challenges

In addition to co-curricular programming, SCU’s Student Assistance Program provides access to a wide range of services designed to address challenges beyond the classroom.

Available at no cost to students and their household members, the program includes:

• Short-term counseling
• 24/7 mental health support
• Life coaching
• Financial consultation and legal referrals
• Medical advocacy and life management resources

“These services help students navigate stress, anxiety, and other life demands that can affect their well-being and academic success,” Gugel said.

Connecting Care to the Student Experience

Access to SCU Health reinforces this model by making care accessible within the university environment.

“When students have access to services that reflect the Whole Health model, they are better able to care for themselves while also deepening their understanding of what it means to care for others,” Gugel said.

This connection between personal well-being and professional development is a defining element of the student experience.

Preparing Future Healthcare Professionals

For students preparing to enter healthcare fields, the experience goes beyond theory.

“Future healthcare professionals need more than technical knowledge. They need lived experience with what it means to care for the whole person,” Gugel said.

By integrating support systems, wellness programming, and community engagement into daily student life, SCU helps students develop habits—such as self-awareness, empathy, and resilience—that will shape their future practice.

An Embedded, Not Add-On, Approach

What distinguishes SCU’s model is its consistency across the student journey.

“Whole Health is not treated as an add-on. It is embedded into the student experience,” Gugel said.

That integration extends from orientation through graduation and includes partnerships with institutions such as USC, UCLA, and UC San Diego, offering students additional opportunities to develop leadership skills and cultural competency.

A Proactive Model for Student Success

At SCU, student support is designed to be proactive rather than reactive.

“We do not wait until students are struggling to think about well-being,” Gugel said.

By embedding resources, programming, and support systems into the student experience, the university ensures that students are equipped not only to succeed academically, but to carry a comprehensive understanding of care into their future roles as healthcare professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Whole Health at SCU?

Whole Health at SCU is an integrative approach that emphasizes the connection between physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. It is a core part of the university’s philosophy and is reflected in both academic programs and the student experience.

How does Student Services support student wellness at SCU?

Student Services supports student wellness through a range of programs and resources, including academic support, counseling, life coaching, peer mentoring, career services, and wellness programming designed to promote balance, resilience, and connection.

What is Wellness Wednesday at SCU?

Wellness Wednesday is a recurring program that offers students opportunities to participate in activities such as yoga, fitness classes, stress management workshops, and community-building events that support overall well-being.

What is the Student Assistance Program?

The Student Assistance Program provides free, confidential support services to students and their household members, including short-term counseling, 24/7 mental health support, life coaching, and resources for financial, legal, and personal challenges.

How does SCU Health benefit students?

Access to SCU Health allows students to experience integrative care firsthand, supporting their personal well-being while reinforcing the principles of Whole Health they are learning in their academic programs.

Why is student wellness important for future healthcare professionals?

Student wellness is essential because it helps future healthcare professionals develop self-awareness, resilience, and empathy—qualities that are critical for providing patient-centered, Whole Health care.

What makes SCU’s approach to student wellness unique?

SCU’s approach is unique because Whole Health is fully integrated into the student experience. Wellness support is not treated as an add-on but is embedded into services, programming, and the overall campus culture from orientation through graduation.