EmpowerED health literacy course: Promoting health and wellness literacy across campus
Balancing academic priorities with mental health and a healthy lifestyle is essential for student success. Recognizing this critical need, Student Affairs has curated the EmpowerEd Health Literacy course through Canvas, which is designed to help students take charge of their health and well-being throughout college and beyond.
Launching in Fall 2025, the EmpowerEd Health Literacy course is a self-paced, interactive Canvas experience that connects students with campus resources while building the skills they need to make informed decisions about their health. By advancing health literacy and access to wellness tools, the course lays the foundation for a lasting culture of well-being at the University of Utah.
The course is designed with students at the center--offering valuable knowledge and practical strategies to support their well-being. It addresses common challenges, such as stress, anxiety, depression, and loneliness, and provides step-by-step guidance on how to recognize when help is needed and where to find the right resources. Through completing the course, students will gain a clear understanding of the full range of campus health and wellness services—such as counseling, medical care, fitness classes, peer support groups, and more.
“Health literacy is an essential concept for students to understand—not only now, but especially as they transition to life after college,” said Dr. Sherrá Watkins, associate vice president for student health and wellness. “Learning how to navigate the healthcare system, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and advocate for your well-being are valuable skills everyone needs for lifelong success.”
The optional course will be readily available for students upon logging onto Canvas. Staff and faculty hoping to take the course themselves will be able to do so visiting the health and wellness page of the Student Affairs website. There will be no certificate of completion for the course, as the goal is to have this serve as an ongoing resource for students that they can access at any time.
All students can easily access the optional course by logging onto Canvas. Staff and faculty interested in taking the course will be able to fill out a form on the health and wellness page of the Student Affairs website later this year, which will then grant them access to the course.
More than just an educational offering, the EmpowerEd Health Literacy course is a cornerstone of the University of Utah’s commitment to holistic student success. By equipping students with the knowledge and tools to take care of themselves and each other, we’re building a healthier, more connected campus community—one informed decision at a time.