‘Great success in ‘Healthy Campus’

Izmir University of Economics (IUE) has achieved great success with its ‘Healthy Campus’ project, which was launched to support students' physical, social, and sports development. Following inspections carried out by the Izmir Provincial Health Directorate in the campus cafeterias, cafes, food storage areas, and social areas, IUE successfully passed all evaluations and was awarded the ‘Nutrition-Friendly and Physical Activity Promoted Workplace’ certificate.

Taking a pioneering step in Turkey by developing the ‘Healthy Campus’ concept, IUE has accelerated its efforts focusing on physical and mental health, sustainability, and proper nutrition. The number of sports activities and tournaments organized across the university has increased. The gym on campus has been made available free of charge to students and academic and administrative staff members.

SUPPORTED WITH VISUALS

Social events within the scope of “Wellbeing Day” were organized both on and off campus. Access to healthy food on campus was made easier. For example, instead of offering high-carb snacks during events, guests are now served fruits, dried figs, walnuts, and similar healthy options. Eye-catching visuals were placed around campus to encourage healthy eating. Awareness seminars were also held on topics such as addiction and anxiety management.

CROWNING ACHIEVEMENT

‘By taking consecutive effective steps for the ‘Healthy Campus’, IUE crowned its success by receiving the ‘Nutrition-Friendly and Physical Activity Promoted Workplace’ certificate. During the ceremony, held in the University's board of trustees’ hall, IUE Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Aslı Ceylan Öner received this prestigious certificate from Dr. Metin Kızılelma, Deputy Director of Public Health Services at the Izmir Provincial Health Directorate.

“WE MUST LAY THE FOUNDATION FOR HEALTHY GENERATIONS”

Speaking at the ceremony, which was also attended by members of the IUE Healthy Campus Committee, Prof. Dr. Öner said, “The earlier we get young people accustomed to healthy eating and an active lifestyle, the sooner we lay the foundation for healthy generations. As a University, we have proudly carried out many exemplary projects. Receiving such an important certificate as a result of these efforts makes us very happy. We will continue to introduce innovations for a ‘healthy campus’ and carry on our projects without interruption."

“WE FORMED 5 WORK GROUPS”

IUE Healthy Campus Coordinator Prof. Dr. Ayşın Zeytinoğlu stated that the authorities conducted a comprehensive evaluation across the University. Prof. Dr. Ayşın Zeytinoğlu said, “All our cafeterias, dining hall, grove, walking paths, and EKOFIT fitness hall, which offers free sports facilities, were inspected. The evaluation team noticed our warnings, reminders, and informative posters on stairs and elevators. They even took special photos of a few places as good examples. As a University, we attach great importance to the healthy campus initiative. Under the Healthy Campus Coordination, we formed five work groups: physical health, mental health, campus animals, addiction prevention, and sustainability. It feels wonderful to see our efforts rewarded. I congratulate the entire team who contributed to this success.”