FDLTCC Wellness Model
FDLTCC’s wellness model is based on Mino-bimaadiziwin, “A good life”. Our model is holistic, interconnected, and individualized while incorporating the campus core values: respect, compassion, stewardship, innovation, and integrity. FDLTCC’s model recognizes that wellness is self-defined, existing on a continuum, grounded in humility and divested from perfectionism.
Intellectual wellness recognizes our minds need to be continually inspired and exercised just as our bodies do. It further recognizes the need for both stimulation and rest for critical thinking, curiosity, creativity, and openness.
Strategies to enhance Intellectual Wellness:
- Seek out people who challenge you intellectually: Advisors, study groups, committees, clubs.
- Being open-minded!
- Pick up a hobby. Hobbies are a fun way to increase your skill set.
- Develop a growth mindset.
- Engage in learning, participate class, attend a seminar or conference on something new to you.
- Becoming a critical thinker: intentionally development of your own ideas, views, and opinions.
- Lifelong learning!
- Teaching others – mentoring.
Campus Resources:
- Tutoring: Center for Academic Achievement
- Academic Advising
- Disability Services – Student Services
- Ruth A. Myers Library
- TRIO Student Support Services
- Workforce Development
- Clubs and Activities
Community Resources:
- Cloquet Community Education – Cloquet Public Schools
- Community Education Classes – Carlton School District
- Community Education – Esko Public Schools
- FDL Cultural Center and Museum
Campus Activities:
- Academic Late Night
- TRIO Workshops
- Environmental Institute Projects & Presentations
- Rocket Clubs
- Book Clubs / Campus Reads
- Author Visits / Book Readings
- Phi Theta Kappa (PTK)
- Games in Library
- Language Symposium
Physical wellbeing is caring for your body for healthy quality of life through regular enjoyable physical activity, proper nutrition and eating habits, hygiene, substance awareness, and restful sleep. Finding a healthy balance of these elements is a way of respecting your body. Developing proper physical wellbeing habits lends itself to mino-bimaadiziwin (living a good life.)
Strategies to enhance Physical Wellness:
- Get Active
- Preventative health care
- Traditional health care
- Recognizing signs of illness and seeking help in a way that makes you, as an individual, feel healthy.
- Educate yourself and limit harmful behaviors.
- Seeking substance abuse help if needed
- Follow the USDA nutrition guidelines / community guidelines.
- Strive to sleep for 8 hours each night.
- Regular physical activity.
Campus Resources:
- Basic Needs Resources Student Support
- SNAP
- FDLTCC Food Pantry
- Lester Jack Briggs Cultural Center (Gym/Weight Room)
Community Resources:
- National Institute of Health
- HealthCare Coaches
- Tribal Practices for Wellness in Indian Country
- SAMHSA – Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration
- World Health Organization – Healthy Diet
- National Wellness Institute Sleep Hygiene
- Community Education
- Local Fitness Gyms
- Local Health Clinics
Campus Activities:
- FDLTCC Physical Education Courses
- Yoga in the Library
- Pumpkin Walk/Run
- Environmental Institute Outdoor Gear/Equipment Lending (snowshoes, canoes, lacrosse)
- Pow Wow
- Disc Golf
- Human Services Club
- Campus Feasts
- Campus Gardens
- Walking Trails
- Wellbeing Wednesday Sessions Statewide
- Vaccination Days on Campus
Respect for all living beings and the lands that we live and learn with in reciprocity.
Stewardship of the vision regarding the union of nations grounded in Anishinaabeg values and knowledge systems which calls upon all of us to compassionately honor one another.
To practice integrity and bravery to live and let live as our whole selves without fragmenting or filtering our existence.
Strategies to enhance Spiritual Wellness:
- Respect each individual’s spirit and spiritual voice through understanding our interdependence in this gathering of community.
- Normalize multi-cultural dialogue and interactions. (Not centering in silence, avoidance, or any type of violence)
- Encourage and develop an appreciation for diverse viewpoints and perspectives in both curricular and co-curricular activities.
- Develop and support engagement in community resources.
- Focus and support wholistic wellness and balance.
- Movement, mindfulness, foods, hydration, sleep.
- Find connection to life’s purpose.
- Strive to sleep for 8 hours each night.
- Engage in spiritual practices based on belief system.
Campus Resources:
- Student Clubs & Organization
- Dean of Academic and Indigenous Affairs -Stewardship of the cultural vision
- Ojibwemowining Resource Center (Smudging Materials & Asemaa)
- Drum on campus
- Wigwam
- Sweat Lodge
- Outdoor Classroom
- Gardens and medicines-food
- Indoor ecology of the building-meaning in the structure
- Artwork reflection
- Trails
- Poetry post
- Medicine gardens
- Bees
- Offerings when land and plants are disrupted.
Community Resources:
- Prayers for the land and learning community.
- Cultural center in Fond du Lac (events)
- Community based events
- Sawyer big drum
- Pow wows or round dances
- AA meeting
- Sobriety Feasts
Campus Activities:
- Pipe ceremonies
- Smudging
- Campus clubs
- Feasts
- Drum
- Pow wows
- Land-based events and opportunities
- Anishinaabe games and events
Financial Wellness is balancing your wants and needs with your monetary resources without stressing other areas of your life. A financially fit person will be able to support themselves and their dependents without giving up their desired lifestyle.
Strategies to enhance Financial Wellness:
- Create, develop, and learn to budget.
- Avoid unnecessary or binge spending.
- Live within your financial means.
- Anticipate your future needs/ big expenses.
- Save for a rainy day.
- Learn about investing/stock market.
- Open a savings account.
- Learn how to do your taxes.
- Make an appointment with Financial Aid or Financial Advisor.
Campus Resources:
- Financial Aid
- Emergency Funding: Beam, Emergency Loans, Basic Needs Emergency Grant
- Resource Navigator
- FDLTCC Money Management Info
- GradReady
- Scholarships
- WorkStudy
Community Resources:
- SNAP
- AEOA
- Salvation Army
- Lutheran Social Services
- Thrift Stores
- Housing Assistance
Campus Activities:
- TRIO Financial Literacy Events
- Financial Aid Presentation with Seek to Learn Academy Groups
- Financial Aid Classroom Talks
- Financial Aid Presentations during Tours and Campus Visit Days
Emotional wellness is accepting your worth, recognizing, and expressing your feelings in healthy ways, and coping with life’s challenges. It is a dynamic state that fluctuates frequently with your other dimensions of wellness. Emotional wellbeing is supported by a respectful campus community including students, faculty, staff, and administration.
Strategies to enhance Emotional Wellness:
- Practice mindfulness, gratitude, positive self-talk, and having an optimistic outlook.
- Build a strong support system.
- Practice stress management techniques.
- Learn time management skills.
- Take time for yourself.
- Be kind to yourself.
- Tune into your thoughts and feelings.
- Seek and accept help from others when needed.
- Take advantage of wellness activities on campus.
- Get quality sleep and a consistent sleep schedule.
Campus Resources:
- Mental Health Resources – Student Support
- Basic Needs Resources
- 211 Basic Needs Resources Hub
- HDC Mental Health Counselor on campus every Tuesday
- Campus sensory space in the “Student Union”
- Online Mental Health Screening for FDLTCC Students
- FDLTCC Mental Health First Aid Trainers available on campus
- Sweat Lodge
- EAP for employees
Community Resources:
- FDL Health Fair
- FDL Cultural Ceremonies
- Cloquet Public Library – Free Yoga Chair Sessions
Campus Activities:
- Counseling
- Courses: Life Management and psychology courses
- Mental Health Week
- Yoga in the Library
- Reiki
- Massages
- TRIO – Time Management Workshops
- Therapy dogs
Occupational wellness is a dynamic and ongoing process that can be defined as finding satisfaction and fulfillment in one’s work or career while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Occupational wellness can include alignment of your personal values with your job, engagement in your work, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Strategies to enhance Occupational Wellness:
- Develop self-awareness of your values, strengths, interests, skills, goals, etc. so that your career is personally rewarding and gives your life a sense of purpose and direction.
- Be confident in your capabilities and advocate for better working conditions, salary and opportunities for promotion.
- Continuously upgrade your skills and knowledge to improve your job performance which can lead to opportunities for advancement.
- Find ways to balance personal life with work and practice stress management techniques regularly.
- Build a strong support system by networking with people both inside and outside of the workplace.
- Enhance your sense of fulfillment by appreciating how your job contributes to a larger purpose or societal benefit.
Campus Resources:
- Academic and Program Advising
- FDLTCC Student Clubs
- Career Advising
- Northeast Minnesota Office of Job Training (JET)
- Minnesota State CareerWise
- Job Shadowing opportunities
- Work study Opportunities
- Human Resources for FDLTCC employees
- Employee Assistance Program SEGIP / State of Minnesota (mn.gov)
- FDLTCC Unions: AFSCME, MAPE, MMA
- Campus Events and Career Fairs
- Professional Development Plans
- Leadership Development Courses
Community Resources:
- CareerForce (Cloquet and Duluth)
- Northeast Minnesota Office of Job Training (JET)
- Internships
- Alumni Network
- Local Employers
- Chamber of Commerce
- Career Fairs
- Job Shadowing
Campus Activities:
- Staff/Faculty/Administrative Duty Days
- Law Enforcement Expo
- Nursing Expo
- Campus Visit Days
- Career Fair
- Courses: Career Exploration, Job Search Skills, Seeking Careers in Criminal Justice, practicums, internships
- Advisory Committee meetings
Social well-being can be defined as the sharing, developing, and sustaining of meaningful relationships with others. This allows you to feel authentic and valued and provides a sense of connectedness and belonging.
Strategies to enhance Social Wellness:
- Cultivate Relationships: Invest time and effort in building and maintaining meaningful relationships. Reach out to friends, family, and acquaintances. Attend social events or join clubs and groups that align with your interests.
- Active Listening: Practice active listening when interacting with others. Show genuine interest in their thoughts and feelings. Ask open-ended questions and validate their experiences.
- Empathy: Develop empathy by putting yourself in others’ shoes. Understand their emotions and perspectives. Compassion and understanding strengthen social bonds.
- Communication Skills: Enhance your communication skills. Be clear, respectful, and considerate in your interactions. Effective communication fosters deeper connections.
- Boundaries: Set healthy boundaries. Understand your limits and communicate them assertively. Respect others’ boundaries as well.
- Quality Over Quantity: Focus on quality relationships rather than quantity. Meaningful connections provide more fulfillment than superficial ones.
- Volunteer or Help Others: Engage in acts of kindness. Volunteering or assisting others creates a sense of purpose and strengthens social ties.
- Join Social Activities: Participate in group activities, workshops, or classes. Shared experiences lead to connections.
- Digital Balance: While online platforms can facilitate connections, balance virtual interactions with face-to-face ones. In-person interactions have unique benefits.
- Self-Reflection: Reflect on your social interactions. Identify patterns, strengths, and areas for improvement. Adjust your behavior accordingly.
- Practice open, honest communication of your needs.
- List elements that make a relationship rewarding and make sure you are providing these factors in your relationships.
- Reflect on your current relationships and determine which ones need improvement.
- Schedule time to reach out to be supportive of your friends, family members, and colleagues.
- Be intentional with the time you spend with others.
- Use your connections to start an exercise or wellness social group
- Join an organization, volunteer, or take up a hobby that expands your social circle.
Campus Resources:
- Campus Counselor- Every Tuesday
- Advisors
- Instructors
- Gym down in basement
- TRIO
Community Resources:
- Anishinaabewigamig (Language & culture center) – monthly ceremonies, support groups, and language activities
- Community sobriety meetings
- 13 Moons Workshops
- Community Education
- Libraries
- AICHO
Campus Activities:
- Game Day every Tuesday in the Library
- Lacrosse every Thursday in the Gym
- Welcome Week
- Student Clubs
- Teaching & Learning – faculty association
- 13 moons workshops
- Hand games – Wednesdays @ noon
- Drum group practice – Fridays
- Hand drumming with Oshkii-giizik – 1st & last Wednesday?
- Collaborations with FDL language program: lacrosse, symposium, storytelling events
Environmental wellness is an awareness of the dependent relationship humans have with the natural world, their personal surroundings, and community. It is a recognition and respect for the cyclical nature of the world we are a part of where the health of our surrounding environment affects us just as our choices and daily habits impact the physical world. It consists of practicing ganawenjigewin, a way of life that emphasizes that relationship with the earth and works to reduce harm to the environment through learning, lifestyle habits, and activism.
Strategies to enhance Environmental Wellness:
Practice a sustainable lifestyle
- Create and advocate for policy changes and social changes for environmental wellness within community
- Unplug from technology and unplug technology when not in use
- Buy locally produced food, support local farmers
- Walk or ride a bike wherever possible instead of driving
Connect with nature
- Photograph the outdoors
- Spend time outdoors appreciating nature through all the seasons (i.e. hiking, snowshoeing, canoeing, etc.)
- Learn traditional crafts, tree and bird identification
- Grow a garden
- Forage for natural foods
Conserve natural resources
- Conserve water through efficient appliances and limiting water use
- Conserve energy through energy efficient light bulbs and appliances
- Buy only things you need
- Print less
- Use reuseable coffee mugs/water bottles/food containers
- Use reuseable shopping bags
- Recycle and reduce waste
Respect personal surroundings and reduce stressors from environment
- Understand the impact of climate change and a healthy environment on wellbeing
- Maintain a clean and organized work and living space and use toxic-free cleaning materials
- Keep yourself safe from noise, air and water pollution, secondhand smoke, UV radiation
- Be cognizant of risks certain settings present (late night, traveling alone or to new places)
Campus Resources:
- Campus gardens and grounds
- Outdoor classroom
- Environmental Institute
Community Resources:
- Cloquet Parks and Trails
- Jay Cooke State Park
- Cloquet Forestry Center
- Munger Bike Trail
- Local rivers and lakes
- Carlton County Farmers Market
- Bike lanes in Cloquet
- Thrift Stores
- Carlton County Transfer Station
- Carlton County Environmental Resources
- Gitigaaning/ Learning Center
- Ojibwe School Demonstration Garden
Campus Activities:
- Earth Week
- Sustainability Week
- Campus clean-up
- Environmental Science and Sustainability courses
- Walking trails on campus
- Using outdoor classroom
- Recycling (plastics, textbooks, etc.)
- Garden Composting
- Gardening on campus (medicine garden, vegetable gardens)