About
Sustainable wellbeing represents a comprehensive approach that unites individual and community wellbeing with environmental sustainability. It goes beyond traditional definitions of wellness by recognizing that human flourishing is deeply interconnected with ecological health and social equity. Sustainable wellbeing has become increasingly crucial in higher education as universities acknowledge their role in preparing students for complex global challenges.
Educators in Higher Education can promote a holistic approach to sustainable wellbeing through their teaching and assessment practices. By doing so, they can create collaborative learning environments that foster individual wellbeing, positive peer relationships and skills to face real-world sustainability challenges. (opens in a new window)The Holistic Sustainable Wellbeing in Higher Education project aims to provide a knowledge base and practical ideas to foster sustainable wellbeing in the University classroom through curriculum, pedagogy and assessment. The project is funded by the Strategic Alignment of Teaching and Learning Enhancement (SATLE) administered by the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, in partnership with the Higher Education Authority.
Team
Co-creation with students as partners in teaching and learning was key to developing meaningful proposals for sustainable wellbeing. Thus, we worked in partnership with students at UCD for the design, development and implementation of the project and we brought together participants, including faculty, staff, and students, from six departments and schools, demonstrating a commitment to co-creation and shared ownership of the project’s goals.
Project Lead: Dr Gabriela Martinez Sainz, UCD School of Education
Project Co-lead: Dr Jessica Surdey, UCD School of Education
Project Coordinator: Daniel Guigui, School of Sociology (PhD candidate)
Student Team: Sara Lannin, Aoife Keogh, Sara Ponce, Francesca Pignoloni, Marta Darska and Klara Carselind.
Outputs
Teaching for Sustainable Wellbeing (opens in a new window)Toolkit is designed to empower educators in Higher Education with practical strategies and tools to embed holistic sustainable wellbeing into three key areas, curriculum, assessment and pedagogy
Sustainable Wellbeing in Higher Education (opens in a new window)Podcast explores how universities can nurture both people and the planet. Drawing from collaborative research at University College Dublin, we unpack how educators in Higher Education can create learning environments that support student academic success while promoting individual and collective wellbeing, environmental sustainability and social equity. Each episode brings academics and students together to discuss ways in which Universities can integrate wellbeing and sustainability in the classroom. We’ll explore real examples, listen to students’ perspectives and showcase innovative practices that foster sustainable wellbeing in Higher Education. Whether you are a lecturer, tutor, teacher or someone passionate about creating more sustainable and supportive learning environments, join us as we explore how to embed a holistic approach to sustainable wellbeing in Universities. From mindfulness in the classroom to community-based projects, discover how small changes in the teaching practice can make a big difference in creating more sustainable and thriving environments for our students.
(opens in a new window)Successful case study
(opens in a new window)Episode 1
(opens in a new window)Episode 2
(opens in a new window)Episode 3