Wildcat Wellness creates a space where student voices and ideas are at the center of all campaign and programming efforts that the committee plans and implements. The Wildcat Wellness Committee is comprised of students with support and consultation provided by faculty and administrators. The focus of this group is to create evidence-based programming to inform, educate and influence students to make healthier choices. Topics include but are not limited to substance abuse prevention, sexual assault prevention and mental health.
Daemen College was a 2018 NCAA CHOICES Grant Recipient. The NCAA CHOICES grant allowed an APPLE Team of students and administrators to attend the 2018 APPLE Training Institute in Orlando, FL. With the knowledge gained from the APPLE Training Institute, the team created an action plan. To review the plan, click here! For more information about the team's experience, click here: APPLE Training Institute Team. Wildcat Wellness launched the action plan in Spring 2019 and increased campus-wide efforts to reduce alcohol abuse with stronger partnerships between athletics, student affairs and other campus departments.
Spring 2019 Initiatives:
- Launched awareness campaign on our newest resource to support students: Reach Out App
- Reach Out App by Captivation - available in the Apple Store of Google Play Store
Sexual Assault Awareness Month:
- Passive & active programming by Wildcat Wellness
Student Committee Members:
- Samantha, D'Agostino, Psychology Major
- Erik Matthews, Physical Therapy Major
- Eithan Hahn, Physical Therapy Major
- Monahe Marchione, Business (Sport Management) Major
- Cortez Sowell, Health Promotion Major
- Jamie Boyar, Business Major
- Andrew Sischo, Business Major, Men's Basketball Team
- Desirae Marotta, Education Major
- Khamera Muhammad, Political Science Major
- Caroline White, Physical Therapy Major
- Alexis Nowicki, Physical Therapy Major
- Akira McCalla, Biology Major
- Danielle Juby, Health Promotion Major
- McKaylle Woodcock, Physician Assistant Major
- Samantha Barker, Physical Therapy Major
- Telena Smith, Psychology Major
Wildcat Wellness receives support and consultation from the following faculty and administrators:
- Ashley Breth, Coordinator for Health and Wellness Education
- Meg Altman-Cosgrove, Assistant Director, Residence Life
- Dr. Meri Stiles, Associate Professor, Social Work and Sociology
- Hailey Dietrich, Success and Community Engagement Coordinator, CAUSE
- Andrea Jeski, Administrative Assistant, CHIP Center
- Michael Paglicci, Coordinator of Student Transition and Campus Programming
- Stephanie Kresse, Assistant Director, Counseling Services
The College’s efforts do not operate in a vacuum – it partners with the Campus Care Team, Campus Safety, Title IX Coordinator, Laurie Walsh, J.D., lwalsh@daemen.edu, and student groups. Additionally, the College has spearheaded a “Do Something” campaign to continue raising awareness on the important issue.
- A conduct review process that is fair, consistent, and expedient for both the complainant and respondent. The policies and procedures not only comply with the policies outlined by the federal and state governments, but also with the best practices in the profession. Daemen College prides itself on balancing compassion with adjudication and education. Students can review the conduct review process in the Student Handbook.
- As part of that conduct review process, the College has created a simple handout to provide to students who may have experienced a sexual assault or harassment which outlines their rights as well as FAQs on what to expect in coming forward.
- Require completion of a web-based educational orientation, for all incoming students (including transfers and graduate programs) during the summer and early part of the fall term each year. This program addresses alcohol, drug, and sexual assault violence prevention.
- Bystander Intervention Training for all student leaders before classes begin each year. This training includes: Athletes, Greek Leaders, Student Ambassadors, Resident Assistants, Tour Guides, Peer Mentors, and Orientation Leaders. Designed by Crisis Services of Buffalo, this 90-minute class teaches student leaders what to look out for and how to address and prevent something from happening.
- Education for Faculty and Staff, including Campus Security Authorities under the Clery Act and Responsible Persons under Title IX on how to report a crime. One part of that training for CSAs and Responsible Persons is an annual online presentation.
- Regular education and programming including: Red Flag Campaign, Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, Passive Programming Campaigns, and more.
The Student Handbook is the College's official policy and procedure statement of your rights and responsibilities as a Daemen College student. You are encouraged to familiarize yourself with the contents of the handbook and to refer to it as needed for detailed statements of policy and procedure.