Thriving @ Dartmouth

This course is offered for WE Credit at various times.

This 7-week course, developed by the Student Wellness Center, is designed to help you enhance your holistic well-being through evidence-based practices. It combines the Mindfulness Institute for Emerging Adults (MIEA) mindfulness skills training curriculum with practices and activities based in the PERMA-V model, a multi-dimensional approach to well-being from positive psychology that incorporates positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, accomplishments, and vitality.

One class meeting each week focuses on mindfulness skills* and the other is grounded in the PERMA-V model.

This 7-week course, developed by the Student Wellness Center, is designed to help you enhance your holistic well-being through evidence-based practices. It combines the Mindfulness Institute for Emerging Adults (MIEA) mindfulness skills training curriculum with practices and activities based in the PERMA-V model, a multi-dimensional approach to well-being from positive psychology that incorporates positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, accomplishments, and vitality (Seligman, 2011). 

One class meeting each week focuses on mindfulness skills* and the other is grounded in the PERMA-V model. Content and skill/practice pairings are oriented toward a common topic each week and explore application on the individual, interpersonal, and community/societal level. 

Students will create a supportive community by fostering a sense of respect and belonging, building connection between themselves and their peers, and supporting one another during shared experiences.

Learning Outcomes:

The course includes lessons and experiential learning exercises that encourage students to: 

• Increase self-awareness through cultivating a mindfulness practice
• Explore and apply their strengths in a balanced way
• Take intentional action on their goals 
• Invest in their relationships
• Cultivate and strengthen positive emotions such as gratitude and loving-kindness
• Live with meaning and purpose
• Contribute positively to the world in which you want to live, both now and into the future

Course Requirements: 

1. Because this course is based on practices and information presented during class sessions, attendance and active participation is required (active participation will include engaging in class discussions, reflective activities, active listening with others, and the practice of new skills).  You are expected to attend, keep an open mind, and participate in class discussions & activities. Students must attend 12 of the 14 classes and submit a weekly practice log to receive WE credit. 

2. This course is highly experiential and includes components of daily reflection and practice. We recommend that you plan to set aside 15-20 minutes a day for regular practice and guided reflection. 

3. Each student will be asked to log their practices and reflect on their experiences with mindfulness throughout the duration of the course. 

Class sessions may involve gentle movement exercises (e.g. mindful movement (yoga), mild walking/hiking).