The wellness wheel is an adapted tool that represents a holistic collaboration of programs and services at Northern Illinois University who come together to help support the student athlete experience. There are multiple aspects of wellness that impact a student athlete’s experience and can help them be successful in the classroom, in competition, and in the community.
Emotional
The NIU Athletic Department makes mental health, wellness, and support a priority. By maintaining a healthy emotional life, student athletes can help increase their overall health.
Intellectual
Balancing athletics with academics requires exceptional time management, organization, and discipline. By promoting your intellectual wellbeing and maximizing your potential you can be a champion in the classroom.Â
Physical
Physical wellbeing is about strengthening and caring for your body. This involves exercise, nutrition, and preventive care. NIU is proud to be at the forefront of taking care of our student athletes to help make them champions in competition.
Environmental
The NIU Athletic Department takes great pride in giving back to local communities throughout the year. Environmental wellness means taking care of your personal surroundings, and giving back to your community is the Huskie way. Communiversity is pillar of Northern Illinois University, and it shows in the community service events of the department. We are an engaged institution in our partnerships between NIU and the surrounding communities.
Occupational
The NIU Athletic Department partners with Career Services to bring programming to our student athletes to maximize their occupational wellbeing and have a positive impact on their career development. Students will not only be able to have programing and services but can also get assistance on campus regarding resume and cover letter assistance, interview preparation, graduate school preparation, as well as help finding jobs and internships.
Social
It is important that student athletes get involved on campus and make the most of their campus experience and their social wellbeing. At NIU there are over 200 organizations, 40 fraternity and sorority chapters, and opportunities to connect with NIU’s Diversity and Cultural Resource Centers.Â
Financial
Financial literacy is key for preparing for a student athlete’s future and looking after their financial wellness. The Huskie Experience program works with campus and community partners to provide students resources on financial aid, budgeting, managing debt, planning for the future, and more.
Spiritual
Spiritual wellness impacts many lives thought faith, personal connections, and guides you though life’s challenges. There are many ways that students can be connected to their spiritual wellbeing at NIU and in the surrounding communities.  Â
