SRU Unplugged is a student-led wellness initiative on campus focused on encouraging college students to reduce screen time and engage with their community.
From Nov. 12 to Nov. 19, SRU Unplugged hosted a wellness challenge for students to participate in.
The challenge was posted in the form of a bingo board. For each activity on a bingo square, students could complete the task and submit their proof to SRU Unplugged on Instagram to earn an entry.
The board portrayed a variety of challenges encompassing physical, social and mental health and well-being. Some examples included “Take 10,000 steps” and “Grab a coffee with a friend”.
“I think this initiative was really important to mental health and real human connection,” SRU Unplugged said. “I think the challenge helped people feel the benefits.”
Three winners were chosen to win gift cards to local businesses in Slippery Rock. The gift cards included Giant Eagle, Rooster’s and Ginger Hill Tavern.
SRU students Chloe Buckheimer, Cassie Clouse and Logan Reynolds were the winners of the challenge.
Buckenheimer had a positive experience being involved in the challenge, and she would participate in something similar again.
“Taking time out of my day to do some activities felt a lot better than scrolling on my phone for hours,” Buckenheimer said.
Clouse said she put in effort to do a variety of activities, and that her goal is to decrease her screen time. “As college students, we’re often too addicted to our phones, and this challenge helps give us a break from that,” she said.
Reynolds said that he will continue being cognizant about his screen time. “I was already somewhat intrigued about it, but this challenge reinforced the purpose of being ‘unplugged’,” he said.
SRU Unplugged had a goal of 50 participants submitting entries to the wellness challenge.
The total resulted in 25 participants, many of whom completed multiple activities from the bingo board.
“My group really enjoyed the submissions we saw and were really excited with engagement, even if it wasn’t what we initially hoped for,” SRU Unplugged said.
The initiative’s Instagram page gained 219 followers, exceeding their goal of 200.
“I definitely think students who engaged liked it, as many did multiple challenges,” SRU Unplugged said. “The picture and video proof seemed to show genuine joy.”
SRU Unplugged is open to students taking over the initiative in the future. Individuals are encouraged to reach out to the initiative if they are interested.
