Dare to CARE is Champlain College's comprehensive wellbeing campaign, focused on four major themes: Connect, Act, Respect, and Empower.
A student's focus on their wellbeing is just as important as their focus on academics. Thriving both personally and professionally in a college environment is achievable through focus, self awareness, and engagement.
What is Dare to CARE?
Dare to CARE represents all of the various wellbeing initiatives happening on our Burlington, Vermont campus and brings them together under one collaborative framework. Many Champlain community members focus on wellbeing in their work with students, whether it be through classroom curricula, student events, Student Health & Wellness Center educational campaigns, and more. Dare to CARE connects the dots between all of these efforts.
What does the 'CARE' in Dare to CARE stand for?
CARE is an acronym for the following words. Further context is provided in italics.
Connect: Access support for yourself and others (people, places, resources).
Act: Take safe and effective action when you see a potential problem (bystander intervention).
Respect: Maintain healthy relationships with others (family, friends, roommates, intimate partners) and yourself (knowing your limits for alcohol and other drugs, setting boundaries).
Empower: Gain knowledge through education and training.
All of these topics and actions are important steps to achieving personal and community-wide wellbeing. Each aspect of the Dare to CARE campaign focuses on one or more of these four themes.
Why is a college-wide wellbeing campaign a priority at Champlain College?
We know navigating college academics, friendships, relationships, internships, and more can be challenging. Life can be a lot to juggle sometimes, and we want to provide the educational opportunities needed so students are aware of the wellbeing resources available on campus and in the community. Adding a few wellbeing tips and tricks to our tool belts can never hurt when trying to center ourselves among competing priorities.
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we all live and learn. Having a good understanding of wellbeing is crucial as students navigate new anxieties, experiences, and challenges in their life as a college student.