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Wellbeing in Higher Education Network Gathering 2023 Wellbeing in Higher Education Network Gathering 2023

Montreaux, Switzerland

The Wellbeing in Higher Education Network held its annual gathering this year in Switzerland. Participants from 34 of our member institutions immersed themselves in experiential spaces fostering wellbeing of the mind, body, and soul and its relation to our practices in Higher Education.

During our days together, we built a space of connection, learning, and growth for our community as we focused on envisioning and co-creating models that weave wellbeing into higher education programs and curricula focused on social innovation and change. The broad goals of our gathering included:

Enhancing collaboration and strengthening relationships

Facilitating knowledge creation and sharing

Fostering a sense of identity as a community

Building the foundations for our next year together

The gathering was co-hosted by The Wellbeing Project, Facens University, Georgetown University, Highpoint University, and Mondragon University. Daily workshops and practices, led by our incredible network members, allowed for contemplation and creativity in imagining a future for Higher Education centering wellbeing. Some highlights were:

Wrapping spaces to hold our community together, fostering storytelling, mapping and creativity
Presentation of the Inner Work Think Tank for Social Change in partnership with Georgetown University
Unconferencing methodology to address our shared topics of interest and expertise around wellbeing in higher education

Together we imagined a future for Global Higher Education that integrates wellbeing into every aspect of our education systems and promotes flourishing for all. We thank all of our network members for being part of making this event and shared work so special!

Testimonials From Our Members Testimonials From Our Members

Haikus & Poems From Our Gathering Haikus & Poems From Our Gathering

Haikus & Poems Haikus & Poems

By The Higher Education Network

Get ready to embark on a journey through the poetic expressions of The Higher Education Network‘s annual gathering in Switzerland.

In this collection, you will discover haikus and poems that echo the spirit of intellectual exploration, camaraderie, and the shared commitment to the future of wellbeing in education. Each syllable is a brushstroke, painting a picture of contemplation, connection, and elevation of the mind. Through verses inspired by the serene landscapes, the vibrant discussions, and the harmonious bonds formed, we invite you to experience the essence of this gathering.

As you immerse yourself in these poetic reflections, may you find inspiration, insight, and a renewed sense of purpose in the pursuit of wellbeing and enlightenment within the realm of education.

University of North Texas at Dallas

Dallas, TX (Southern Sector – Oak Cliff Community)
United States.

The University of North Texas at Dallas (UNTD) is the only public, accredited 4-year university in the city of Dallas, serving the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. UNTD is classified as a Hispanic-serving institution and has served as a pathway to social mobility since its establishment in 2010. UNTD is a collaborative, partnerships-focused institution that also serves under-resourced areas in North Texas. The University of North Texas at Dallas is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees.

Bilal Ghalib

Bloom.pm

Beirut, Lille, Detroit –
Lebanon, France, Michigan/USA

Bilal Ghalib is the co-founder and Head of Research at Bloom. He has 18 years of experience working with social enterprises and organizations in the USA and MENA. He helped found Bloom in 2016 with the vision of creating positive change by facilitating personal and professional development for social entrepreneurs in the Middle East and Africa. Bilal holds a Master’s degree from the Universite de Paris in Interdisciplinary Approaches to Research and Education. He applies his expertise at Bloom by conducting research and development on applied positive psychological frameworks for creating a community-oriented, online learning environment for startups. Furthermore, he manages team development, builds organizational partnerships, and co-facilitates online accelerator programs.

What does inner wellbeing mean to you?

Inner wellbeing is a state of equanimity that arises from patience and acceptance of what is. It means to have the knowledge and skills to be able to take care of the challenges and stressors that life brings.

How would you define wellbeing in one word?

Balance.

Are there any rituals or practices you use to enhance your wellbeing?

Alongside meditation and journaling, I find that building rich and vulnerable friendships support my wellbeing.

Why is it important that we prioritize individual, organizational and societal wellbeing?

The ripple-down effects impact every level of society. Firstly healthy minds and hearts are their own reward. Secondly, there are many impacts from the reduction of stress leading to less costs of healthcare, to a person’s okness changing(reducing) their consumption patterns, to more effective teams, to confidence in choosing vocations which support a healthy person and a healthy planet. It seems wellbeing, where ever it manifests, is both the reward and the way to a more positive future.

Do you have any favourite books, podcasts, or articles that you believe support, promote, or educate on wellbeing and related themes?

I loved the onbeing podcast. Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching, the Quran. A Hidden Wholeness by Parker Palmer. Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown. An Everyone Culture by Robert Kegan and many others

Connect with Bilal Ghalib on social media :