Tackling the student mental health crisis through intentional programming and expert management
The Crisis on Campus
College students today are facing unprecedented levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, with recent studies showing a marked increase in severe mental health concerns compared to previous years. One in five adults in the United States experiences a mental health challenge each year (National Alliance on Mental Illness [NAMI], 2023). Statistics for college students are even more concerning. According to the Healthy Minds survey (2023), 44% of US college students experienced symptoms of depression, and 37% reported feelings of anxiety. Academic pressure, the drive to succeed, and poor sleep quality remain consistent sources of strain, compounded by challenges related to self-esteem, body image, and social relationships (Emmerton et al, 2024). These issues affect students’ well-being and academic performance, persistence, and sense of belonging on campus.
As mental health concerns continue to rise, university administrators must look beyond traditional methods to provide proactive, accessible solutions. One powerful tool lies within collegiate recreation centers, which foster physical activity, social connection, and skill development. Far more than just workout spaces, recreation centers often serve as essential hubs of wellness and engagement, helping students manage stress, build resilience, and create healthy habits that support both immediate success and lifelong wellness.
College Student Stress
Attending college is thought to be a time of excitement in a young adult’s life. College students get to feel independent, creative, and free. Unfortunately, the increasing rate of mental health issues can put a halt to the excitement and replace it with extreme stress. Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental health issue in the US, and rates are rising (World Health Organization [WHO], 2017). Factors contributing to the rise in mental health issues are reduced stigma, increased recognition, social and emotional risks, increased awareness and reporting, and increased comfort using resources (Moskow et al, 2024).
Studies show that 75% of lifelong mental illness begins by age 24, with anxiety symptoms most commonly arising from early adolescence through young adulthood. The primary goal of higher education is to provide academic instruction to students. However, it is well documented that physical and mental issues compromise a person’s academic potential (Dave et al, 2024). Given the above data and the stressors of college life, it is crucial for universities to provide prevention and intervention strategies to students.
The Physical and Mental Health Link
The connection between physical activity and mental wellness is well documented, with expanding evidence showing exercise is a highly effective tool for reducing stress, anxiety, and depression as well as improving mental wellness and developing self-management skills among adolescents (Zhang et al, 2024). To quote the famous Elle Woods (Luketic, 2001): “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy.” That quote oversimplifies the relationship between physical activity and mental wellness, but it is a catchy way for people to remember there is a connection.
Regular physical movement stimulates the release of the neurochemicals, endorphins, which are often referred to as the “feel-good hormones.” Endorphins are responsible for elevating mood and creating a sense of well-being (Mayo Clinic, 2023). In addition to mood regulation, physical activity has been linked to improved cognitive function, including enhanced memory, attention span, and cognitive processing speed. All of these, assist in academic performance by helping students remain focused and energized (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2025). In short, physical activity should be included in a college student’s mental wellness toolkit.
Belonging is More Than a Buzzword
Academic performance, use of resources, overall wellness, and general school experience are all impacted by a student’s sense of belonging at their particular school (Stubblebine et all, 2024). Belonging also supports retention and graduation rates among undergraduate students (Eubank & DeVita, 2023).
Belonging is defined by Walton & Brady (2017) as “general inference, drawn from cues, events, and relationships, about the quality of fit or potential fit between oneself and a setting. It is experienced as a feeling of being accepted, included, and respected…”(p.272). Campus recreation departments offer recreational, leisure, and wellness activities. Students who participate in any of these activities have a significantly higher quality of life, overall well-being, and sense of belonging than those who do not participate in any of the activities offered by campus recreation departments (Ahmed, 2024). This underscores the importance of marketing campus recreation programs and services to fully activate the offerings and to maximize benefits across the student population.
Campus Recreation as a Mental Health Tool
Collegiate recreation and wellness departments offer a wide variety of resources and opportunities for students to engage in wellness activities. These recreation centers vary greatly depending on geographical location, student population, and available funds. One commonality of all collegiate recreation centers is that they exist to assist in the student experience and increase a sense of belonging, which aids in recruitment and retention of students (Delgarn, 2001). Recreation professionals use a philosophy of something for everyone, and all are welcome to outfit the facility and build a programming schedule.
College recreation centers are not just for athletes or those who want a killer workout. Many include activities such as intramural sports, wellness programs, outdoor trips, group fitness and mind-body classes, eSports, relaxation areas, and special events. This breadth ensures that students of all backgrounds can find meaningful ways to connect. Beyond physical and mental health benefits, recreation centers serve as inclusive spaces that foster community and belonging to engage a diverse student population.
This broad approach ensures that all students, regardless of skill or background, can find meaningful ways to connect. Participation not only promotes healthier lifestyles but also builds friendships and support networks that strengthen students’ sense of belonging. Ultimately, recreation centers enrich the campus experience by promoting wellness, reducing stress, and supporting retention and success, making them essential contributors to both individual growth and institutional outcomes.
Recreation Expertise is Critical to Success
Most colleges and universities were founded with two main functions in mind: educating students and conducting research. Over time, it has become clear that students need more than a classroom education to be prepared for life after college.
While the needs vary based on institution and student population, it is clear that individuals responsible for student support services must have specialized knowledge of the services they are providing. Student success and retention are closely tied to non-academic areas on campus, such as recreation (Henchy, 2011).
Campus recreation centers are not made from a mold. There is careful research and analysis behind the design, planning, programming, and operation of each of these facilities. There are multiple, well-established theories, dating back to 1975, on student involvement, engagement, and retention. Without staff dedicated to these practices, a recreation center risks being simply a building rather than a hub for key student experiences.
Why Outsourced Management is a Smart Choice
Outsourcing campus recreation management provides colleges and universities with a strategic advantage by allowing campus leadership to focus on their core mission—academics—while trusted experts oversee student recreation and wellbeing.
Partnering with CENTERS ensures that recreation services are managed by seasoned professionals who specialize in the field and bring proven practices from multiple campuses nationwide. This approach eliminates the need for administrators to learn a new industry and instead places responsibilities into the hands of experts who already know what works.
Through this model, colleges gain access to proven best practices as well as specialized staff recruitment, training, and assessment. This brings relief for campus leadership, freeing administrators to prioritize academics and institutional goals while CENTERS manages holistic student well-being. This proven approach allows universities to be confident that their recreation facilities, programs, and services are not only well-managed, but also aligned with their broader mission of enhancing the student experience and supporting student success.
Examples in Action
CENTERS applies its collective expertise through the Program of Innovation and the Program of Systems and Standards. These initiatives provide frameworks for evaluating business practices, monitoring industry trends, and assessing facilities, programs, and services across all managed campuses. By sharing resources and proven strategies, CENTERS ensures that each partner institution has access to a robust toolbox of resources without duplicating work, strengthening the foundation for student health, wellness, and engagement.
Student employment is a particularly powerful example. Data from CENTERS’ part-time employee survey indicates that working within a recreation facility directly contributes to student health, wellness, and satisfaction. By designing recreation employment models that emphasize professional development and well-being, CENTERS contributes to healthier, more engaged students.
Another advantage is the cross-campus collaboration embedded in our Program of Systems and Standards (POSS). Through shared committees on programming and wellness, CENTERS-managed locations benefit from collective insight and benchmarking that self-operated or competitor models cannot replicate. This collaboration accelerates adoption of effective wellness strategies and ensures every campus remains aligned with industry standards and emerging trends.
While no single program is revolutionary on its own, CENTERS’ management approach combines proven wellness elements into a cohesive model that reliably elevates outcomes above baseline standards. This includes:
- Equipment selection designed for diverse users—supporting every ability, interest, and fitness level.
- Fitness programming at scale, from group fitness to personal training.
- Special programming and collaborations that bring wellness into recreation, positioning the rec center as a tentpole facility for campus-wide health initiatives.
- Institution-specific alignment, where solutions are tailored to inspire, empower, and advance the unique mission of each partner.
Through this intentional model, CENTERS transforms recreation centers from gyms into strategic wellness hubs. The payoff is evident: healthier students, stronger engagement, and facilities that serve as anchors of community and belonging.
Institutional Payoff
In summary, college students are facing rising levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, which can hinder academic performance and diminish the overall college experience. While counseling services are critically important, recreation centers provide a downstream way to support student wellness. Physical activity reduces stress, improves mood, and enhances focus, while also contributing to better sleep, increased energy, and greater resilience. These benefits make campus recreation centers a vital part of the student wellness toolkit.
The CENTERS Advantage
Mental health is too complex for any single department to address effectively. True impact on student health, wellness, and belonging requires collaboration across multiple areas of campus life. Recreation programs, services, and facilities play a vital role in supporting the whole student, not just their academic growth, but they demand specialized expertise to reach their full potential.
When CENTERS manages a recreation facility, campuses gain access to the collective knowledge of industry professionals, extending far beyond the skills of a single on-site team. This innovative model transforms recreation centers into strategic assets for both physical and mental health, while also contributing to student recruitment, retention, and belonging. Higher education leaders can feel confident knowing CENTERS provides a critical piece of the student wellness equation, ensuring recreation centers truly enhance the overall student experience.
Michelle Rieger, PhD, is Director of Programming & Operations for University Recreation and Wellbeing at Cleveland State University, managed by CENTERS, LLC. She oversees facility operations, programming, marketing, assessment, staff development, and risk management while directing departmental planning and culture initiatives. With progressive leadership experience across aquatics, fitness, and recreation, she has advanced mentoring programs such as the ORSA Aspiring Leaders Workshop and contributed to regional and national associations. Dr. Rieger earned her PhD from Concordia University Chicago and frequently presents at national conferences and in industry publications.