Life Balance Credit Program
Objective
The Life Balance Credit program is a key initiative reinforcing Hartwick College’s commitment to holistic student well-being, aligning with our identity as "The Life Balance College." This program rewards full-time students who meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) with a $250 credit on their student account for their next semester for actively engaging in activities that promote balance across academic, physical, emotional, and financial wellness. Students can earn $500 per year if they complete this for both semesters.
How it Works
- Each semester, eligible students can complete a series of activities on the list below across different wellness pillars.
- To earn the $250 per semester Life Balance Credit, students must participate in at least three activities from the approved list.
- Activities are designed to support various aspects of well-being, including academics, physical and mental health, career readiness, and social engagement and are meant to be inclusive of all, regardless of level of physical ability.
- Verification is largely based on the honor system, but students are required to submit photos or other documentation through the designated Google Form.
- Upon review and approval of the submissions, the credit will be applied to the student’s account for their next semester.
Program Implementation
- Activity Tracking: Students log their activities using a Google Form, where they can upload documentation (e.g., photos).
- Verification: A designated staff member or team will review submissions and, once verified, enter a Colleague code that triggers the “Life Balance Credit” on the student’s bill.
Approved Activities for the Life Balance Credit
The activities are grouped into four key pillars that support overall life balance:
- Attend a career exploration trip or participate in the Success Summit.
- Meet with a career advisor in the Office of Career Development and Network Engagement to discuss post-graduation plans. Write a one-page summary with at least three action items in the plan.
- Participate in academic-focused College-sponsored activities.
- Join or start a book club focused on professional development or personal growth. Include a summary of the name of the book, people in group and a summary of the book and what you learned from it.
- Attend a resume-building workshop and complete your resume. Include your resume draft when submitting.
- Sign up for sessions with a personal trainer or attend fitness classes. Students must complete 90% attendance throughout the semester.
- Hike the Table Rock trails at least three times.
- Visit Pine Lake at least three times and canoe, kayak or hike while there. Include pictures.
- Meet with the Commons dietician for a personalized nutrition plan. Write a summary of what you learned and how the plan helped you.
- Participate in an intramural sport or recreational wellness program for the semester (e.g., yoga, meditation). Attend at least 90% of all events.
- Meet with a peer health advisor for guidance on mental or physical health at least twice a semester.
- Attend a DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) event. Write a summary of the event and what you learned. Comment on the associated event post on Instagram and note what you learned or enjoyed most.
- Join a new club or attend an existing club event. Stay involved all semester with at least 90% attendance.
- Organize or attend a group outing to at least three Hartwick Division III athletic events with five or more friends.
- Volunteer to work on at least three campus initiatives, including open houses, alum weekends, high school campus and/or other guest speaker events.
- Write a half-page summary of what you learned during the semester by participating in the residential life skills curriculum.
- Get an annual flu shot and schedule an annual physical check-up.
- Participate in at least two financial wellness workshops run by The Office of Financial Aid and Student Accounts.
- Set up a one-on-one meeting with a financial aid advisor to discuss loan repayment or scholarship opportunities. Write a summary of what you learned as a result of this meeting.
- Participate in a personal finance class.
Program Logistics
Submission Deadline
All activities must be completed and submitted by the week before the last week of classes.
Verification Process
Submissions will be reviewed at the end of each semester. Approved credits will be applied to student accounts within two weeks of verification.
Recognition
Students who consistently complete activities each semester will be recognized at the end of the academic year.
This program encourages students to take proactive steps toward achieving a balanced and fulfilling college experience while earning a tangible reward for their efforts.