Why #McGillMoves?
Read about the surveys, reviews, and student voices that influence this campaign.
Research
National College Health Assessment Survey
In 2019, the National College Health Assessment (NCHA) showed that 76% of McGill students polled were interested in receiving information on physical activity from the University. Yet, only 42% of the respondents said to have received such information. Nevertheless, the 2022 NCHA survey results show that 49% of students surveyed spend one-to-five hours participating in physical exercise, team sports, recreational sports, or physically active hobbies in a typical week (7 days).
Infographic text for screen readers
Title: Hours spent on physical activity in a typical week compared to other common activities.
Column 1, Participating in physical exercise, team sports, recreational sports, or physically active hobbies: 0 hours = 26%, 1-5 hours=49%, 6-10 hours=18%, 11-15 hours=4%, More than 15 hours=3%.
Column 2, Socializing with friends: 0 hours=9%, 1-5 hours=47%, 6-10 hours=26%, 11-15 hours=11%, More than 15 hours=7%.
Column 3, Watching TV, streaming movies/TV, or other media or entertainment: 0 hours=4%, 1-5 hours=35%, 6-10 hours=32%, 11-15 hours=17%, More than 15 hours=11%.
Column 4, Studying and other academic activities outside of class: 0 hours=1%, 1-5 hours=10%, 6-10 hours=19%, 11-15 hours=20%, more than 15 hours=50%
Data source: National College Health Assessment, McGill University, Spring 2022
Infographic text for screen readers
Title: Information on physical activity received from university.
Column 1: Received information on physical activity=42%
Column 2: Interested in receiving information on physical activity=76%
Data source: National College Health Assessment, McGill University, Spring 2019
Landscape Review
Research has demonstrated over time that movement and exercise boost individuals’ immune systems and mental health (Woods et al., 2020; Mikkelsen et al., 2017). However, the COVID-19 pandemic created implications and repercussions on individuals’ physical and mental health. Due to restrictions, students in universities no longer had consistent access to their recreational facilities.
In an effort to get McGill students moving, McGill’s Student Services conducted a landscape review to learn more about what other major universities (namely U15 members) have done to promote movement and physical activity. Among these were some that were part of a scoping review done by the Mental Health Commission of Canada on Post-Secondary Student Mental Health and demonstrated trailblazing practices with “systematic approaches to addressing student mental health” (Linden et al., 2018).
With inspiration from the University of British Columbia’s Move UBC Campaign, McGill Recreation, Student Services and Student Wellness Hub began collaborating to design/implement a campaign focusing on the importance of physical activity/movement, starting with input from our very own students.
The McGill Student Voice
Students are key to the success of the #McGillMoves campaign.
From the very beginning, we have been committed to consulting with students, establishing a feedback loop via our website and incorporating the student voice throughout the implementation of the #McGillMoves initiative.
As of June 2022, the Hub Peer Supporter Team, compromised of a group of students, has provided input and will continue to do so throughout the course of the project.
Our students have emphasized the importance of inclusiveness, variety, creativity, accessibility, as well simple and straightforward information.