Larner College of Medicine

The Wellness Environment is a neuroscience inspired, incentive based behavior change program designed to build healthy brains at UVM. Founded in 2014 by Dr. Jim Hudziak, WE represents an exquisite partnership between the Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine and the UVM Division of Student Affairs. WE students learn the science of brain health from Larner faculty, and earn incentives to encourage brain building behaviors in their residence hall and across campus - all in an environment free from the distractions of drugs and alcohol. At UVM and Larner, we build healthy brains.

What makes WE, WE?

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Healthy Brains, Healthy Bodies Course (COMU1010)

Learn the science of behavior change and building a healthy brain, all while building connections with your WE community.
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Central Campus Residence Hall

Environment shapes behavior - Central Campus Residence Hall is filled with brain building amenities like Tonal home fitness, Peloton bikes, yoga studio, fitness center, and in hall dining
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The WE Code

All WE students must sign the WE Code where they agree to keep drugs and alcohol, and their influence, out of the environment.
students doing yoga outside in front of a building students smiling students smiling

Events

Throughout the school year, the Wellness Environment hosts a variety of events open to the entire UVM community. Some of the events are the WE Talent Show, 4/20 5K, Outdoor Movie Nights, and more.

Wellness Environment
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Behavioral Change Health Studies Minor

The Behavioral Change Health Studies Minor curriculum exposes students to not only topics covered in the Healthy Brains, Healthy Bodies course, but also cutting edge research with a focus on behavioral change science.

Behavioral Change Health Studies Minor
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WE in the News

National Recognition

Gorgeous Neuroscience Meets Student Life Incentives for Healthy Habits Welcome to College. Plus Meditation, Minus Drinking It's Brain Science: University Fights Binge Drinking with Meditation At UVM, substance-free dorms come with yoga, violins, and Peloton bikes

WE Team

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William (Bill) E. Copeland

Professor, Psychiatry • Thomas M. Achenbach Chair, Developmental Psychopathology

william.copeland@med.uvm.edu
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Jeff G. Rettew

Assistant Professor • Faculty Associate, UVM Wellness Environment

jeffrey.rettew@med.uvm.edu