Gladstone’s Bachelor of Learning Management students are learning yoga, self-defence and belly dancing as part of a program designed to make happier and healthier students.

BLM Lecturer, Helen Holden said the faculty had been trialling the “Healthy Mind & Healthy Body” program since the start of term.

The program allows students to join their peers in a number of extra curricular activities held on campus on Thursday mornings.

“Research indicates that first year tertiary students who are socially connected with peers and staff, have a far better chance of doing well in their subjects and will be less likely to drop out of university”.

“When students take the time to get to know each other outside of class hours it also benefits the campus as a whole, as it creates a supportive and enjoyable learning environment for all,” Ms Holden said .

The BLM staff and students are now inviting other faculties and divisions to join them in their activities and are especially interested in hearing from people willing to help formalise the group into a club.

“The Education and Creative Arts Faculty here in Gladstone has sponsored the initial program for first term. However, we wish to continue this event on campus on a permanent basis, therefore we are seeking support from interested people to form a ‘Healthy Mind and Healthy Body’ club,” said Ms Holden.

Central Queensland University Student Association has a program whereby student based interest groups and clubs are established and supported via administration, organisation and finance. The Student Association is very keen to see a club of this kind established on the Gladstone campus. Anyone interested in helping to establish the “Healthy Minds & Healthy Body” program should contact Helen or Shannon at the Gladstone campus on 4970 7247 or 49707359 or e-mail: s.law@cqu.edu.au. or h.holden@cqu.edu.au.