Symposium 6th World Congress on Positive Psychology 2019

“If You Build It, They Will Come”:  A Field Of Dreams (And Challenges) In Implementing Positive Psychology Within Our Universities (#404)

Rachel Colla 1
  1. University of Melbourne, The University Of Melbourne, VIC, Australia

The business case for implementing positive psychology practices in higher education has never been stronger.  Key indicators such as declining student wellbeing and engagement, as well as an increasingly complex landscape for graduate outcomes, calls for a more innovative approach in pedagogy, policy and community practices.  While the application of wellbeing science has gained significant impetus in both secondary and elementary settings, tertiary education has gained less traction.  This system has a significant influence not only on students and staff, but also has key ramifications for the flow on effect to industry and secondary education systems.  This symposium will explore the varying approaches that a number of key players in this sector have taken.  Our speakers (including Nance Lucas, Aaron Jarden, Lisa Sansom, and Helena Marujo) will outline their vision and the strategic approach they took to begin this journey; together with the challenges and tactics required to overcome these in their implementation.  Participants will be able to draw upon the divergent approaches outlined in this session to assess the how they can align their approach to their own organisational metrics; allowing them to build their own strategy to embed their approach in the overarching system of the university.