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Research: The Push-Up Challenge Delivers More Than Fitness

Physical activity initiatives offer universities an opportunity to improve student wellbeing while encouraging conversations about mental health. The University of Melbourne evaluated The Push-Up Challenge, a national program combining a month-long physical activity challenge with daily mental health education, self-care messages and help-seeking information. Tracking more than 29,000 participants, the study found improvements in wellbeing, increased help‑seeking and greater engagement in self‑care, alongside a rise in physical activity during the challenge. Although these activity levels were not sustained long term, the findings suggest universities can leverage engaging, large‑scale wellbeing campaigns to boost physical activity, strengthen mental health literacy and encourage early help‑seeking among students.

Citation: Logan, N., Morgan, A., Ross, A., et al. Evaluating the Push-Up Challenge: Impacts on Mental Health, Help-Seeking and Exercise Behaviours in Australia. Journal of Prevention, 2026. (link)

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Research: Sharper Minds for Better Student Wellbeing

University students experience high rates of psychological distress, highlighting the need for practical, preventative approaches that promote both mental and physical wellbeing. The University of Queensland evaluated ‘Sharper Minds’, a six-week mental health promotion package co-designed with students that combines a weekly self-monitoring tool with short, evidence-based courses (covering physical activity, sleep, healthy eating, social […]

Healthy Campus Community of Practice: Student Mental Health and Wellbeing

Forty-seven university representatives from across Australia and New Zealand came together online on Tuesday 28 July for the latest UniSport Healthy Campus Community of Practice, which explored practical ways to advance mental health and wellbeing through the FISU Healthy Campus program.  The session focused on FISU Healthy Campus Criteria 82–89, with presenters sharing practical implementation strategies, whole-of-university approaches and initiatives designed to support the wellbeing of students and staff.  The session […]

FISU Healthy Campus Program Signatories

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