The LearningWell Coalition is delighted to announce that Gustavus Adolphus College has joined as its newest full member, bringing a bold, institution-wide commitment to advancing student wellbeing, purpose, belonging, agency, identity, and character formation.
Central to Gustavus’ membership is its recently launched Signature Experience (SigX), a new curricular requirement that guarantees all students participate in at least one high-impact experiential learning opportunity. Whether through internships, student-faculty research, study away, or community-engaged learning, SigX pairs these outward-facing experiences with intentional reflection and guided faculty mentorship. A shared curriculum emphasizes vocational exploration and justice-related values, helping students clarify who they are, what matters to them, and how they want to contribute to the world.
Early assessment data show significant gains in students’ confidence, sense of purpose, and preparation for meaningful careers and service. SigX represents a major step forward in ensuring that transformative learning is not optional or incidental, but a universal part of the Gustavus experience.
Gustavus President John Volin highlighted this commitment, noting: “SigEx reflects Gustavus’ deep and longstanding commitment to equip students for lives of leadership and service. The newly launched Signature Experience elevates well-established high-impact practices by ensuring that all students have access to both the experience itself and guided mentorship from faculty.”
In addition to SigX, Gustavus is also launching the GustieWELL Integrated Hub, a new student-centered model that unifies Health Services, Counseling, and health promotion into a streamlined “no wrong door” system. This work reflects the College’s broader commitment to embedding wellbeing into the student experience in holistic and accessible ways.
“Gustavus is doing exactly the kind of thoughtful, system-level work that defines our Coalition,” said Keith Buffinton, Executive Director, “integrating wellbeing into the fabric of the student experience, embedding purpose and identity formation into academic pathways, and building structures that ensure every student has access to transformational experiences. We are thrilled to welcome Gustavus to our community and look forward to learning with and from their outstanding team of faculty, staff, and administrators.”
As a new member, Gustavus will join a growing network of colleges and universities committed to evidence-based approaches that enhance student flourishing. Faculty and staff will participate in cross-institutional learning communities, and contribute to the shared work of advancing higher education to ensure all students are prepared to flourish in work and in life.
For more information about the LearningWell Coalition, visit learningwell.org
