Exercise is Medicine^® On Campus (EIM-OC) is a global initiative that's spearheaded by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) with participation by more than 220 colleges and universities in 38 countries, including Princeton University.  The common goal of the program is for every student to graduate with better health and fitness than when they began; to become knowledgeable and passionate advocates for the benefits of regular physical activity; and to work toward the systematic assessment and promotion of physical activity within healthcare.  EIM-OC helps all students understand the connection between exercise, health and academic success as well as provides hands-on, experiential learning. These are just a few of the ways that Princeton University engages its campus community:

• making movement a part of the daily campus culture
• assessing physical activity at every student health visit
• providing students with the tools necessary to strengthen healthy physical activity habits that can last a lifetime
• connecting university healthcare providers with university health-fitness specialists to provide a referral system for exercise prescription

Recognition Program

In 2024, Princeton University was recognized by the ACSM as one of 145 universities and colleges around the world to be honored for its efforts to create a culture of wellness on campus.  Of the 145 institutions, 83 received gold, 44 silver and 18 bronze.  Princeton University -- the only Ivy League school to receive any recognition -- was able to achieve Gold Campus status due to Campus Recreation offering the following:

• state-of-the-art recreation/fitness facility
• Health and Wellness Speaker Series (classes)
• special fitness events
• virtual and in-person group-exercise activities
• fitness consultations
• personal training
• partnership with Counseling and Psychological Services – under the direction of Dr. Calvin Chin – to provide physical activity assessments and referrals

Princeton University also achieved gold status in 2023 (149 institutions were recognized with 73 receiving gold, 55 silver and 21 bronze) and 2022 (158 institutions were recognized with 74 receiving gold, 61 silver and 23 bronze).

Some of the programs, events and offerings in FY23 (2022-23):

• Instructional Classes (Fundamentals of Running; Yoga 101; KO Boxing; Boxing 101; Intro to Strength Training; Figure Skating I and II; Krav Maga 101; Ballroom Dance 101; Tai Chi 101; Mind-full to Mindful; Yoga Basics; and Self Defense)
• Group Exercise Classes
• Health and Wellness Speaker Series (24 classes; 347 participants)
• Special Events (Clash of the Colleges; 5K Turkey Trot; Cardboard Canoe Race; and Dodgeball)
• Earth Day Yoga
• Fitness Events (Virtual Frozen 5K; Residential College Step Challenge; Indoor Rowing Regatta; Bench Press Challenge; and Carnival of Fitness)
• Intramurals (2 tournaments; 14 leagues; 3,209 participants)
• Sport Clubs (155 competitions; 38 Sport Club Teams; 1,414 participants)
• Dillon Gymnasium (291,805 visits)
• Personal Training (1,237 sessions)
• Wellness Programs (body composition; fitness appraisal; and fitness consultation)

Princeton University EIM-OC Leadership Team:

• Daniel Bennett - Advisor (Associate Director of Campus Recreation, Facilities and Operations, Campus Recreation)
• Calvin Chin, PhD - Health Care Professional (Director, Counseling and Psychological Services)
• Matt Brzycki - Health Fitness Professional (Assistant Director of Campus Recreation, Fitness, Campus Recreation)
• Emily Perez '25 - Student Representative (Student Facility Manager, Campus Recreation)
• Connor Neill '25 - Student Representative (Student Facility Manager, Campus Recreation)