The Bearcat Bootcamp Program is an eight-week fitness program sponsored by Baruch College’s Office of Student Life, Health & Wellness Center and Athletics Department. Although the program is a positive step toward improved health, Baruch should allocate more resources toward initiatives that provide support for a larger portion of the student body.  

With the program being open to all students who apply, promotions for the boot camp emphasize a transformation that includes improved nutrition and fitness with a professional. Flyers and social media posts do not provide explicit details. 

This is not the first time the program has run, but finding information and photos of past participants is a challenge. OSL newsletters simultaneously promote the boot camp alongside food access for students. Baruch acknowledges food insecurity and offers the Bearcat Food Pantry and the Fresh Food Program.  

The Bearcat Food Pantry is available by appointment, but the Fresh Food Program is available for all students to grab and go. Baruch Health Services also lists examples from food groups following guidelines from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

However, more students could learn about nutrition and fitness if Baruch created general workshops and info sessions about personal health. As nutrition is an important aspect of the bootcamp, it’s important to acknowledge the socioeconomic implications of food insecurity.  

Mental health is also a major issue among college students. The Counseling Center provides various forms of counseling and consultation to support students’ mental health needs. Consultation services help students establish goals and recommend future treatment outside of their provided short-term services.  

Health and fitness should be treated similarly with available programs for all students throughout each semester.  

Students deserve more opportunities to utilize resources to learn about ways to take care of their minds and bodies while tackling education.