About the Journal

The Journal of Academic Life: Health, Function, and Participation was developed in 2025 to promote the expansion of knowledge into innovative practices in higher education that promote inclusion and wellbeing in academic environments.  

Vision

We envision post-secondary institutions as places where meaningful engagement in daily activities is recognized and supported as essential to health, learning, and personal growth. Through interdisciplinary scholarship that values the interplay of individuals and their environments, the journal strives to inspire innovations that enhance participation, well-being, and success—empowering all campus community members to thrive within inclusive and equitable academic environments.

 

Aims & Scope

The Journal of Academic Life: Health, Function, and Participation is a peer-reviewed, interdisciplinary journal dedicated to exploring the dynamic relationships between meaningful engagement, health, and participation in post-secondary settings. We provide a forum for scholarship examining how environments and social contexts influence individuals’ ability to fully participate in academic, work, and social roles on campus.

We publish original research, theoretical work, program descriptions, and reflective pieces addressing themes such as:

  • The central role of meaningful daily activities in academic engagement and overall well-being
  • Creating inclusive learning environments and universal design for learning that support participation
  • Psychosocial and functional supports enhancing success for students, faculty, and staff
  • Navigating transitions and adaptations throughout the academic journey
  • Interprofessional and cross-campus collaborations to improve health and participation
  • Environmental, cultural, and social factors impacting campus life
  • Innovations in education and service delivery promoting inclusive participation
  • Strategies to advance equity, access, and belonging through participation-centered approaches

Contributions are welcomed from higher education professionals, psychology and counseling professionals, occupational therapy professionals and allied disciplines committed to fostering inclusive, supportive, and engaging post-secondary environments.